Dance Films Change the Way Students View Ideal Body Images

By Edisleibys Cuesta
Movies about dance might seem like harmless entertainment, however, they can have a profound influence on how students perceive their own bodies. Most dance films show a specific type of dancer: thin, tall, and lean females. Males are portrayed as muscular with no variation. When students watch dance movies over and over again, they can start to feel like there is only one “correct” body type, creating unrealistic expectations.

Research shows that feeling uncomfortable in tight clothing is a strong predictor of body image dissatisfaction in both dancers and regular students. School dance teams, PE classes, or even clubs that require fitted outfits can make students feel worse, as they have spent years watching dancers in movies look “perfect” in these clothes.

Dance movies, like Black Swan (2010), also reinforce the idea that success comes from shrinking or reshaping your body. Characters are often told they are “too big” or “not the right size,” and the solution in these films is always dieting or intense training. 

Students who watch these storylines may start to believe that their worth is connected to their weight or body shape, even outside of dancing. This kind of thinking can negatively affect teenage mental health and highly discourage teens.

“Movies always show dancers as super skinny, which makes it seem like there’s only one ‘correct’ body type and can pressure students to compare themselves and feel not ‘good enough,’ hurting their confidence and mental health,” said junior Gabriela Agudelo.

Another main concern is how media pressure gives the illusion of an ideal dancer to teenagers who have never taken a dance class before. Therefore, they can feel excluded from pep rallies, shows, and performances, even if they have the talent or interest, simply because they believe they aren’t enough. This limits student involvement and discourages people from trying new things.

“Even though I’m naturally skinny and don’t feel bothered when dancers look like me, I still think dancers should be shown in all shapes and sizes because representation matters, and seeing no one who resembles you can make you feel like something is wrong,” said freshman Paige Styles.

These unrealistic portrayals also affect students’ social life and classroom environment. Comments about weight or appearance can spread quickly when everyone is following the same beauty standards set by these films. 

This can create even more insecurities and add pressure to an already stressful environment. Even movies as well-known asHigh School Musical 3 (2008)present dancers with very polished, slim, idealized bodies.

While some modern films are more inclusive, the older stereotypes are still common and still shape how students think. That’s why it’s important for student audiences to question what they see. Real dancers, including students in school programs, come in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. Encouraging a more realistic view helps create a healthier school culture, one where students join activities because they enjoy them, not because they think their body fits a mold a movie has curated.