Why is this particularly important for young dancers?

Dance is physically demanding. Young dancers may train for many hours while their bodies are simultaneously developing.

Insufficient energy intake relative to training demands can affect multiple systems of the body, including bone, reproductive, endocrine, immune and cardiovascular health.

Research involving adolescent ballet dancers has identified concerns including low energy intake, delayed puberty and reduced bone mineral content, all of which demonstrate why the health of a developing dancer cannot be reduced to appearance or weight alone.

For this reason, YAGP’s responsibility is not to promote a particular body type, but to support the development of healthy, strong and sustainable young dancers.

Last updated September 22, 2026