By Jessica Beran
At Dance Moves, we believe that if you have a body, you can dance. Here's what body positivity actually means in our studio — and why it matters to us.
"Body positivity" gets used a lot. Sometimes it feels like a phrase that's been stretched so thin it's lost its meaning. So let me tell you what it actually means at Dance Moves of Charleston — and where it comes from for me personally.
What Body Positivity Means in Our Studio
We believe that every body is a beautiful instrument of creativity and expression. That means:
- We do not critique dancers based on physical characteristics.
- We do not have conversations about weight or body management.
- We celebrate diversity and individual expression.
- We focus on what bodies can do — how they move, what they express, what they're capable of — rather than how they look.
Our only question is: can you move, and do you love to? If the answer to both is yes, you belong here.
Why This Matters to Me
I grew up training in a strict ballet environment. I received harmful commentary about my body during those years — commentary that contributed to struggles with disordered eating that I've had to work through as an adult.
That history is part of why I built Dance Moves the way I did. I never wanted any student in our studio to experience what I experienced. Dance should build you up, not tear you down.
What We're Building Instead
In our classes, we're building joy, skill, confidence, and community. Those things don't require a particular body type. They require showing up, working hard, and being willing to feel.
As we move into each new season, I find myself asking the same question: How can we all be a little kinder to ourselves — and to our beautiful, unique bodies?
That question guides everything we do here.
