I feel that being neurodivergent in any and every environment is way harder than it should be, but being in a disciplined environment such as dance, can be excruciating for a neurodivergent person. In that world, it is near impossible to unmask for a minute and express yourself. The fact that dance is an art form makes this fact ironic, but true.
One of the issues I have ran into being both neurodivergent and a dancer is that we are told when we are allowed to step out of the room and/or take a water break. I need to be able to step out of the room, or I run the risk of my emotions becoming something I cannot mask and control. It’s extremely unprofessional to melt down or not giving 100% all of the time. For me being neurodivergent as previously mentioned, if I am told I am not allowed to step out of class, then I will start shutting down, which looks horrible. Even if I am allowed to step out, it is STILL unprofessional because it has been ingrained in everyone’s heads that we shouldn’t step out of class for any reason.
There are multiple traits in neurodivergency that are frowned upon in dance. We have to be able to pick up choreography fast, I need to work at my own pace. We are told to dance freely, except it’s not actually free, but having to interpret what they want you to dance. I do believe that my opportunities in dance (especially in college) were limited due to my disability and the side effects with that. Dance is a prestigious and overly disciplinary sport, but there is no rhyme or reason for that other than that it is encouraged to have that harsh environment. It’s an unfortunate tradition.
Unruly Bodies 
The dance world is wild. I’ve heard a few stories of how toxic and negative it can be. I’m sure your experience is not solitary. The only classical dance I’ve done was as a like 6 yr old where the teacher chose to talk specifically with me after class and told me about how she doesn’t eat bread sometimes even though she wants to, and I guess she was trying to tell me to eat better and lose weight. But ever since then my view on the dance world has been negative, they want a specific kind of person. I know there are some dance companies that aim to be disability inclusive, but those are much rarer. I hope you are able to get through it and find a space that allows you to dance truly freely.
I had to leave STEM for similar reasons. It was too fast-paced–how can I be expected to change the way my brain thinks to grasp the basics of cellular biology or organic chemistry in just one semester? I failed both twice before I decided to shift my energy to someting similar but more accommodating toward how I think.
It’s absolutely ridiculous that art can be so restrictive. I remember when I took a dance class in high school, I was most fascinated by the more modern dance styles that allowed that professional facade drop (although it probably wasn’t as freeing as it needs to be, still).
I’m sorry college dancing is no different. Hopefully that will change.
I know exactly what you mean. I’m not anymore, but I used to be a competitive dancer when I was younger, ages 9-14, probably. In that time I came to realize how toxic the dancing world was. There is absolutely no regard for mental health when it comes to dance. You are worked until your body gives out, 6/7 days of the week. If you need a larger break than everyone else, it’s frowned upon not only by your instructor, but your classmates too. Also, if you miss class more than once, good luck having a main part in the dance, because you probably won’t anymore. Even if you do make it to class regardless of not feeling your best, it’s hard for you to go full out, and your position in the number will probably still suffer. It’s really sad, and the treatment caused me to quit dancing at a young age. It was wearing me out, and I really needed a break. The break turned permanent.
being ADHD but also being a dancer i can relate to you on how heavily controlled dancing is in the US and many parts of the world. dance teachers often focus more on perfectionism and lack alot of professionalism. As an African dancing is an art form like no other and you can follow your own rules, strides, and methods without fear of judgement. this is one of the things ive loved most about dance is the freedom it gives. Yet when you are prevented from performing at full capacity due to scrutiny from the environment around you the pleasure of it all goes away. I had a dance teacher who accepted her students, each with their own unique struggles and allowed them to grow in a manner that was comfortable to them. On the opposite side ive had dance teachers who feel as though being ADHD is a disruption to the class and my effort isnt as authentic as the people around me. you should never feel the need to hide from yourself in a space where expression is key. just tell everyone to fuck off (in your head) as you take your break.