<H2>The Power of Dance in Fostering Body Positivity</H2>

Dance is a powerful tool in promoting body positivity for several reasons:

1. It’s a Celebration of Movement
   • Dance is all about movement, and your body is your instrument. Whether you’re swaying to the rhythm of a slow ballad or breaking it down to an energetic beat, every dance move celebrates the incredible capabilities of your body. It’s a reminder that your body is a vessel for self-expression and should be cherished, regardless of its size or shape.
2. Inclusivity is Key
   • Dance communities often prioritize inclusivity. From ballroom to hip-hop, there’s a place for everyone on the dance floor. Instructors and fellow dancers welcome people of all body types with open arms, creating an environment where diversity is not just accepted but celebrated.
3. Boosts Confidence
   • Dance can boost self-confidence like few other activities. As you learn new moves and gain proficiency, you’ll begin to appreciate the strength and grace your body possesses. This newfound confidence extends beyond the dance floor, positively impacting other aspects of your life.

Breaking Down Stereotypes

Stereotypes about body size and shape have sadly been in our society for a long time, perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards. Dance, however, serves as a counterforce to these stereotypes! It challenges the notion that only one body type is suited for dance and showcases the incredible diversity of talent in the dance world.

Dance icons like Misty Copeland and Lizzo have made significant strides in challenging traditional body norms. Misty Copeland, a dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, has shattered stereotypes about what a ballet dancer’s body should look like. Lizzo, a talented singer and dancer, uses her platform to advocate for self-love and body positivity.

Join the Dance Revolution

If you’ve ever wanted to dance but felt hesitant because of your body type, it’s time to cast those doubts aside. Dance is for everyone, and it’s a powerful tool for self-expression, joy, and empowerment. Here are some steps to get started:

1. Find Your Dance Style
   • Explore different dance styles to discover what resonates with you the most. Whether it’s ballet, jazz, hip-hop, or contemporary, there’s a style that will make your heart dance.
2. Seek Inclusive Dance Studios
   • Look for dance studios and classes that prioritize inclusivity and diversity. At Nan’s School of Dance you can join a class no matter your age or skill level.
3. Embrace Self-Love
   • Remember that dance is about expressing yourself and feeling the music. Embrace self-love and body positivity as you move, knowing that you are beautiful just as you are.

Every Body is Beautiful

Dance has the incredible power to break down barriers and promote body positivity. It’s a celebration of movement, a tool for self-expression, and a welcoming community for people of all body types. So, put on your dancing shoes, step onto that dance floor, and let your body move freely to the music. Dance is for everyone, and it’s time to celebrate all body types in this beautiful and inclusive art form.

So why Nan’s school of dance?

At Nan’s School of Dance, our goal is to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels. 

We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!

Don’t forget to register!

From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!

*Feel free to follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Want to Read More About Dance?

Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.

• Life Lessons Learned Through Recitals
• Performing Do’s and Don’ts

Dance and Journaling

At Nan’s School of Dance, we believe that keeping a journal could be very beneficial to our dancers. Dancers express themselves through a non-verbal platform. They express themselves through their movements in the art of dance, but given the chance to express themselves on paper could prove to improve their quality of dance and artistic expression!

Types of Journal Writing

There are many different types of journal writing.

• Organizational, which is used for lists, schedules, data and idea collection.
• Pragmatic journaling is when you write what you did, what you will do, any achievements or failures, etc.
• Idealistic journaling is when you write about your dreams, hopes for the future, goals, and ambitions.
• Emotional journaling is when you reflect on your feelings, and or a critique of them.

The Benefits of Journal Writing

Achieving Goals

When you write down your goals, it signals to your brain that “this is important.” Give yourself clear instructions on what you want to achieve. The more detailed, the better. This provides a mental blueprint and increases the likelihood of achieving your goals.

Boost Memory

You form words and ideas as you write, which causes the mind to compose or re-compose the ideas while journaling. This strengthens previously covered information and forces you to engage in cognitive recall. This can be especially helpful when needing to remember choreography!

Strengthens Self Discipline

Setting time aside to write each day is an act of discipline. Like a muscle, the more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes. Habits that are formed in one area of life tend to spread. This means your daily practice of writing could spill over into other healthy habits!

Spark Your Creativity and Inspire Yourself

Be brave, and do not overthink it. In fact, you can write without thinking. Stream-of-consciousness writing is when you write every thought down without editing. Whatever you think…you write! This is a great writing exercise and can bring out thoughts and ideas you never knew you had. It can also help with writer’s block and get your creative juices flowing! Write your dreams. Write about people who inspire you. Write about things you’re grateful for, and prepare to be inspired.

How To Get Started

Begin small. It only takes a few minutes every day.

You do not need to start out with high expectations. Take it slow, start off with just a few minutes a day, every day. Once you have formed the habit, you can put more time into it.

Integrate the new habit into an old one.

Pick a time to include writing in your daily routine. It’s a lot easier to start and maintain a new habit when it’s incorporated into something you already do.

Don’t put any pressure on yourself; it’s okay if it’s messy.

This journal is for your eyes only. Remember, it does not have to be perfect, not even close. Just be honest in your writing and be yourself.

If you don’t know what to write about, write about what you’re grateful for.

Research shows that practicing gratitude writing can directly impact your happiness. Writing down what you’re grateful for and reflecting on those things can help you feel happier.

Begin with a friend

Do you have a friend that enjoys journaling as much as you do? Set up a system to hold each other responsible.

Why Nan’s School of Dance?

At Nan’s School of Dance, our goal is to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels.

We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!

Don’t Forget to Register!

From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!

Interested in a Birthday Party or Summer Camp?

At Nan’s School of Dance, our parties are designed to be fun for kids and easy for parents! We provide a large studio room for food, drinks, and cake with a Party Professional that will lead your birthday party guests through an hour and a half of dance party fun. For more information, check out our website at www.nansdancenc.com.

We also provide summer camp opportunities, for more information, check out our website or give us a call at (919) 803-6044.

Want to Read More About Dance?

Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.

• How To Improve Your Dance Memory
• How To Get the Most Out of Your Dance Lessons

*Feel free to follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Reduces Anxiety and Stress

Doctors and experts have been telling us for years that physical exercise can help our mental health. Dance is an excellent form of physical exercise. The physical movements of dance can reduce levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Just like other physical exercise, dance can provide relief from stress and tension.

When you’re dancing, you are focused on your movements and controlling your body— your mind is not thinking about anything else. The intense focus that you experience in dance allows you to let go of worry and stress.

Reconnects You to Your Body

People that have anxiety often feel like their anxiety has control over them. No matter what the person is doing, their body is still holding that anxiety inside, and they can feel it. When you are dancing and paying attention to your body’s movements, it reconnects you to your body. You are controlling your body’s movements, your body is no longer controlling you. This can be a great mind shift for someone that has been struggling with their anxiety!

Helps Express Emotions

Dance is a form of expression and it’s a great tool for anyone struggling with mental health. In dance, you can express all of your emotions through movement. Anything that you cannot say with words, you can express through your body.

Releases Chemicals In Your Brain

When we dance, our brain releases dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins.

• Dopamine is a chemical released when we enjoy, remember, or anticipate pleasurable moments. It is a hormone that stimulates our motivation and curiosity to explore.
• Oxytocin is a chemical released in the brain when we experience connections with other people. When we dance in a group and mirror each other’s motions, oxytocin is released, making us feel connected.
• Serotonin is a chemical that promotes happiness and is sometimes referred to as the “happy chemical.” If the body has a steady level of serotonin, it can protect against depressive and anxious moods, as well as improve the quality of sleep.
• Endorphins represent pleasure in the brain. They give us a euphoric and exhilarating feeling when we exercise. Endorphins inhibit unpleasant feelings, allowing you to feel more positive and optimistic. Endorphins will also limit feelings of fatigue and pain, leaving you feeling energized!

These chemicals combine and influence each other to create a mix of happy and positive emotions in our brains.

Want to Read More About Dance?

Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.

• The Importance of Sleep For Dancers
• How Dance Can Benefit Your Mental Health

So why Nan’s school of dance?

At Nan’s School of Dance, we aim to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels.

We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!

Don’t forget to register!

From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!

*Feel free to follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram