Where this comes from
Where The Body Project began
The Body Project is an evidence-based programme that supports the prevention of eating disorders and promotes body acceptance. It is based on the principle of cognitive dissonance: when people willingly speak and act against an unrealistic appearance ideal, they gradually come to believe in it less.
With more than twenty years of research supporting it, it is one of the most thoroughly evaluated eating-disorder prevention interventions to date, delivered in over 136 countries to more than 4.5 million people.
The recent All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) (2025) on Eating Disorders commented on the work undertaken by The Body Project Gloucestershire. The APPG recognised that educational settings are crucial for delivering information and interventions that mitigate negative body image outcomes, and recommended that frontline workers be trained in evidence-based practices that target all 'at risk' individuals.
An adapted version of The Body Project specifically for dancers will empower frontline staff to deliver a relevant body image intervention to dancers, helping mitigate the potential effects of unrealistic body ideals.
Source: The Body Project, University of Gloucestershire.
Why an adaptation for dancers?
Dancers experience many of the same appearance pressures as everyone else, but they also face challenges that are unique to the dance world. From spending hours in front of studio mirrors and training in leotards and tights, to auditions, casting decisions, aesthetic expectations and comments about weight or shape, the dance environment can place an intense focus on the body.
Because these experiences are woven into daily training, body image concerns can develop differently in dancers.
So we adapted the programme's content to reflect dancers' lived experience, keeping the evidence-based cognitive-dissonance method at its core to help build a healthier relationship with their bodies without compromising their love of dance.
The Body Project Gloucestershire
The Body Project Gloucestershire is the regional branch delivering and researching the programme, based at the University of Gloucestershire. This dancers' adaptation grew out of that work. The project is led by Kerry Rees and Zoë Harwood with the wider Gloucestershire team, who train facilitators and support schools and organisations across the region.
Kerry Rees
Research lead
I am a social psychologist. I am interested in the influence of non-conscious processes (for example, identity, attitudes and social values) on thoughts, feelings and behaviours. I work with academics and NHS colleagues investigating body image, recovery, decision-making and public health.
Zoë Harwood
Facilitator & researcher
I am a former ISTD-qualified dance school principal, and I rooted my teaching in empowerment, equality, and body appreciation for over 20 years. I now work as an Eating Disorder Coach Practitioner, with a special interest in working with performers around eating difficulties, body image and exercise. I am passionate about creating healthier dance environments where every dancer can feel confident and valued.