hungry 2 dance
A project exploring body image in dance training.
about the project
Hungry 2 Dance is a creative action research project funded by Arts Council England, exploring the relationship between dance training and body image—through the eyes of young dancers. ​
Running from May to October 2025, the project combines creative workshops, focus groups, and survey research to better understand how young people experience body image within dance training. By centring their voices, Hungry 2 Dance aims to uncover the unspoken pressures that shape these experiences and begin co-creating meaningful change within the sector. ​
This is more than a conversation—it’s a call to action.
Through collaborative, creative inquiry, we’re working alongside young dancers to imagine a healthier, more inclusive future for dance.
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Our Goals:
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To open up honest, supported conversations about body image in dance
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To amplify the voices of young dancers in shaping the future of dance training
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To develop creative and practical resources that schools and organisations can use to support positive body image
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To contribute meaningful research that influences policy and practice in dance education
Get Involved
Why this project matters?
of dancers feel pressure to lose weight
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*Reel, J. 2005
In 2014, research revealed that the average professional female ballet dancer weighed over 20% less than the average healthy weight for their height—a statistic that, for many within the dance community, is sadly unsurprising.
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When we speak to dancers about body image and vocational training, we’re often met with a knowing nod—a quiet recognition of personal experience, or of stories shared by peers. These conversations underscore what many have long felt: that body image pressures are deeply embedded in the culture of dance.
x
dancers are
more likely to develop an eating disorder than the general population
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Recent 2022 BBC Panorama investigation into the claims of previous students of two prestigious ballet schools, titled ‘The Dark Side Of Ballet Schools’, further echoes these findings of negative body image which can lead to eating disorders & hospitalisation.
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The consequences of negative body image are serious—both physically and mentally—and they’re lasting. It's time to reimagine what safe, supportive dance training can look like.​
Want to read more on body image... start here!
Meet The Team
Team
Romy Ashmore-Hills and Katie Evans - Project Leads
Katie Holtom - Producer
Natalie Thompson - Marketing & Comms Producer
Natalie Haslam - Income Generation
Milly Best - Creative Collaborator
Charley Perks - Dancer and Facilitator
Lauren Brennan - Research and Evaluation Consultant
Laura Gwilt - Wellbeing Consultant​​​
Steering Group
This project is supported by our steering group who act as critical friends in the project development process.
Alice Marshall - Senior Lecturer in Dance, University of Derby
Alison Penn - Founder of giraffe dance, freelance dance artist qualified teacher
Amy Dalton-Hardy - Freelance Consultant & Mentor, Co-Director of Propel Dance
Bethan Siddaway - Dancer, teacher and educator
Claire Christou - Dance educator and facilitator, Jewelled Bird Dance.
Ellen Maloney - Pole Dance Instructor & Researcher
Emily Thomas - Inclusive dance artist, producer and choreographer
Erin Sanchez - Dancers' health advocate, educator, and researcher, One Dance UK
Grace Palin - Training dancer and soon to be dance teacher
Hannah Whitfield - Creative Activist, Legally Detained
Hayley Arthur - Senior Producer: Learning & Skills, FABRIC
Jo Meredith - Creative Director, National Youth Ballet
Karla Jones - Freelance Dance Artist
Kirsten Tranter - Freelance Creative Producer
Liz Foster - Senior Lecturer in Dance, University of Derby
Manisha Aggarwal - Sport and exercise psychologist (in training)
Mark Anderson - Co-Artistic Director, infuseDANCE
Milly Best - Dance Artist & Choreographer
Rebecca Brookes - Head of Learning, Engagement, Access and Participation, Birmingham Royal Ballet
Stephanie De'Ath - Head of Dance Science and Health, LCDS (The Place)
Terry Hyde MA MBACP - Psychotherapist / Counsellor, Counselling For Dancers
Tia Denton - Dance Teacher, Choreographer and Producer, Empowered Movement.
Tori Drew - Freelance dance artist
Zoe Chambers - Dance Educator
"The reality is our body is our instrument, it’s our tool.”
- Steven McCrae, ROH Principle Dancer
Read More
Learn more about all things body image and dance in our blog posts.
