Today marks the start of Shades Self Love September – one whole month dedicated to celebrating the efforts and strength that dancers amass throughout their dance journey and dance careers. More importantly, it’s a time to remind ourselves to take a step back, breathe, and give ourselves the space to grow, both on and off the stage. As dancers, we are constantly pushing our boundaries, striving for perfection, and investing countless hours into our craft. But amidst all of this, it’s crucial to nurture self-love and self-appreciation, especially in environments that often challenge our confidence and self-image, like the dance studio or performing on stage.
Less self doubt, more self love.
Less stress, more joy.
Less worry, more positivity.
Less anxiety, more trust.
Dance is an incredible art form that demands a high level of commitment, discipline, and passion from dance students and dancers in training. It can be easy for dancers and performers to let self-doubt and anxiety creep in, as it can creep up on you unexpectedly and at any time (we are all human, after all). Whether you’re just starting a new dance class or dance style, or preparing for a big performance or dance competition, self-doubt and anxiety are not positive emotions to experience, but they are common. Confidence in dance doesn’t come overnight; it’s a journey that requires patience, practice, and a strong foundation of self-love, self-appreciation and self-care.
Dance class is often where the seeds of self-confidence are planted. It’s a space where you can experiment, make mistakes, and continue to improve your dancing skills. Yet, it can also be where insecurities surface – comparing yourself to others in your class, feeling out of place, or struggling with a challenging routine. It’s not unusual to feel and face these challenges, and that’s why Shades Dancewear are focusing the month of September on self-love, raising awareness of tips and tricks for dancers to embrace who they are and build upon their self confidence.
To build confidence, it’s essential to focus on your own progress rather than comparing yourself to others – we are all on different journeys, with different strengths and weaknesses.
Always celebrate your victories, however big or small, whether it’s mastering a new move in Jazz dance class or simply feeling more comfortable in your own skin. (We created Shades Dancewear to encourage all dancers to embrace their natural skin colour and skin tone with their dancewear, and the positive responses we’ve received and impact we’ve observed has been incredible).
Dance classes and stages are places where you can truly shine, express yourself fully, and share your love for dance with others. Embracing self-love means acknowledging your hard work and giving yourself credit for your achievements. It’s about recognising that every performance is an opportunity to grow, learn, and most importantly, enjoy the art of dance!
This Self Love September, it’s time to celebrate and embrace dancewear that truly matches your skin tone. We believe that finding a dance uniform that complements your natural skin colour is a game-changer for how you feel during practice, performance and competitions. Dancewear is more than just a piece of clothing; it’s a statement that you belong in the dance world.
Shades Dancewear is a pioneer in this movement, offering a wide range of skin tone shades to truly match various skin colours more than the traditional option of European Ballet pink. Providing more inclusive dancewear options empowers dancers to feel confident, comfortable, and proud of their unique beauty. When you wear dancewear that resonates with who you are, it not only boosts your confidence but also reinforces the message of self-love and acceptance.
As we embark on this month-long celebration of self-love, remember that dance is not just about movement – it’s about expressing who you are! Take some time this month to appreciate your journey, embrace your unique beauty, and prioritise self-care. Whether it’s through finding the perfect dancewear that matches your skin tone, selecting a dance uniform that empowers you, or simply taking a moment to breathe and reflect, let this September be a time of growth, joy, and self-celebration.
You are not just a dancer; you are a unique individual with strengths, talents, and a story to tell. This Self Love September, step into the spotlight with confidence, knowing that you are enough, just as you are.
Follow @shadesdancewear on social media to discover even more helpful tips and tricks for staying happy, healthy, and confident throughout your dance journey. Shades Dancewear are driving change and fostering a supportive community that values inclusivity, self-love, and positivity.
Find us @shadesdancewear 🤎
Blog written and designed by Amy Gibson
