Intensity of Dance Training: How the intensity of dance training affects the minds and body of dancers

Abstract

The Purchase College Dance Conservatory is a competitive arts program that accepts dancers based on performance. Once admitted into the Dance Conservatory, your schedule is usually packed with dance classes from morning to night. In addition to the dance classes needed, there are also rehearsals for different pieces for which dancers are chosen. In this research paper, I discuss how the intensity of dance training affects the minds and bodies of dancers. This study utilizes surveys of 10 dancers; nine female dancers and one male dancer. MY findings suggest that dance, specifically the dance conservatory at Purchase College, affects dancers' mental health.