The 'Normal' Body

 

There have been several times that I have questioned if I can be part of the professional dance industry, and it is only the confirmation to myself of my love and passion for dance and the performing arts that reassures me that I am on the right path.

However as this course continues I am more willing to delve into why I have felt this way in the past and it has become clear to me that one of the reasons is due to ethical procedures that have become instilled as part of the system.

One of which is what is considered the ‘body norm’ for dancers?

I believe that a healthy lifestyle is important for every person, whatever profession they are in. However, I put an emphasis on HEALTHY.

Looking in the mirror day after day wearing a leotard and tights can really start to affect a person’s confidence in their body. I know it did to me. It takes a very strong will to not criticize what you see. I would constantly look in the mirror and see that my thighs were too big, my hips too wide and my boobs too big. I used to try and tell myself that my body was fine and ‘normal’. However, this becomes harder when you are in an industry where you are always picking out your flaws, and where there seems to be an idea of what a dancer’s body should be.

 It becomes even harder when your in an industry with professionals and teachers that you look to for guidance who tell you that ‘you’re too big on your bum and legs’ or ’you have an average body’ or ‘ that girl is the only one in this room who will fit into the costume, she’s the only one slim enough’ ‘or you can’t wear that crop top on stage with that mid-riff hanging out’. These are just a handful of comments that I have heard or even had directed to me at my duration of dance school.

I have personally struggled with my weight and also had many close friends and colleagues go through the same experience. Is it a wonder that dancers are 3 times more likely to suffer from an eating disorder than non-dancers? Especially when the industry still fails to normalize normal bodies.

Why is it that even now in the advanced society we live in where we celebrate diversity daily that in our industry comments like this are being thrown around? Is this ethical? Is this considered a supportive environment? When did talent become lesser due to shape and size.

I think it is so, so important to instil body confidence within our industry. If we don’t love our bodies then how can we appreciate what they do and love how they can create such art? 

Afterall this is our passion!