How dance changed my relationship with my body

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery through the art of dance has not only transformed my physical capabilities but has fundamentally altered my relationship with my body. In this exploration, I delve into the profound ways in which dance has influenced my perception of self, reshaping my understanding of body image, self-expression, and self-care. From the initial steps of hesitation to the fluid movements of confidence, each dance has served as a catalyst for personal growth, leading me to embrace my body with newfound appreciation and acceptance. Through this introspective journey, I unravel the layers of transformation that dance has bestowed upon me, illuminating the power of movement to heal, empower, and forge an unbreakable bond between mind, body, and soul.

Put my body in the driver’s seat

It’s kept me alive all these years, shielding me from illnesses, mending my injuries, and supporting me every single day, around the clock. Over time, I came to realize that the dancers I deeply admire, those who make complex choreography seem effortless and graceful, have mastered the art of letting their bodies take the lead.

Have you ever found yourself in a dance class or during a workout feeling stuck in your head? This happens because your mind refuses to relinquish control of the steering wheel! Trust me, I understand – I’ve been there too.

However, recognizing that my body deserves to act as the commander-in-chief was the crucial first step towards embracing a body-positive lifestyle that I could truly support and believe in.

How dance changed my relationship with my body

Opening up two-way communication

Opening up two-way communication with my body was a transformative experience. I remember being in class once when the instructor made a profound statement: “When you dance, make sure that you’re ‘saying something.'” My immediate reaction was one of confusion, as I wondered, “Well, what is she supposed to say?”

I had spent nearly three decades with this body, and yet I had no idea how to begin communicating with her. It was a daunting realization, but I also knew that I was not starting from scratch. There were things I already understood about her preferences and desires.

I knew the kinds of songs that would effortlessly get her to move, the rhythms and melodies that made her come alive. I also knew the types of instructors she enjoyed learning from, the ones who created a supportive and inspiring environment. These small insights were my starting points.

So, I decided to deepen my relationship with her by tuning into what felt good. I started paying closer attention to her responses, noticing which movements brought joy and which felt restrictive. I followed the music that resonated with her, and I chose classes that she found engaging and invigorating. This process of attentive listening and responsive action marked the beginning of a meaningful dialogue between us.

Gradually, I began to understand that this communication was not about verbal expression but about tuning into the physical sensations and emotional responses that my body experienced. It was about allowing her to express herself through movement, to “say something” through dance that words could not capture.

By aligning with what felt good and honoring her preferences, I nurtured a deeper connection with my body. This practice not only enriched my dance experience but also fostered a greater sense of self-awareness and self-compassion. It was through this ongoing, two-way communication that I learned to trust and celebrate my body, creating a harmonious partnership that continues to grow and evolve.

When I felt better, I trained better

When I felt better, I trained better. This became a guiding principle for me as I embarked on a journey to improve my overall well-being and dance performance.

I began by running around my neighborhood to build up my stamina. This simple activity marked the start of a series of positive changes. I also started eating better, incorporating more water into my diet and cutting back on fast food. Before dance became a significant part of my life, my breakfast routine was minimal—just a cup of coffee. However, as I became more serious about dancing, I made it a point to wake up earlier and prepare a proper breakfast, something substantial and high in protein to fuel my day.

All of my dance classes were scheduled for the evening, so by the time I woke up in the morning, my body was sending clear signals that it needed fuel to recover from the previous night’s exertion and to prepare for the upcoming classes. I developed a newfound appreciation for fruits, almonds, and protein bars, which left me feeling energized and more alert throughout the day.

In addition to improving my diet, I integrated active stretching into my daily routine, even on days when I wasn’t in class. This consistent practice helped keep my body limber and ready for any physical challenge.

My body became a tool of expression

My journey of self-discovery led me to view my body as a powerful tool of expression, akin to a mother nurturing and encouraging her child to explore and experiment.

I adopted a compassionate dialogue with my body, offering words of encouragement and reassurance like a supportive parent. I reminded myself that it was okay to make mistakes, emphasizing the importance of embracing new experiences and persevering through challenges, even when the journey seemed daunting.

In a society that often views success and failure as binary outcomes, I realized the limitations of allowing my mind to solely dictate my actions. Instead, I sought to convey to my body that life is not a competition with winners and losers, but rather a continuous journey of growth and self-discovery. I encouraged her to embrace the process, recognizing that setbacks and failures are integral parts of the learning curve, indicative of the courage to venture beyond one’s comfort zone.

Through this ongoing dialogue, I cultivated a deeper understanding of the profound connection between mind and body. I internalized the notion that every thought and word directed towards my body carries weight, influencing its perception of self and shaping its response to external stimuli.

Ultimately, I embarked on a journey of self-empowerment and self-love, recognizing that the way I communicate with my body profoundly impacts my overall well-being and sense of fulfillment. By fostering a nurturing and supportive relationship with my body, I discovered the transformative power of self-compassion and acceptance, paving the way for a more harmonious and fulfilling existence.

Listen, adjust, repeat

“Listen, adjust, repeat” became my mantra as I embarked on a transformative dance journey alongside my body, rather than dragging it along as a passive bystander. With each step, I discovered the profound power of tuning into my body’s cues, allowing it to guide me with effortless grace.

Through dance, I learned to shift my perspective, recognizing the importance of viewing my body not as a mere vessel or obstacle but as a trusted companion on this journey of self-discovery. Gone were the days of treating my body as an afterthought or adversary; instead, I embraced the realization that nurturing a symbiotic relationship with my physical self was essential for holistic well-being.

Reflecting on past experiences, I pondered how often I had neglected my body’s basic needs in the hustle and bustle of daily life. How many times had I gone through an entire day without nourishing myself with a proper meal? How many days had slipped by without carving out time for essential movement and connection with my physical being?

It all begins with prioritizing the well-being of our bodies. By dedicating time and attention to self-care practices, we lay the foundation for a harmonious relationship with our bodies. When we treat our bodies with the love and respect they deserve, they reciprocate by becoming steadfast allies in our journey through life.

Summary

I recount a transformative journey of self-discovery through the medium of dance. Initially hesitant and disconnected from my body, I describe how engaging in dance gradually reshaped my perception of self and fostered a deeper connection with my physical being. Through introspective reflection, I explore the profound impact of dance on my body image, self-expression, and self-care practices. Each step of this journey unveils a transformative process of growth, empowerment, and acceptance, as I learn to embrace my body with newfound appreciation and confidence. Ultimately, I highlight the transformative power of movement to heal, empower, and forge a harmonious relationship between mind, body, and soul.