Today, the term "body positivity" is marked by disregard for health, boundaries and standards. Even within the dance and theater industry, Bill INT 0209, although targeted for New York City, has been initiated to prohibit discrimination against body weight and height as it relates to employment opportunities. Although the bill outlines more areas it would cover, this is closely wrapped up in a new movement known as Broadway Body Positivity Project.
The conversation of body positivity rarely, if ever, speaks to encourage artists on dance and theatre stages to attain our best bodies. Let me be clear. There are a variety of body types within the industry and that is where we should be working to attain the best look. And although this is 100% unpopular, we should even be working to attain our best bodies for dream roles and productions, if applicable. The work is fun!
No one wants to say that some places are simply more accepting of certain body types. Some places have more flexibility in that regard, some have strict guidelines while others have strict regimes should you accept the contract. There are literally organizations that will not accept you if you are skinny. Some will not accept you if you are fat. Some will accept you with a grace period to work at a thing so that you come to meet the standards. These are some of the truths of the industry.
Calling for discrimination blockers against things that are humanly controllable is aggression towards those in artistic direction and leadership. My very first season with Columbia City Ballet I had a tough beginning. I was not my greatest self . My director said to me "Don't worry, you'll get in shape". I had a period for this to happen and it did. If I am being completely honest, my physical body shape, although I have a small frame, was not as put together for a classical ballet look. As time went on and even as I moved into my next season, I carried the look and literal embodiment of what I wanted to acquire. I knew how I wanted my hamstrings to flex and how I wanted my calves to look. I also know how my physical appearance will enhance my work, roles, beauty and consideration for future roles.
Body Positivity within your dance career is paramount! Have a healthy perspective of your body and the role it plays for your career. Don't walk around forcing directors to accomodate what you don't want to work on and calling them out for it. True discrimination is not allowed. It is wrong and hurtful. We are talking about realizing the industry we are in and attaining grit and grace. There are places for you. Shine there, and where you can work, get after it!
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