A recent article in the journal of Medical Problems of Performing Artists caught my attention. The high stress associated with performing artists, in particular dancers, has been documented for some time. This article by Liiv, Jurimae, Klonova and Cicchella looks at perceived stress and recovery following aerobic and anaerobic activity in professional ballroom dancers.
Ballroom dancers are professional athletes who travel frequently for competitions, have short periods of time for recovery from stress and practice many hours perfecting their technique. Also, levels of stress were measured during competition period by looking at circulating cortisol levels, which were found to be three times higher than during a normal training period. This article looked at a number of variables associated with stress and recovery, such as fatigue, emotional stress, injuries, being in shape, and sleep quality. It concluded that there is a strong link between body balance & emotional stress, social stress and sleep quality which affects female professional dance-athletes more than men.
While further research is needed in these field, it's great to see researchers asking these questions and shedding light on the emotional, psychological and lifestyle aspects of performers' lives. Once we have a better understanding of the holistic connection between body, mind and behavior we will be able to help performing artists achieve improved mental health, and therefore fulfillment in their work.
Ballroom dancers are professional athletes who travel frequently for competitions, have short periods of time for recovery from stress and practice many hours perfecting their technique. Also, levels of stress were measured during competition period by looking at circulating cortisol levels, which were found to be three times higher than during a normal training period. This article looked at a number of variables associated with stress and recovery, such as fatigue, emotional stress, injuries, being in shape, and sleep quality. It concluded that there is a strong link between body balance & emotional stress, social stress and sleep quality which affects female professional dance-athletes more than men.
While further research is needed in these field, it's great to see researchers asking these questions and shedding light on the emotional, psychological and lifestyle aspects of performers' lives. Once we have a better understanding of the holistic connection between body, mind and behavior we will be able to help performing artists achieve improved mental health, and therefore fulfillment in their work.
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