Eating disorders are vicious mental illnesses that turn mind against body in an attempt to meet physically unrealistic expectations. On a daily basis, women deal with a barrage of images, situations, and expectations that can damage their self-image and self-worth. We see the symptoms of this throughout society. Stress, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, the list gets longer as the image of the 'perfect woman' becomes unattainable. Within a community of women, dance therapy can empower femininity and promote healing among women suffering from mild to moderate eating disorders.
Mention
pole dancing and inevitably images of dark strip clubs and scantily clad women
dominant the mental landscape. Toned women dance in serpentine fashion and
dollar bills seem to float like confetti. There is a different kind of pole dancing
though, one that is transformative and therapeutic. A dance that taps into the
feminine not for an audience, but for the self. This dance utilizes a pole to
develop strength and defy gravity, reaches deep into the spirit, transcending
issues and setbacks to parlay with one's true self. Under careful guidance,
this type of pole dancing can be a successful treatment for women suffering
from eating disorders. The mind, body and spirit all must be addressed for an
individual to experience long-term healing in the same manner that all these
must be aligned to truly connect with the dance.
At TranZenDance www.tranzendancestudio.com, there are no mirrors, no spotlights, and no stages. The lighting is
dim and competition is nonexistent. Dance becomes a form of meditation and
expression through movement. It becomes a personal challenge physicality and
mentally. Women find acceptance and practice mindfulness while engaging with a supportive
community. When these concepts are in harmony an individual can truly connect
to the art form and fully embrace her femininity. These are the key components
of a holistic approach to treating eating disorders.
Mindfulness
is vital to dance and can be an important part of treatment. Stilling the mind and
focusing on the present allows a connection to the inner self. Dance creates a
path through the chaotic, obsessive thoughts that so often accompany eating
disorders. Centering through meditation is difficult for the average person to
attain. However, through a meditative warm-up, mindfulness and a connectedness
to the self is facilitated before a single dance step is taken. The body goes
through the motions of stretching and breathing, while the mind engages with
the present. While grounded in the moment, past and future thoughts quickly
become a hindrance to the concentration required for dance and fall away. Over
time, as the alignment between the body and mind becomes more familiar, this
mindfulness becomes habit and extends past the time spent in the studio. This
alignment with the present becomes an important foundation for the journey to
wholeness and healing.
A
realistic sense of self is also crucial. Body dysmorphia accompanies eating
disorders as the individual obsesses over flaws or an unrealistic perception of
her image. When dancing, there is a relationship the dancer must have with her
body. This is developed through stretching, breathing and practicing without
mirrors. This allows the individual to be the reflection of what is real. Body
limits are felt and gently pushed through one more breath, one more try, one
more reach. This develops a keen sense of self awareness and place. What the
individual is capable of accomplishing is often more than they would have
originally thought. Self esteem grows as the student can quickly begin to
measure progress through the strength and flexibility developing. Ability and
proficiency are attainable at all levels of the dance, further building self
confidence and allowing the student to become more in tune with their body and
self image.
At TranZenDance Studio www.tranzendancestudio.com, there is a prioritization of
artistry as well as a the development of each student’s stylistic development utilized
in the instruction of pole dancing. There is a larger applicability to this
sense of accomplishment as it also translates to each student's approach to
life. While everyone approaches challenges differently, overcoming hurdles and
limitations through persistence and hard work is the common denominator of most
forms of progress. Telling this to someone suffering from an eating disorder is
far less powerful than allowing them to experience this empowerment through
their body as they learn a new way of movement.
Community
and connectedness to other women cannot be underestimated along the path to
healing. The studio classes are small, safe, and each group begins and moves
forward together. A sense of camaraderie is a by-product of the value placed on
encouragement, personal development, and risk taking within the class. No one
walks in knowing how to dance in various orientations to the pole. It is
through learning together and the support of each other that progress is
accomplished throughout the group. A sisterhood is created allowing for the
individual to connect with others in an environment of openness and support.
While individual journeys need not be shared with the class, the student
suffering from an eating disorder can express her story anonymously through the
dance and be accepted and supported by other women all going through and
expressing their own private journeys.
This
kind of dance is powerful. This kind of dance is transformative. Utilizing it as
an augmentation to other therapies can be beneficial for eating disorders as it
empowers femininity and promotes healing on the journey to become reconnected
to the mind and body.
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