Body Image and Street Dance

Why being in shape, young or fit isn’t a requirement to attend a street dance class.

Dancers come in all shapes, sizes, age and limitations. I truly believe how you look and what your boundaries are should never stop you at least trying to street dance. You only have to look at the inspiring story of Rose Ayling-Ellis, a deaf actress who starred and won Strictly Come Dancing. She overcame the most challenging obstacle of not being able to hear the music, yet she performed effortlessly and with such style. Her partner/teacher/choreographer, Giovanni Pernice, extended huge generosity and patience and should also be credited for her success.

Often, the hardest battle is that voice in your head saying ‘you can’t do it.’

We compare ourselves to others, it’s hard not to. But it’s not helpful. I always remind people in class that when we are dancing, and particularly when learning tricky choreography that no one is looking at other people. They will be watching what I am doing and then watching themselves. Tunnel vision.

It doesn’t matter if you can’t do all the moves or be as athletic as someone else.

The main thing is you enjoy your time dancing and do what your body is happy for you to do at the time. Also, know that things change and your body adapts. You get stronger, more flexible and fitter. Only a few days ago a Neon Fuel client mentioned that there is now a move she can do that she wouldn’t have even entertained 6 months ago. These comments make me unbelievably happy.

But I do get the insecurities that come with for instance, feeling out of shape or overweight. When I was in my 20s I was carrying more weight and certain moves were definitely harder for me. Going to Pineapple for classes made me feel like crap. All the girls there were so ‘stage school’ and the complete opposite of me. Still, I went to the front of the class and out danced them!! So not all bad! Actually, those insecurities go back to my first ever ballet class where the teacher said my bum stuck out too much! I was 5. I also hated ballet! And that teacher!

"How I feel in what I wear changes how I dance." Thalia

It was also the very superficial thing that I didn’t feel like clothes looked as good on me. And how you feel in what you wear changes how you dance. Well, for me anyway. I felt really self conscious and I didn’t go for auditions for that reason. Back then, the industry was very different and more sizest.

However, things are changing. LIzzy Howell is a 20 year old dancer and was featured in Teen Vogue for her work to raise awareness and dispel some myths. Her intention was to stamp out that notion (with her points) that ‘fat girls can’t dance.’ In particular, ballet. She’s amazing! Please follow her @lizzy.dances.

Doing something fun & healthy, like dance, can be positive for improving body image.

It’s so refreshing to see artists using dancers in tours and videos who are strong and not always skinny, ‘modelesque’ types. Madonna famously used a British dancer in her Hung Up video who was plus size. Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson always seem to use dancers for their talent as dancers rather than a ‘look’. It’s certainly not the norm but it’s moving in the right direction.

LA choreographer JoJo Gomez is someone who is at the top of her game as a dancer and choreographer and has amazing self confidence and a positive body image. Yes, she’s put on some weight but she’s still wearing what she wants and dancing as well, if not better, than before. Proving you don’t have to follow suit. What pleases me even more is the level of support for her as a dancer from her followers. I read a lot of the comments and so far, I have only read 1 negative comment about her weight gain. She responded with wit and self assurance. Love her.

Eating a balanced diet is key...

But, I’m not advocating an unhealthy lifestyle and promoting being overweight. What I’m saying is that doing something healthy and physical, like dance, should not be avoided because you are not a skinny Minnie.

I’ve always enjoyed teaching people who have never danced before, may have confidence issues they want to work on, have some obstacles to overcome or they simply don’t fit the ‘dancer’ mold. You see a positive change and that’s always a fabulous thing to champion. As cheesy as it sounds, there’s a dancer in us all.

Thal xxx

Choreographer & Dance Teacher

Neon Fuel Dance

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