Stress in ballet: looking for the mind body unit for a chance to cure

Stress in ballet: looking for the mind body unit for a chance to cure OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to analyze psychological stress, their causes and mechanisms in a population of professional dancers of a prestigious Italian company. These data may provide the basis to work out individual-centered stress prevention concepts. BACKGROUND AND AIMS Dancers usually work under major physical workload and psychological stress conditions. The aim of this study was to analyze stress risk factors, their causes and mechanisms in a population of professional dancers, and elaborate the adoption of preventive measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was carried out on a sample of 38 Italian ballet dancers, from a company of a large Italian city, 26 women and 12 men aged between 18 and 56 years. We used the HSE (health and safety executive) Indicator Tool. Than we focused on the patterns of illness afflicting performing artists and explained possible management strategies. RESULTS In none of the seven organizational dimensions analyzed (demand, control, managers’ support, peer support, relationships, role and change) the required standards were achieved. In particular, the situation among female dancers is worrisome and suggests that living conditions of these patients need to be understood. CONCLUSIONS In ballet higher attention is paid to the physical resources which doesn't correspond to the psychic dimension. Hence there is requirement to develop a cultural and therapeutic approach that proposes an idea of ​​original mind-body unity like the one present in the Human Birth Theory by Massimo Fagioli.