Dance Magazine: Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts have raised awareness about exclusionary practices in all kinds in dance, and the mainstream body-positivity movement has led to some progress—most noticeably impacting the dance world since the rise of social media. Yet sizeism remains an especially recalcitrant, systemic issue that continues to plague dancers worldwide.
5 comments:
As someone who grew up in the dance industry and classical ballet world, this article was phenomenally resonant. Sizeism in the dance industry is taught in studios at young ages - both explicitly and implicitly. For example, dance costume sizing is an absolute nightmare. While brands claim to not be participating in vanity sizing, the reality is that society has taught us that there is a significance to a label, and the storm of group costume try on day, aesthetic scoring in competitions, and room full of mirrors only abets this. It’s something I’ve had to become incredibly aware of as a dance educator (even though I only teach ages 3-5). Representation is one of the keys to solving this issue, and I’m so glad this article is showcasing the representation that exists. However, we can’t end this solution at representation. The notion of a bad body is enmeshed with the dance community and we must begin to find a way to extract it while still preserving this incredible art form.
It is really important to see stories like this for me because sometimes my naivety allows me to believe that because it is 2024 there aren't that many problems within social change that we haven't made significant process on. And I think it is really important to read these articles and to be writing them to demonstrate ongoing issues. I think the awareness of “stigmatized identities” as the article writes, is incredibly important especially identities like size, that in previous generations have not completely been recognized as an identity previously. I think it is really important to talk about identities and prejudice we may or may not societally hold against them is important so we can identify those things within ourselves and begin to change. I also think is really important to talk about the intersectionality of sizeism but also being a woman, or disabled, or trans. I think when we talk about issues like this and there are debates on the way to best handle them and create awareness it gets frustrating, I think we just have to remember how important it is for future generations that we continue to try.
As someone who grew up performing and dancing, this has been a relevant topic for me. When I think back to when I started dancing in elementary school, I was so scared to join because of all the toxicity surrounding body image in the dance industry. I remember feeling insecure wearing a leotard and would only ever dance with a skirt or shorts over it. Luckily, I went to a dance studio that was very accepting and welcoming. Even though I never had the stereotypical “dancer body” I was never made to feel bad about myself from anyone else. I still had my own insecurities though that would get in the way of having self confidence. However, dis[ite not having the “right" body type for dance, I was often placed in more advanced groups which helped me overcome my own self doubt. I think that we are seeing more body type representation in more modern types of dance like back up dancers for concerts and music videos which has been really empowering to see. Honestly though, I do not expect to see this type of representation in styles like ballet at all.
This article brings to light that there are still problems of inclusivity in the performing arts community. Even though the performing arts community is fairly welcoming, it still has some problems, and sizeism is one of them. It’s interesting how celebrities try to make themselves seem more inclusive because of who they have as their dancers. The article brings to light how celebrities, like Sivan, use their platforms not to promote inclusivity until called out on their lack of inclusiveness. Whereas, artists like Taylor Swift, employed all different body types for her dancers for her Eras Tour, and because of it fans are looking towards Kameron Saunders’ performance for inspiration and validation. By allowing more diverse bodies on stage, our younger generations see that they can accomplish anything they want to. This is important to consider because if the social media backlash hadn’t happened to this artist, no change would have been made. It’s important to remember this as a growing theatre artist the change we want to see in the industry depends on how we react and interact with the people in our field.
I really cannot believe it is 2024 and these types of articles are still written. I don’t know if it is the audience and consumers/ clientele or if it is truly systemic. I feel like we as a youth have enough power and voice to make a change about beauty standards and body norms. But I guess we still don't. Is the world of dance toxic mainly due to the nature of movement and what looks ‘good’ onstage? Or is it some not-so-secret hatred for certain body types? Especially for women, because I have experienced it myself in dance class. It was always a comment about the young girl's bodies that would affect me, and was that for the better of the dance? Or was it for a look that just needed to be achieved? I think classical dance should still exist and ballet can be ballet, but dance is so much more than that. It is bodily expression and any body is perfect for this.
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