What defines the ballet dancers body?
There are specific body shapes and characteristics that naturally determine which dancers have what it takes to become professional ballet dancers. However, dancing can still be a rewarding experience for the amateur with an “imperfect body.” The amateur can gain poise, improve posture, balance, and self-discipline, as well as concentration, flexibility, endurance, speed, strength, and power. Some physical imperfections can be overcome with talent, but a perfect body without talent will not make it as a professional. The professional ballet dancer’s ideal body is identified by the following: • Proper proportions: Small head, long neck, shortened torso, long, thin, lean (not emaciated), and attractive legs. Less acceptable aesthetically is long torso, short legs, big buttocks, swayback, round shoulders, spinal curves, big heads, and a short neck. • Loose joints: This could be a matter of genetics or training; either way, it is important for the dancer to have enough strength to control
