The Aesthetic Ideal in Ballet Education: An Interdisciplinary Perspective on Body Image and Sustainability

Classical ballet education is built upon a strong aesthetic tradition that values precision, line, and visual coherence. While this aesthetic framework is central to the identity of ballet, its application within training environments raises important questions regarding body image, psychological well-being, and physical sustainability. This paper examines the relationship between the aesthetic ideal and body image in ballet education through an Interdisciplinary perspective. Drawing on current literature and practice-informed observations, it argues that the issue is not the existence of aesthetic expectations, but the way they are embodied, reinforced, and interpreted within everyday training contexts. The findings suggest that body image in ballet is shaped through an ongoing interaction between physical demands, psychological processes, and studio culture. The paper concludes by proposing a more sustainable approach to ballet education that preserves artistic integrity while prioritizing the long-term well-being of dancers.