International ballet school aligns with global initiative focused on adolescent dancer health, advocating for the wellness of dancers.

The Royal Ballet School is taking a leading role in promoting the health and wellness of its students by participating in the International Youth Dancer Health Awareness Week 2025. This global event, scheduled from March 3 to March 7, aims to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and provide science-backed strategies for dancers, educators, and families worldwide.

The focus of this year's event is Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport and Dance (RED-S), a condition that occurs when there is an imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure. Approximately 67% of athletes are at risk of RED-S, and it is a significant concern within the dance community.

To prepare for the week, The Royal Ballet School has been using the Smartbase Teamworks app to monitor students' wellness and adjust training loads. This proactive approach ensures that students are not pushing themselves too hard, potentially leading to RED-S.

In addition to its ongoing efforts, The Royal Ballet School will provide its students with five pre-recorded educational videos about RED-S. These videos, developed by experts in the field, will help students understand the risks and signs of RED-S and how to maintain a healthy balance.

The International Youth Dancer Health Awareness Week 2025 will also feature three on-demand webinars for dancers, parents, and artistic staff. These webinars will cover various aspects of RED-S, including its impact on physical and mental health, prevention strategies, and treatment options.

The Royal Ballet School's commitment to dancer health extends beyond RED-S awareness. The school boasts a team of over 20 healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, nutritionists, psychologists, and medical doctors. This team works tirelessly to ensure that each student receives the care they need to thrive both on and off the stage.

The Royal Ballet School is not alone in its efforts. The International Youth Dancer Health Awareness Week is a collaborative event organised by the International Youth Dancer Health Alliance (IYDHA), a global network of health professionals, educators, and researchers. The IYDHA's mission is to improve dancer health through knowledge sharing and education.

The IYDHA's coalition includes various dance training institutions, but specific information about other institutions participating in the 2025 event is not yet available. However, the alliance has assembled a multidisciplinary panel of experts, including Daan van den Akker, Dr. Rachel Bar, Maja Berry, and Jaimie Tapper.

The week's keynote address will feature Karen Sheriff, Dr. Jo Larking, and Steven McRae. Emma Porter, a dance educator, has also developed a new Enlighten webinar on understanding RED-S in dance for dance educators.

For more information about The Royal Ballet School's healthcare initiatives and approach to student wellbeing, visit their website. The school is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where students can grow, learn, and thrive.

International ballet school aligns with global initiative focused on adolescent dancer health, advocating for the wellness of dancers.