Puberty – it can easily comprise some of the most awkward, uncomfortable years of your life.
But how about going through all of it whilst wearing a leotard?
I spent about ten years at quite a competitive dance college, starting when I was four years old and working my way up through the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus. I loved it at times, and hated it at times. But there was one aspect of the ballerina life I’ll never forget – the body insecurity it breeds.
Whilst for most teenage girls, the years of feeling insecure and negative about your changing body starts when you’re in your early teens, because of ballet, it started when I was ten.
I remember the moment so clearly.
My ballet teacher was leading the class in some barre work and was correcting our posture, as usual, before the exercise began.
Then she made one final comment.
“Swifty,” she said, “Suck in that kangaroo pouch you’ve got there. You look like a pregnant woman.”
Just to repeat, I was ten years old. And I had just started going through puberty.
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My girls started ballet this year, and after 1 year, I am done with that scene. People can be really nice, but it doesn't make up for the skin-tight costumes, make-up and "mature" dance moves and music - 8 years olds dancing to songs about "boyfriends" - I'm not interested! I talked to the teacher before I enrolled them, and I thought she was on the page as me. I thought we had similar values. But nope. So nope, I want my kids to stay happy little kids for as long as possible! They can just dance around to music in dress-ups at home.
One thing about growing up in the 90s was that people were acutely aware of the risks of eating disorders and most teachers and adults (even TV shows) promoted not shaming pubescent girls while their bodies were changing. But nowadays I think we've lost the message a bit and judging teenagers way too harshly especially as teenagers often gain a little girth before a growth spurt. I feel sorry for girls growing up with thigh gap and bikini.bridge obsession