Anonymous Story

The dance world can both nurture and harm your mental health. In some ways, it teaches you discipline, accountability, and the reward of hard work. However, it can also take a big toll on your body image, self-esteem, and add anxiety-inducing pressures to you at a very young age.
Being in front of a huge mirror, dressed in spandex shorts and a sports bra for hours on end, is enough to make anyone feel insecure. There is a certain “body type” sought out by dancers, and many who don’t fit the mold quit altogether. I have heard horror stories of studios with instructors that would nail medium-sized costumes to the wall and say, “if you can’t fit in this by recital or competition, you aren’t going on stage.” Luckily, this was not my experience. My instructors never shamed me or my teammates about our weight, but the pressure to look perfect was still presented by the judges.

As a dance instructor myself, I have the power to mold my students to love the art of dance, but most importantly, to love themselves. I find it crucial to comment on technique, not their bodies. It is possible to inspire someone to become their best self without breaking their spirits, and I was fortunate enough to have that instilled in me by my previous instructors.