The Silent Dance Against Perfection

Image by Fiona Cutchins ‘25 and Sophie Balk ‘25

Dance and Mental Health at NMH

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Eva Ren ‘27

We are made up of the things that we love, but what happens when they begin to suppress us? Dance is a form of art that goes against the nature of the human body, requiring an incredible amount of athleticism, with rehearsals and classes often lasting longer than sports games and practices. Bending into poses that humans aren’t born to do tests dancers’ physical and mental endurance. In a world where perfection is often expected, how do students at NMH deal with the inner battle of thriving for excellence while also maintaining a positive mindset?

Historically, there have been many unhealthy beauty standards in the dance industry.  The purpose of pink tights and leotards in ballet, for example, originated from unrealistic ideals of women’s appearance during the 19th century in Europe. “The idea that only one kind of body can dance is based on outdated dance norms that come from the greater society about how women are supposed to look — white and thin,” says Gretel Schatz, the director of the performing arts department. 

Klaus Erdos 25’, a senior who has danced for over 16 years, talked about the importance of adjusting and changing his mindset to reflect on how dance culture had raised him, especially in relation to food. “[The dance world] had a lot of pressure that fosters an eating disorder culture, but I’m now in a place where I’m dancing to better my relationship [with my body],” he said. Being at NMH, an environment inclusive of all different diverse body types, has allowed him to shift his mentality. “Rather than trying to get me to fit the idea of what a dancer should be, it’s looking at me and seeing what I can do as a dancer.”

Behind the beautiful and effortless dance pieces on stage, the pressure of perfection often remains unaddressed. Dance culture has raised young children to develop the mindset of pushing themselves past their limits, both physically and mentally. It’s easy to feel that dance has defined their entire life when they spend hours in the dance studio, especially when there is also a tendency of comparison. “I was raised with the mindset that a lot of your self-worth is dependent on what you can do physically,” says Izi Valdevit 25’, another senior in the dance company. “As dancers, we really want to push our bodies to be the best, but that means we forget if we’re pushing too hard.” 

The NMH dance program supports its dancers by emphasizing their artistry and wellbeing, rather than skills alone. Having grown up in a dance culture where shame was the motivator, Schatz wants her dancers to be inspired, not peer-pressured by each other. “My philosophy of teaching and creating is more about honoring students as individuals and using the physical act of making, dancing, and creating to tell their stories and lived experiences,” she said. 

Schatz’s efforts to create a supportive environment are acknowledged by the students who feel empowered and seen. “[The Dance Company] looks at me as a whole person, where my value as an individual comes before my value as a dancer,” said Erdos. “It has been a very positive change for me, where there’s just so much less constant, toxic comparison.”

Despite the physical and mental challenges of dancing, Schatz believes that it could be an emotional outlet for students, allowing them to express their feelings during hard times. There is fulfillment in learning a difficult move, putting in the highest effort, and pushing yourself to learn more. The NMH dancers continue to hold onto their passion by adjusting their mindsets and doing everything in their power to combat the toxic standards. 

“[Dance] is something that I love so much that I hate it, but I will never quit, as difficult as it gets,” says Erdos. “I think there are unfair and unhealthy [aspects], but I will never abandon it. It's a constant in my life, and I will always come back to it. I'm going to work on changing these things.”