At 3-D Dance, we are committed to promoting a “body positive” culture—but what does that mean exactly, and why is it so important?
It means that we believe dance is for every BODY, no matter their size or shape. It means that we are sure we can affect positive change to every child’s body image; that every student of ours can hear that their body can be strong, capable, healthy, and yes—beautiful.
As YPAD Certified dance educators, we understand the fear that many parents have about how healthy eating habits and body image develops in children, especially girls.
We are committed to partnering with parents to combat the negative messages children will eventually hear about beauty, eating, and body shape.
Several studies have found that by age 6, many girls already experience body dissatisfaction and a desire for a different body.
A study by Lowes and Tiggeman (2003) found that girls’ body dissatisfaction is associated with how girls perceived their mom’s body dissatisfaction. This means that if girls felt their mom didn’t like her own body, they were less likely to like their body, and vice versa. (Note: this doesn’t mean if your daughter has body dissatisfaction it’s all your fault.)
Other studies have shown a strong connection between media and body dissatisfaction. Girls who watch TV shows with an appearance emphasis are less satisfied with their appearance (Dohnt & Tiggemann, 2006). And watching more sexualized content is associated with worse body image
At 3-D Dance our staff is committed to:
*Using body positive exercises in every dance class.
*Using appropriate dance terminology to describe and correct movements.
*Encouraging each student to appreciate their body’s abilities, no matter their skill level.
Our teachers will not comment on a student’s body—positive or negative—or draw attention to it in any way that is not dance-focused. We request that you, as parents and guardians, help us on this mission by also pledging not to comment on your child’s body, and to avoid making comments about other people’s bodies as well (including your own!).
When children hear comments about their bodies or someone else’s, it can plant a seed that makes them think their body isn’t “right” and that they need to change—and nothing could be further from the truth. In providing an environment where every child learns to love their body, 3-D Dance can help drive change in our culture.
We believe it takes a village to raise a child, and we are grateful to be a part of your village!
www.3-ddance.com
