Hello Everyone,
I've been in the background here for a while and have learned much from posts here. I was hoping that you may have some suggestions for me. I've noticed in beginning dance classes that many of the students have alot of trouble utilizing mirrors for learning about body positioning. Most of this seems due to a bad body image/self esteem. Having experienced this myself when I first started dancing, I was hoping that you would be able to suggest some exercises to do in/out of class to help overcome this. One exercise I was taught was to hold your own gaze in a mirror for a short period of time, a few times a day. Would anyone have other suggestions to try?
Thanks in advance,
wendy
I've been in the background here for a while and have learned much from posts here. I was hoping that you may have some suggestions for me. I've noticed in beginning dance classes that many of the students have alot of trouble utilizing mirrors for learning about body positioning. Most of this seems due to a bad body image/self esteem. Having experienced this myself when I first started dancing, I was hoping that you would be able to suggest some exercises to do in/out of class to help overcome this. One exercise I was taught was to hold your own gaze in a mirror for a short period of time, a few times a day. Would anyone have other suggestions to try?
Thanks in advance,
wendy
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West Virginia
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Re: Body image and self image improvement exercises?
Fri, March 2, 2007 - 7:24 AMI didn't use mirrors for beginning classes, just did personal help with posture etc, for the very reason you state.
It does take time for some women to appreciate their mirror image.
Mishaal, was it you who had the very lovely veil and mirror exercises?
(I love your icon, Wendy!) -
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Re: Body image and self image improvement exercises?
Thu, March 8, 2007 - 3:47 PMI'm with Roya on this one. I think mirrors do more harm than good for beginners. In fact, I've only recently started teaching in a facility where mirrors are available. I see them as a great tool for my intermediate/advanced students, but not so much for the beginners. -
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Re: Body image and self image improvement exercises?
Mon, July 30, 2007 - 2:19 AMJust offering alternate perspective--I consider myself as having had the same self-image problems as many. When I was a beginner, the mirror allowed me to see how cool my body looked doing these movements (the first one that I could begin to actually do), and that fueled the fire to learn and do more, not to mention improved my self-image. Seeing the teacher do it gave me the visual component of the goal, a very important thing. It allowed me to literally see what was possible. Our physical vision is a large amount of how we percieve "reality" and is our biggest influence, tool, source of information.
I think the key is sticking with it, to develop these things over time.
I also agree mirrors are an invaluable tool for self-correction when learning things like posture, good habits being important to learn early-on. -
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Re: Body image and self image improvement exercises?
Mon, July 30, 2007 - 2:31 AMOf course maybe I'm just an anomaly!
I think my biggest help came from my yoga teacher, she would always address the asanas in steps, "if you want to take it a step further, do this, if this is enough, stay here..." but she would show us what we were aiming for, the "advanced" version of the pose so that we could get it in our minds. Everything first begins with a thought. Every class she said something to the effect of how we are perfect right in that moment, just as we are. She always talked about not comparing ourselves to the person next to us because everyone is unique and we are all in different places (and each of us can be in a different place on different days), and where ever we are at is perfect for us. It's not about others, it's not a competition, it's about being ourselves and being the best we can be, whatever that looks like. Two times a week for about three years, I guess it really stuck with me.
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Re: Body image and self image improvement exercises?
Sat, March 3, 2007 - 11:33 AMhi Wendy,
holding the gaze sounds nice.
Sometimes I will show them what a difference posture makes, like in a basic hip lift - with caved-in chest vs correct posture; and "bobbing" up & down vs stabilized standing leg - so they can see me go from "sloppy looking" to "good technique".
Then hopefully they can realize that good dancing isn't just magic stuff you're born knowing how to do, but a reachable goal.
I don't know, but I'd think if they're comparing themselves to the teacher or other students who may be better, then that would exacerbate their bad self-image. I think showing the "magic" of good technique helps because then they can see "how it's done". -
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Re: Body image and self image improvement exercises?
Sun, March 4, 2007 - 5:29 AMHi everyone, beautiful Roya i cant think of any specific veil and mirror exericise right off, so maybe thats an idea from someone else, id like to hear it too.
Im also very aware of beginners with poor
self esteem/body image...
we spend the last few minutes of class, on Goddess Poses, starting with hands together over head, and then adjusting and changing the basic pose anyway they wish.
First thing they need to be reminded is to relax the shoulders because they are usualy so high and tense as soon as they raise their arms, once they drop the shoulders its easier to see the Goddess shining in them right away. I also ask that they look directly in the mirror at themselves (holding a gaze) for all the Goddess poses they create for this exercice, because some would quickly look away if that were an option (but then they would miss the main point).
Then I encourage them, how to look in the mirror and move, shift their weight, change their hand postions, arm postitions, remind them to watch their posture all these kinds of things, and do them as well myself, reminding them that its going to look differnt on everyone, and they should use the mirror to find what helps bring out their own inner beauty. Nothing is wrong, but some postions they will like more than others. Some are comfortable with this exercise right away, others it takes more time, and most need encouragement and reminders to allow themselves to feel good in their body, and to enjoy looking in the mirror and seeing their beauty, and thats the beauty about Goddess poses, because everyone does look beautiful after they makes some small adjustments, everyone can shine. and I want them to see it, and feel good.
I also assure them that its not about being vain, and that all over the world we have ancient images and sculptures of women, goddesses in such beautiful postions... that bringing out our beauty in such a way, we are honoring life, embodying the spirit of all women
and its also helpful for dancing, as they goddess poses are also great for end poses to complete their improvised dances with. And if they practice many, they will feel more confident when they take a pose at the end of their dance....(which they will get to as they progress).
I also admit to them that its my favorite hobby, they laugh and im jokingly embarassed, but not really.... i admit that i love looking at myself in the mirror and allowing myself to feel beautiful. and that they can enjoy doing to...
its ok to feel good
and relish in being alive!
Anthea, I also show them what a differnce posture makes, and explain that good posture allows the energy to move through their body, where as bad posture blocks the flow of energy. im really big about posture, posture, posture....
and yes, letting them see its a reachable goal, thats encouraging. -
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Re: Body image and self image improvement exercises?
Sun, March 4, 2007 - 1:20 PMyou're right Mishaal,
goddess poses would be cool. Do you have a ref. you use for that?
Reading the thread reminded me of another funny aspect of this bad self-image thing, where instead of shunning the mirror, they are extra-fascinated with themselves!! That's a funny one to me - they'll just stare & stare at themselves.... seems hard for them to drag their gaze AWAY!
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Re: Body image and self image improvement exercises?
Mon, March 5, 2007 - 7:53 AMI really like your approach, Mishaal. Now I wish I could remember who had the veil/mirror idea.. wait! I think it may have been Aparecida, from my spiritdance list.
Mishaal, do you use Goddess poses like the ones Karen Andes used on WomanPower workout, or a different source?
I love that workout for the ending with the poses she used.... and the veil workout.. awwww, heck I just love that workout all over, but I do it on both sides for the Tribal dance part. I agree that teaching them to stand still and pose is important, I liken it to a circus performer's ending where they swoop their arm out for the applause, and just stand there and bask in it!
Hey, there's a new bellydance troupe name... the Bask-ettes. LOL
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Re: Body image and self image improvement exercises?
Sat, July 28, 2007 - 5:05 PMwendy, do U remember the "I love my body" exercise? it gets a good laugh, but I've had people tell me it really makes a difference. start by framing the foot and doing hand movements around it, saying "I love my foot, my beautiful foot"... proceed up the body and appreciate each part. this was one my friend Conner taught when we co-taught the Pennsic beginner classes.
