For Body Appreciation Week, we thought it would be fun to reach out to Team Snap, in all of their wisdom, to see “If I Knew Then What I Know Now…”– what would you tell your younger self, or want to share with our dancers when it comes to self-confidence, self-love and loving the skin you’re in.
Miss Alia– When I was young people said I couldn’t be a dancer because of my curves, but I set out to prove them wrong. I probably worked harder and pushed further proving myself, which lead me to reach such a high level. Thanks curves!

Miss Alison– If I knew then what I know now, it would be that I am enough, no matter how I look – I am so much more than my appearance. My body is awesome and capable of AMAZING things. Life is awesome, and when you spend time worrying about things that don’t matter, you miss it. You miss the beautiful moments and experiences. The people that love you love YOU – all of you. Dance is a beautiful gift, and we are so fortunate to have bodies that can move and express – fuel them, take care of them and love them just the way they are.

Anne –I have learned to try very hard to not compare myself to anyone else, especially women. When I was younger, this realization was almost always lost. There will always be someone who’s funnier, more fit, smarter, richer, and the list goes on!  It is very important to be proud of who you are and who you have become. We are all beautiful in so many ways, so try to always remind yourself of that and respect that.  I do!

Miss Cally – If I knew then what I knew now I would’ve spent less time looking in the mirror, less time looking at the scale, less time worrying about my imperfections and more time appreciating everything that is right. It’s pretty crazy when you think about all the millions of tiny things that have to go just right in our bodies, to complete the simplest of actions. It’s too easy to focus on all the things that you aren’t or that you can’t do, but if you really think about it, behind every perceived flaw, there’s a million perfections!

Miss Christa –Our bodies are capable of so much. Even if you can’t get that clean triple (or double) on your left, or you’re working on getting that développé above 90 degrees, the things we do as dancers are truly remarkable. The most important thing I’ve learned over the years is that if dance makes you feel good, that’s what matters. If you can lose yourself in a piece or a fun combo you’re doing it right. Comparison will only beat down your spirit, so it’s important to remind yourself why you dance and why you choose to show up to the studio each week. Your body and artistry is unique, and that’s what makes dance interesting and captivating to watch.

Cindy– Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! You can never have enough sunscreen (moisturizer is a must too!)

Miss Courtney– I use to think of myself as good enough or not good enough, fat or thin, smart or not smart. Now I see the beauty in myself and all people – we are all so different and unique. Our eyes can see 7 million colors, our noses can smell 1 trillion odours, and our heart pumps 100,000 times every…single…day…how amazing is that? Our bodies are magnificent. Life is magnificent. My hope is that we stop chasing the ideals of perfection (we see on screens and in the media), and start embracing who we are. Right now.

Devyn – If I knew then what I know now, I’d appreciate the unique things that make me, me – like my curly hair – that I’d end up liking it, and not try to hide it.

Miss Jasmine – I remember always looking around the room – as a dancer in particular – at all the people around me and seeing all the amazing things I wish I had. Things like legs that went on for days, the ‘perfect’ long torso, amazing feet, gorgeous facial features and then looking in the mirror and not seeing those things myself. Thinking back on those moments and on how hard I was on my own body, I wonder why I didn’t give myself the same respect and appreciation I gave all the other people around me. We are so quick to see the negatives in ourselves, where we see the best things on everyone else around us. I would love to have told myself to look at the beautiful things that existed on my own body the same way I saw the best on other people. Think and speak about your body the way you would talk to a teacher, a friend or a loved one. You deserve the same respect and love you give to other people.

Miss Kelli –Before I became a cheerleader In my early 20’s I stereotyped cheerleaders to be thin and “unhealthy”. What I didn’t know was these women are strong, healthy and comfortable in their own skin. The confidence to be ok in my own skin was something I learned during those years and I carry that with me today. To be confident in your own skin is something I pass on to my daughters and to all of the dancers who walk through my door. Be healthy, exercise regularly and most of all, take care of your body, it’s the only place you have to live.

Miss Mckenna – If I knew my body would provide me with the abilities to experience amazing opportunities and express myself, I wouldn’t have criticized it so much, I’m learning to really appreciate all that my body has done and can do for me.

Miss Meagan– If I knew then what I know now, I’d realize that no one in society really cares, and if you’re around people that do care, you’re maybe around the wrong people. I’d know that even though I went through tough times, I’d grow into a confident woman who LOVED herself. Loved herself enough to eat whatever she wanted, but also know and enjoy the health benefits of working hard and eating healthy. And how strong my body is when I do! I’d know it’s my choice what I eat, and where I workout, and life is too short to hate doing or eating or feeling anything other than enjoyment and love.

Miss Morgan– If I knew then what I know now, I would see that exercise shouldn’t hurt and dance shouldn’t hurt. If something hurts, don’t force your body to push through it, learn to listen and respect your physical limits. I had a low back injury that put me out of dance. I was unable to sit on my pelvis for a year. I spent grade 11 standing at the back of the class and in grade12 I had quit dance. Listen to your body.

Morgan– Everyone is built differently, love yourself for who you are and embrace YOUR beauty instead of trying to be like everyone else.

Miss Taylor – If I knew then what I knew now it would be that my body is an amazing working machine that is connected in every way possible! Loving one part of my body means loving every part and balance between body, mind, and soul is key!

Mr. Trevin – One thing I’ve come to learn and experience is confidence and self-love starts when you judge and compare yourself to others less and appreciate and believe in yourself and your own ability more.

“Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are” -Malcolm S. Forbes

Miss Victoria– I wish younger me knew that my body will fluctuate and change but always serve me well.

We love Body Appreciation Week and the opportunity to share the things we’ve learned, and spend time with our dancers, focusing on how amazing our bodies are, how special their unique qualities make them and encouraging them to worry less about how they look, but rather appreciate what their bodies are capable of and loving themselves, just the way they are.