Navigating the "More is Better" Myth in the Dance Industry | Dr. Linda Bluestein*
Welcome to Beyond the StEPS
In the ever-evolving world of dance, athletes and artists continually strive for excellence, pushing their bodies to achieve new levels of skill and performance. However, this pursuit of perfection often leads to the dangerous "more is better" mindset, where dancers believe that pushing harder and training more will yield better results. In a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Linda Bluestein*, an expert in dance medicine and hypermobility, the intricacies of this issue are explored, shedding light on the physical, mental, and emotional toll that the dance industry's expectations can exact on performers.
The Hazards of the "More is Better" Mentality
Dr. Bluestein begins the conversation by highlighting the prevalent issue of dancers feeling compelled to overtrain and overwork themselves, often at the cost of their physical health. She emphasizes that the pressure to dance excessively can lead to serious injuries, especially among young dancers who are still growing. Overuse injuries, joint problems, and chronic pain are just a few of the consequences that arise from this mindset.
Understanding the Dancer's Body
One of the key takeaways from Dr. Bluestein's insights is the importance of understanding the unique demands placed on a dancer's body. Hypermobile dancers, for example, have specific challenges that require a tailored approach to training and care. She emphasizes that coaches, trainers, and dance educators must recognize the individuality of each dancer's body and adapt training accordingly to prevent harm.
Redefining Success
In the conversation, Dr. Bluestein emphasizes the need to redefine success in the dance industry. Instead of measuring success solely by extreme flexibility or hours spent training, she suggests that the focus should shift towards the dancer's well-being and overall longevity in their career. A more holistic approach that includes mental health, injury prevention, and sustainable training is crucial for the dancer's overall success and fulfillment.
Balancing Rigor and Well-Being
Balancing rigorous training with the well-being of dancers is a complex challenge. Dr. Bluestein suggests that communication and collaboration between choreographers, trainers, medical professionals, and dancers themselves are key. Open dialogue helps to identify potentially risky movements, develop creative choreography, and promote a culture where dancers feel safe to express concerns about their health.
Empowerment and Education
Dr. Bluestein's approach also emphasizes the empowerment of dancers to take control of their health. She encourages dancers to seek out resources, such as her Bendy Bodies podcast, which provides accessible information on improving mental and physical health. Additionally, she stresses the importance of early intervention and working with dance medicine professionals to address concerns before they escalate.
The conversation with Dr. Linda Bluestein sheds light on the "more is better" myth that plagues the dance industry and the dangers it poses to dancers' well-being. It calls for a paradigm shift in how success is defined and achieved in dance. By focusing on individuality, education, collaboration, and dancer empowerment, the dance community can foster a healthier, more sustainable environment for performers to thrive.
As dancers, educators, and enthusiasts, we have the responsibility to challenge and change the harmful narrative of "more is better" to ensure the longevity, health, and happiness of those who contribute their talents to the world of dance.
What can you do ?
Explore the Bendy Bodies Podcast and Website: Dr. Bluestein recommends visiting hypermobility.com, bendibodies.org, and checking out the Bendy Bodies Podcast. The podcast offers free accessible information to help improve mental and physical health, particularly relevant for dancers and those dealing with hypermobility-related challenges.
Identify and Address Patterns: Studio owners and directors should be vigilant about recognizing patterns of injuries among their dancers. If certain types of injuries are becoming common, it's essential to investigate the root causes and make necessary adjustments to training techniques or choreography.
Prioritize Early Intervention: Encourage dancers to address health issues or injuries early rather than ignoring them. This prevents issues from worsening and promotes a proactive approach to maintaining health and well-being.
Engage with Dr. Bluestein's Resources: Dr. Bluestein has published comprehensive resources on hypermobility and integrative approaches to treating symptomatic joint hypermobility. These resources are available for free for a limited time and provide valuable insights into managing hypermobility-related challenges.
Connect on Social Media: Follow Dr. Bluestein on social media platforms such as Instagram (@hypermobilitymd), Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest for ongoing insights, information, and updates on dance medicine, hypermobility, and related topics.
Take the Steps Initiative Course: The Steps Initiative offers a free online course that covers topics such as racism, gender and equity, sexual abuse prevention, nutrition, psychology, dance medicine, and science. Dr. Bluestein encourages viewers to enroll in this course to gain a solid foundation and understanding of these important areas within the dance world.
Apolla Performance, a pioneering name in dance footwear and compression wear, presents a natural extension to the comprehensive discussion on dancer health and well-being in the transcript above. Apolla's specialized dance compression wear offers dancers the support they need while promoting circulation and reducing fatigue, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals navigating the complexities of hypermobility. Furthermore, Apolla Performance's dedication to fostering a supportive and informed dancer community resonates with the transcript's call for empowerment, early intervention, and responsibility when it comes to health. By providing resources, education, and innovative products tailored for dancers, Apolla Performance contributes to the holistic approach advocated in the conversation – a vital element in enhancing the overall well-being of dancers and furthering the evolution of dance medicine.
*Board-certified anesthesiologist, integrative pain medicine physician and former ballet dancer, Linda Bluestein, M.D., specializes in treating and educating dancers and other athletes and individuals at increased risk of hypermobility disorders. She founded and co-hosts the podcast, “Bendy Bodies with the Hypermobility MD”, and is a former co-host of the podcast “Hypermobility Happy Hour”. Dr. Bluestein has been treating individuals with complex hypermobility disorders for years, educating and coaching dancers and studio owners, as well as conducting research on dancers with hypermobility disorders. She is widely published, considered an expert on hypermobility disorders, and has lectured internationally. Drawing from all these rewarding experiences, she has formulated a unique, compassionate approach to assist a greater population of those suffering from these conditions: EduCoaching.
Dr. Bluestein contributed two chapters for the book, Disjointed – Navigating the Diagnosis and Management of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders. Countless people have improved their functional capacity and quality of life working with Dr. Bluestein at Hypermobility MD, her private medical practice, and Bendy Bodies, LLC, her EduCoaching program.
Dr. Bluestein completed her anesthesiology residency at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine after receiving her Medical Degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine and regularly presents her work at national and international meetings.
Watch the Full Episode Here: