I think there is enough circumstantial and empirical evidence pointing towards repeated back bends being potentially harmful by predisposing or contributing to the development of thoracic idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents.  Special care must be taken in respect to dance and scoliosis, as well as other scoliosis exercises.

I would therefore recommend that back bends should be avoided by a person diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis, especially if the curve is in the thoracic spine. This is particularly true of young "dancers with scoliosis".  A recent study has found that nearly half (47%) of young females intensively training in ballet have developed idiopathic scoliosis, compared to the 12% found in college aged female study, that is startling.

Scoliosis is a multi-factorial condition that includes evironmental and genetic triggers.  While "dancing with scoliosis" is perfectly safe, some patients with mild to moderate scoliosis may benefit from limited some activities that cause a flattening of the mid back. 

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