--- title: "Dance and Body Positivity: Celebrating All Body Types on the Dance Floor - Nan's School of Dance in Raleigh" description: "Dance and body positivity go together. Here's how dancing helps you appreciate what your body can do, and how to get started whatever your shape or size." url: https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/dance-and-body-positivity-celebrating-all-body-types-on-the-dance-floor/ --- # Dance and Body Positivity: Celebrating All Body Types on the Dance Floor - [Hillary White](https://www.nansdancenc.com/about-us/hillary-white/) - October 10, 2023 Have you ever held back from trying a dance class because you didn’t think you had a “dancer’s body”? You’re not alone, and you don’t need one. Dance doesn’t care about body type, age or background. Everyone gets to move and express themselves, and a lot of dancers find it helps them quiet the self-doubt and feel better about their bodies. ## The power of dance in fostering body positivity Here’s why dance is so good for body positivity. ### It’s a celebration of movement Dance is all about movement, and your body is your instrument. Whether you’re swaying to a slow ballad or going all out to an energetic beat, every step shows you what your body can do. It’s a good reminder that your body is how you express yourself, and it deserves care whatever its size or shape. ### Inclusivity matters Many dance communities make a point of welcoming everyone. From ballet to hip hop, there’s room for you on the dance floor. Good teachers and classmates welcome dancers of every body type, and they treat those differences as something to celebrate. ### It boosts confidence Few activities build self-confidence the way dance does. As you learn new steps and get better at them, you start to appreciate how strong and graceful your body is. That confidence comes with you when you leave class, too. (If you’re curious about the mental side, here’s more on [how dancing helps with anxiety](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/how-dancing-helps-anxiety/).) ## Breaking down stereotypes Ideas about the “right” body size and shape have been around for a long time, and they keep unrealistic beauty standards going. Dance pushes back on them! It shows that dancers come in every shape, and that talent does too. Well-known performers like Misty Copeland and Lizzo have done a lot to challenge traditional ideas about bodies. Misty Copeland, who danced with American Ballet Theatre, changed a lot of minds about what a ballet dancer’s body should look like. Lizzo, a singer who dances on stage, uses her platform to speak up for self-love and body positivity. ## Join the dance revolution If you’ve ever wanted to dance but held back because of your body type, it’s time to let those doubts go. Dance is for everyone, and it’s a wonderful way to express yourself and feel good doing it. Here’s how to get started. 1. Find your dance style. Try a few styles and see which one feels most like you. Ballet, jazz, hip hop or contemporary: there’s a style out there you’ll love. 2. Look for inclusive dance studios. Choose studios and classes that welcome every kind of dancer. [At Nan’s School of Dance](https://www.nansdancenc.com/about-us/) you can join a class no matter your age or skill level, and that includes [ballet and tap classes for adults](https://www.nansdancenc.com/dance-classes/adult-dance-classes/). 3. Be kind to yourself. Dance is about expressing yourself and feeling the music. Let yourself enjoy how it feels to move, and remember that you’re beautiful just as you are. ## Every body is beautiful Dance breaks down barriers and helps people feel good in their bodies. It’s a way to celebrate movement and express yourself, and it’s a community that welcomes every body type. Taking care of that body matters too, so here are some tips on [taking care of your body while dancing](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/how-to-take-care-of-your-body-while-dancing/). Then put on your dance shoes, get out on the floor, and let the music move you! ## Reach your goals with Nan’s School of Dance [At Nan’s School of Dance](https://www.nansdancenc.com/about-us/), our goal is to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels. We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance! ## Don’t forget to register! From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes (18 months – 2.5 years). [Register online](https://www.nansdancenc.com/register-now/) or give us a call at [(919) 803-6044](tel:+19198036044) to hold your spot! \*Feel free to follow us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/NansSchoolOfDanceRaleigh) | [Twitter](https://twitter.com/NansDanceNC) | [Instagram](https://instagram.com/NansDanceNC) ## Want to read more about dance? Take a look at some of our other articles about health & conditioning. - [Cardio Dance: A Fun Way to Exercise](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/cardio-dance-a-fun-way-to-exercise/) - [Dance Nutrition: Top 10 Tips for Competitive Dancers](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/top-10-nutrition-tips-for-competitive-dancers/) - [Dance Stretches to Improve Flexibility and Prevent Injuries](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/dance-stretches-to-improve-flexibility-and-prevent-injuries/) ## Want to learn more about our classes or studio? Just fill out this form and we can answer all your questions. We look forward to seeing you soon in our studio! Warmly, Hillary *This form is on the web page: *