Dance is for Every Body

 

I recently started taking ballet classes for the first time in years, now as a 38-year-old adult. It got me thinking about all of the pressures in the ballet world, such as the idea that ballet is just for the young and ultra-thin (a lot of it is still going on today, but it is slowly changing in some companies and schools). So when I happened to come across this children's book at the library last week, I figured it was the perfect opportunity to discuss this topic.

The young girl in this story is not treated equally amongst her peers due to her larger size. Her growing body used to be considered healthy and cute when she was a baby/toddler, until it wasn't anymore. There wasn't room for people of her size in the world, and many people she spoke up to were unapologetic. She had to learn to love herself just as she was. She was beautiful, kind, and a good person and dancer. She was just a girl like all the others.

Size has long been an issue for people (many-but not all-women), and not just in the ballet world or from other children who bully. It's everywhere, even in the workplace. How can we change this? By speaking up and educating others, over and over again. Perseverance is key.

I am encouraged and excited to dance again, and I love how they now offer online classes and videos (just for recreational use, not to replace proper in-person instruction) for people of all ages, body types, and abilities. There are also dance companies being created now exclusively for adults of all body types! There is still a way to go though, and there are other types of discrimination dancers still face today, such as their race, gender, or any types of disabilities.

Dance should be for *every* body! It isn't just about a certain look or being a certain age, or your talent level. You can still be a beautiful dancer. If you dance from your heart, it shows.

What are your thoughts?

Keep dancing and dreaming! 🩰🩷🌠🌟🌈