Love Your Body Week!

MCCA Gratitude Week is happening right alongside the National Dance Education Association’s LOVE YOUR BODY Week! Love Your Body Week is a nationwide celebration that encourages everyone to embrace body positivity and appreciate all the amazing things our bodies can do. Body image can be a challenge for people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. While the performing arts industry is always growing and changing, we’re committed to making sure every artist feels welcomed, supported, and free to love and express who they are.

We want to help young artists discover and appreciate their unique strengths and talents. We believe in open communication and aim to be positive role models who encourage healthy self-esteem. We're thankful for all the amazing things our bodies can do. We can't wait to celebrate self-gratitude, self-love, and self-acceptance with our MCCA family.

To learn more about NHSDA’s Love Your Body Week, click here: https://www.ndeo.org/nhsda/lybw

What is “Love Your Body Week”?

Love Your Body Week is a nationwide campaign designed to promote body positivity and celebrate the amazing capabilities of our bodies. It was initiated by the National Dance Education Organization and the National Honor Society for Dance Arts.

Why is this week important for you to share?

Every day, we're surrounded by images telling us how we “should” look, sound, act, and dress—from television to social media, it's everywhere. Body image issues can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. In the dance industry, it's a well-known challenge—consider how often you encounter ads promising a “Dancer's Body.” Whether you're told you're too big, too tall, too short, or anything else, I've heard it all. While the industry is making strides toward positive change, it's crucial for us, as educators and mentors, to foster open discussions and awareness from a young age. We've created a welcoming space where everyone can be themselves and explore their uniqueness. Here, we celebrate not just art and talent, but also the wonderfully weird, awkward, and beautifully imperfect individuals who choose to spend their time with us.

What does self love mean to you? 

Self-love is the hardest relationship. We are often our own harshest critics. Embracing self-love means accepting our flaws and finding beauty in our mistakes. It’s about knowing it's okay to take a break, to say no, or to say yes!

Self Gratitude is Important too! 

We often hear about self-love and self-care, but it's equally important to embrace self-gratitude. Our bodies and minds are incredibly complex and amazing, and we deserve to appreciate ourselves just as much as we appreciate others. Remember, acknowledging your own worth is a powerful step towards a more fulfilling life. Keep nurturing that gratitude within!

Ms. Kenzie - “My body and I haven’t always been the best of friends, but I am learning every day that my body has always been my best friend. It carries me day to day to do the things I love, connect with people, create art, and so much more. The more gratitude I have for my body, the more I am able to be the best version of myself possible!”

Ms. Coty - ”As I get older, I have found even more gratitude for my body and the amazing journey it has taken me on—from dancing and singing onstage, to traveling through beautiful locations, to the simplicity of walking in the morning, to magically creating life. I find now that I want to nurture and care for my body and spirit even more because I am so appreciative of what a healthy body and mind mean to my overall sense of joy and well-being.”

Ms. Shelby - “Practicing self-gratitude allows me to be the most authentic, confident, and kind version of myself. I am grateful for a strong and solid body to carry me through my days - to dance, laugh, sing, jump, play, and work. I'm grateful for big feelings and a big heart, my superpower that allows me to experience life and love to the max. I'm grateful that I have found the courage to go through life being uniquely me.”

What can others do to help promote self love and self gratitude in their lives?

Surround yourself with people who uplift your spirit and bring joy into your life. Whenever a negative thought arises, counter it with a positive one. Leave yourself inspiring notes to remind you of your unique and incredible qualities. Take a moment to remind someone else of how amazing they are too.

How is MCCA participating in “Love Your Body Week”?

In all the classes this week at MCCA, we will be doing activities and having discussions to help remind us just how wonderful our bodies, minds, and beings are. We will be filling the MCCA Gratitude tree with notes of gratitude for ourselves and for all the blessings around us. 

You can visit https://nhsda-ndeo.org/lybw to learn more about NHSDA and NDEO’s Love Your Body Week, and if you would like to learn more about body image, eating disorders, and mental health, I encourage you to visit https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.