Pregnant Ballet Dancers Confront Persistent Career Challenges

Pregnancy presents significant challenges for ballet dancers striving to balance their art with motherhood. Chenxin Liu, a prominent dancer with the Boston Ballet, exemplifies these challenges as she performs while expecting her first child. She showcased her talent in recent performances, including Balanchine’s “Jewels” and Mikko Nissinen’s “The Nutcracker,” in late 2025.

Pregnant Ballet Dancers and Their Career Struggles

Historically, ballet careers often begin in the late teens and may end by the early 40s, which overlaps with the age when many dancers consider starting families. Despite evolving perceptions, the physical demands of ballet still create unique challenges for pregnant dancers.

Physical Demands and Pregnancy

• Fatigue and nausea during the first trimester can hinder performance.
• Rehearsals last up to nine hours on non-performance days.
• The hormone relaxin affects joint stability and body mechanics as pregnancy progresses.

According to Alex Howard, the Boston Ballet’s director of physical therapy and a mother of three, dancing while pregnant can lead to difficulties in core stability. “Many dancers are already hypermobile,” she stated. The physical shifts during pregnancy can make it challenging to maintain performance levels.

Postpartum Recovery

Recovery after childbirth is equally demanding. Dancers must often wait several months, sometimes up to two years, before they feel confident returning to the stage. Seo Hye Han, another principal dancer at Boston Ballet, shared her experience of challenging postpartum recovery, including anxiety regarding her professional future.

Support Systems for Pregnant Dancers

Having supportive colleagues can make a significant difference. Han highlighted the importance of having mothers in leadership roles, mentioning company manager Veronica Horne and executive director Min Hui as positive influences. Their understanding of motherhood helps create a more supportive environment.

Recent Developments in Parental Support

This summer, Boston Ballet and the American Guild of Musical Artists negotiated a new contract that provides enhanced support for new parents. Key provisions include:

• Full pay throughout pregnancy, alleviating financial anxiety.
• Bonding leave for non-birthing parents, including adoptive parents.

This new contract reflects a growing recognition of the need for parental support in the arts, helping to cultivate a more accommodating environment for dancers who wish to start families.

The Future for Pregnant Dancers

Chenxin Liu, currently five months pregnant, adapts her performances to accommodate her evolving body. While she has performed recently in flat slippers to ensure safety for herself and her baby, she hopes to participate in an upcoming contemporary piece if cleared by her medical team.

Liu expresses optimism for the future, stating that she looks forward to enjoying a sushi feast postpartum. Dancers today are finding ways to navigate their artistic aspirations alongside familial responsibilities, paving the way for future generations in the ballet community.