Julie’s Personal Story
I started dancing when I was 5. Back then, it was all about having fun and being happy. I can still remember how much I loved wearing my little leotard and skirt. Dancing made me feel so happy, so I just kept doing it. When I started the dance competitions at 9, I discovered a whole new side of it—challenging but exciting. And in order to do well in the competitions, I started to spend more time at the studio, which meant I was also spending more time in front of mirrors. At first, I just looked at myself and focused on how to improve my dance techniques. But it didn’t take long before I started comparing my body to the other girls in class, even though my teacher didn’t say anything about my body.
As I entered my teenage years, I started to be more sensitive about my body image. And I think my dad influenced me a lot too. He was critical of his own body, and that made me feel insecure about mine. Not long after, I started trying to lose weight. At first, I was kind of proud of the progress I made. I felt lighter, and it actually made my dancing look more graceful. When COVID hit, things got harder, and I developed disordered eating habits that weren’t healthy for my mind or body. I became obsessed with working out and eating less. There were other challenges along the way. I started getting comments from my dance coach about my body, which made me second-guess myself at times. I tried to stay focused on what I wanted for myself and my future. Eventually, I realized that the only way I could truly enjoy dance again was by prioritizing my health and happiness. I decided to take a break from competing. I took time to heal my relationship with food, my body, and dance. That break became one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Now, I’m in a much better place, and I want to help others who might be going through the same thing.
Looking back, I’m so grateful for everything I’ve learned through this journey. It’s made me a better dancer and a better person. I want to use my experience to encourage others who might be struggling too. Healing is possible, and it’s life-changing. No matter where you’re at, you deserve to feel good in your own skin and do what you love with joy and confidence.
