Physical Growth Spurt and Brain Adaptations in Dancers
Physical change is a constant part of life. Although it continues across the lifespan, it is often most noticeable during adolescence because the changes are significant and the mind is especially alert to them. These changes can feel even more challenging when they affect everyday activities, such as athletic performance.
For dancers, changes in physical stature—such as height, body shape and leg length—and physical capacity, including muscle strength, muscle type and flexibility, can be particularly important. Puberty-related biochemical and physical developments can also have a strong impact. Less often discussed, but equally significant, are changes in brain structure that affect cognitive functions such as memory and concentration, along with biochemical fluctuations that influence emotions.
These changes are predetermined, automatic, unconscious and outside a dancer’s control. When change occurs, the brain must first recognise it and then adapt. For example, if a dancer has a three-centimetre growth spurt, their step into a posé pirouette and centre of balance may need to adjust. The brain must refine or rebuild neural pathways in response to feedback from the body. Until that adaptation takes place, there may be a mismatch between what the brain expects the body to do, how the skill has been learned, and what the body can currently execute.
How can this impact how dancers feel about themselves?
Have you ever tried to clean your teeth with the hand you don’t usually use? It feels uncomfortable because the brain is not used to it. It’s slower, and the discomfort can be distracting and mildly annoying. After a week or so, as the brain gets more used to it and the neural pathways adjust, it becomes more comfortable. Adjusting to growth is much similar. However, if the task holds personal importance, like a dancer executing a clean pirouette, significant frustration and concern are more likely.
Dancers may experience:
- Frustration, reduced motivation and dissatisfaction with performance changes, particularly when important competitions or examinations are affected;
- Disappointment if changes in co-ordination lead to injury;
- Annoyance from over thinking corrections;
- Displeasure with their figure or sensitivity to other people’s comments;
- Self-consciousness, changes in friendships and interest in intimate relationships with the onset of puberty;
- Uncertainty as independent thought emerges, and training methods, meal plans and nutritional intake may be questioned;
- Unpredictable and confusing emotional experiences arising from biochemical changes.
- A desire to restore security which may lead to and attempts to control their environment or body changes.
Self-esteem refers to how a person feels about themselves. Before a strong, multidimensional sense of identity has developed, self-esteem can be strongly influenced by perceived ability. As a result, when skill execution is disrupted, self-esteem may also be affected.
Developing self-esteem can also be shaped by how a young person perceives their physical appearance. For dancers, heightened awareness of body shape is common because their bodies are central to performance and may be closely scrutinised. This awareness becomes concerning when it negatively affects self-image, identity or self-concept.
The impact of body changes on self-esteem can be reduced by helping young people understand that their worth is innate and not dependent on performance or appearance. From an early age, self-worth can be supported through regular, positive emotional interactions that are unsolicited and not tied to achievement. This kind of affirmation helps build a more stable sense of self-esteem that is less reliant on performance outcomes or physical changes.
How do we help dancers through theses intense body changes?
We can assist dancers by:
- Encouraging them to consider whether performance challenges may be related to natural, uncontrollable developmental factors,
- Reminding them to focus on what they can control and wait patiently for their body to develop.
- Assisting dancers to look for alternative ways to shine. For instance, if pirouettes are off centre, then drawing attention to confident poise.
- Providing a listening ear, guidance, comfort or reassurance when emotions seem overwhelming so that these experiences become learning opportunities, rather than difficult memories.
- Encouraging independent thought in a safe environment, even when a young person appears argumentative or decisions seem questionable, will assist in developing maturity.
Because many mental health concerns first emerge during adolescence, it can be helpful to speak with a qualified psychologist who understands the demands of dance and performance if physical, cognitive, emotional or biochemical changes feel overwhelming, or if identity, self-concept or confidence are affected. If a preoccupation with food intake or self-image develops, appropriate treatment is essential to support health, wellbeing and continued participation in dance.
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