Personality differences between young dancers and non-dancers

Leisure activities, interests and personality traits of young dancers, spending about 15 h weekly on classical and modern ballet education, were assessed by means of a number of questionnaires. Two groups were selected. One comprised dancers, aged 11 or 12 years who had been attending a professional ballet school for one or two years. The other group, dancers aged 15 or 16 years, had attended the same ballet school for at least four years. Children of the same age, not involved (above average) in any particular activity made up the two control groups. Leisure activities and interests of dancers differed only slightly from those of non-dancers, although some significant differences emerged. With respect to physical self-concept and self-esteem, findings indicated significantly less favourable attitudes and less self-esteem among dancers as compared to non-dancers. This was true especially in the older group of children. In both age groups, dancers were significantly more introverted than non-dancers. The results are discussed with reference to the frequently reported positive effects of physical activity on feelings of well-being and on self concept. © 1988.