What do dancers do once they become too old to perform? This is the question addressed in a doctoral study to be presented by labour market studies student, Heidi Ashton, at the University of Leicester’s Festival of Postgraduate Research on 24 June.
The paper reveals the tough career prospects and increased rate of psychological problems faced by ex-dancers, including depression, anxiety, loss of identity and self-esteem. Preliminary findings, from research and interviews conducted with dancers from the USA and the UK, show that dancers are often sidelined once they retire and do not have access to – or knowledge about – jobs outside of the industry. The typical low income of dancers often exacerbates the problem, making it difficult for mature dancers to take courses and retrain in a new career.
With 15 years of professional dance and choreography experience, Ashton knows first-hand the problems faced by her ex-peers in transitioning from performing arts to traditional fields. She hopes recommendations from her research will be considered both within and outside the arts world.