Dancing is a wonderful form of expression that allows people to move their bodies to music. There are many different dance styles, each requiring different skills and physical abilities. When it comes to having the “best” body type for dance, there are a few factors to consider.
Mesomorph Body Type
A mesomorph body type, which is characterized by a muscular and athletic build, is often viewed as the ideal body type for dance. Mesomorphs tend to be naturally strong and coordianted, with well-developed muscles in the legs, back, shoulders and core.
Here are some of the advantages of a mesomorph body type for dance:
- Powerful leg muscles allow for high leaps and jumps
- Defined back and shoulder muscles provide upper body strength and control
- A strong core provides stability, balance and controlled movements
- Good muscular development leads to athleticism and grace
- A naturally muscular build suits many dance styles like hip hop and jazz
Many professional dancers have a natural mesomorph body type or develop their bodies toward a more mesomorphic shape through training. The muscular strength and coordination of this somatotype is ideal for movements like turning and leaping across the floor.
Ectomorph Body Type
An ectomorph body type is characterized by a thin, delicate build with lean muscle mass. Although not as powerful as the mesomorph, the ectomorph has some advantages for dance:
- A light and slim build allows for speed, agility and nimble movements
- Long limps and good flexibility are typical of this somatotype
- The ability to develop long, elegant lines is ideal for styles like ballet
- Ectomorphs can often have good posture and grace that suit many dance forms
- A thin build lends itself to close-fitting dance attire and showcasing form
Ectomorphic body types are common among ballet dancers, as their long limbs and lean muscle allow them to create beautiful lines and flexibility. The ectomorph build also works well for styles like contemporary dance that value extension, fluidity and balance.
Endomorph Body Type
With a soft, curvy build and a higher proportion of body fat, the endomorph body type is the opposite of the ectomorph. Some advantages of this somatotype for dance include:
- More body fat provides padding for dance moves requiring floor work
- A curvy silhouette can be an asset in styles focused on body rolls and isolation
- Endomorphs often have good flexibility in areas like the back and hips
- A rounded shape can contribute to fluidity and grace in styles like modern dance
- More weight behind movements can create power in stomps, jumps and floor work
Endomorph body types are seeing more appreciation in the dance world, as stereotypes about dancer physiques are challenged. The natural curves and weight distribution of this somatotype can lend itself well to hip hop, jazz, burlesque and Afro styles.
Combination Body Types
It’s also common for dancers to have a combination somatotype, with aspects of two body types. Some examples include:
- Mesomorph-Ectomorph: Lean and muscular, well-suited to styles like jazz, contemporary and hip hop.
- Ectomorph-Endomorph: Thin but curvy, ideal for styles like cabaret, bellydance and modern dance.
- Mesomorph-Endomorph: Athletic and curvy shape, great for versatile dancers in musical theatre and commercial styles.
- Balanced Mesomorph: Evenly proportioned blend of muscle and curves, allowing versatility across many styles.
Dancers with a combination body type can often adapt their training to build on their combined strengths. For example, an ectomorph-endomorph focused on ballet training could complement it with strength and flexibility work.
The Ideal Body Type Depends on Dance Style
Ultimately, there is no single “perfect” dancer’s body. The ideal physique depends on the skills and aesthetics required for each genre.
Here are some examples of body types suited to specific dance styles:
| Dance Style | Best Suited Body Type |
|---|---|
| Ballet | Ectomorph |
| Contemporary | Ectomorph-Mesomorph |
| Hip Hop | Mesomorph |
| Jazz | Mesomorph-Ectomorph |
| Tap | Mesomorph-Ectomorph |
| Ballroom/Latin | Mesomorph-Endomorph |
| Belly Dance | Endomorph-Ectomorph |
| Modern/Contemporary | Ectomorph-Endomorph |
As the table shows, leaner body types with long limbs suit ballet, while a muscular yet agile build is ideal for hip hop. Curvier shapes can be beneficial for Latin ballroom styles, as fluidity and rhythm are emphasized over lines. Ultimately, a dancer can work with their natural physique and tailor their training for their chosen dance style.
Factors Beyond Body Type
While physical build plays a role, there are many other factors that determine dance potential, including:
- Natural Coordination: Some dancers are born with innate body awareness and fluidity.
- Musicality: A sense of rhythm, timing and interpretation of music.
- Artistry: Expressiveness, emotion and stage presence.
- Work Ethic: Dedication, perseverance and a willingness to train hard and practice for hours.
- Technical Skill: The ability to execute precise movements, turns, jumps and footwork.
- Anatomical Factors: Muscle attachments, limb length, flexibility, pronation of feet.
While physical proportions make certain techniques easier or harder, dedication to training and artistry can allow dancers of any body type to excel. Some of the world’s best dancers have unconventional builds, but their musicality, expressiveness and skill allow them to master their chosen styles.
Choosing Dance Styles Strategically
Rather than trying to fit their body type to preset ideals, dancers can choose styles strategically to highlight their natural physical abilities. Some examples include:
- Lean ectomorphs choosing dance forms like ballet, contemporary and lyrical to showcase their lines.
- Mesomorphs picking hip hop or jazz to feature their flexibility, jumps and tricks.
- Endomorphs selecting modern, African or improv styles where a fuller silhouette and fluidity are assets.
- Dancers with significant muscularity opting for athletic styles like tap or Irish dance.
- Tall dancers with long limbs gravitating toward styles where height is advantageous.
Rather than viewing certain body types as “limited,” dancers can strategically select genres where their natural physique gives them an edge. With the diversity of styles today, there are opportunities for all body shapes to find their best fit.
Body Positivity in Dance
In recent years, the dance world has moved toward greater body inclusiveness and positivity. More diversity in physiques is represented in professional companies and media. Standards based solely on thin, tubular shapes are giving way to celebration of a wider range of athletic and curvy builds.
Some ways this is creating positive change include:
- Greater diversity in models used for dancewear and costuming.
- Body positive imagery used by major dancewear brands.
- Promotion of a healthy range of shapes and sizes, rather than one “ideal.”
- Accommodation and inclusion of dancers with disabilities and differences.
- Wider representation of body types in choreography and storytelling.
The message being embraced today is that all bodies have power, beauty and value. Rather than fitness for a dance style being about pounds lost or gained, the focus is shifting to holistic health, training, and technical mastery.
Customizing Training for Your Body
Regardless of somatotype, dancers can customize their cross-training to build on their natural strengths while improving weaker areas. Some examples include:
- Ectomorphs: Strength training to build muscle, increase joint stability, prevent injury. Focus on core and legs to allow power.
- Mesomorphs: Stretching, Pilates and yoga to maintain and improve flexibility to offset muscle-boundness. Develop fluidity and grace.
- Endomorphs: Cardio to boost stamina, endurance and fitness. Pilates and barre to strengthen core and tone problem areas.
- All types: Balance training for control, proprioception and coordination. Mental practices for confidence and artistry.
By tailoring their cross-training regimen, dancers can develop areas of weakness while optimizing assets their body naturally possesses. The goal is an evenly developed, healthily trained dancer, not fitting into rigid molds.
Health Should Be the Priority
Most importantly, maintaining holistic health should take precedence over fitting any “ideal” shape. Priorities like healthy eating, managing stress, sufficient sleep, and avoiding overtraining are vital. Eating disorders, body image issues and excessive weight control methods remain concerns in the dance world and need to be addressed through education and support.
With the diversity of styles today, dancers in a wide spectrum of shapes and sizes can thrive. Rather than drastic measures to fit a mold, dancers should focus on building confidence in their own skin and developing the attributes that allow their unique artistic voices to shine.
Conclusion
There is no single “perfect” dancer’s body. Different physiques lend themselves better to specific genres based on their aesthetic and technical demands. However, factors like coordination, artistry and work ethic are just as key as physical proportions. While a mesomorph build is well-suited to many dance forms, ectomorphs can excel in styles like ballet while endomorphs have advantages for modern and Afro styles.
Rather than classifying body types as universally “good” or “bad” for dance, it is most productive to strategically select genres that highlight one’s natural physical abilities. With cross-training tailored to their somatotype, dancers of any build can develop the strength, flexibility, stamina and coordination to master their chosen styles. Most importantly, maintaining holistic health should come before adhering to external shape ideals or expectations.
In today’s dance landscape, there is space to honor and celebrate natural diversity in shape, size, ability and identity. With training focused on overall fitness rather than drastic weight control, dancers can thrive in a wide array of athletic and curvy builds, not forced to conform to one aesthetic ideal. The body positivity and inclusiveness movement is creating new paradigms focused on each dancer’s power, talent and artistry shining through.
