Female ballerinas are female dancers that perform ballet. Female ballerinas may begin training between ages 6 and 8 if they have aspirations of performing professionally. Female ballerinas are capable of taking physically demanding choreography and making it appear effortless. Female ballerinas may dance as soloists or with partners; ballet has strict hierarchies and gender roles. Female ballerinas are more likely than the average person to have eating disorders due to the pressure to look a certain way. Female ballerinas are also prone to have chronic injuries due to the constant strain and pressure they put on their bodies to contort, bend, and stand on pointe.