At 15 I had surgery and lost some weight. When I returned to dance, my teacher complimented how I looked saying, “your body never looked better!” That’s all it took. I went home, Googled ways to lose weight. And spent the next 10 years struggling in my relationship with both food and body.
This dancer’s story is not the exception. There’s a harmful tendency among dancers. The focus is on physical appearance, particularly their weight, with defining success in the studio. Dancers, like athletes, come in all shapes and sizes. However, the notion of an “ideal” dancer’s body persists with most dancers experiencing some form of weight stigma as early as adolescence.
I’ve previously discussed how dancers can navigate triggering language around dieting and food, but what about when those comments are intended to be complimentary? In this blog post, we delve into why it is crucial to refrain from complimenting a dancer on their body’s weight, shape, or size— and how to compliment a dancer in a supportive way.
The problem with body-related compliments
Complimenting a dancer on their body’s weight, shape, or size not only reinforces harmful stereotypes but also, reduces a dancer’s worth to their weight. This undermines the years of training and hard work invested.
Even when intended as compliments, these remarks can still damage a dancer’s psyche, fueling insecurities and self-doubt. The pressure to conform to unrealistic standards of thinness can be overwhelming, leading to low self-esteem, disordered eating behaviors, and eating disorders. When comments and compliments fixate on a dancer’s body weight, shape, or size, we perpetuate these harmful stereotypes and contribute to a toxic culture surrounding body image.
How can I compliment a dancer?
A dancer’s talent should be celebrated for its merit, not overshadowed by superficial judgments about their appearance. In addition to this, every dancer deserves a safe space to flourish as an artist. By directing praise towards technique, artistry, and performance quality, we shift the focus back to what truly matters—a dancer’s skill and talent. Acknowledging a dancer’s hard work, creativity, and dedication fosters a supportive and inclusive environment that values diversity and celebrates individuality. Here is a list of compliments that focus on skill, technique, and artistry— not body weight, shape, or size.
30+ compliments that have nothing to do with body weight, shape, or size
- Your stage presence is mesmerizing.
- Your energy is contagious!
- Your movement looks fluid and effortless.
- I admire your technical precision.
- Your expression captivates the audience.
- I can feel the passion as you dance!
- Your energy fills the stage.
- Your interpretation of the music is both interesting and inspiring.
- Your footwork is sharp and frankly, impeccable.
- Your ability to convey emotion through movement is remarkable.
- Your stage presence commands attention.
- Your versatility as a dancer is impressive.
- Your technique is flawless.
- Your dedication to your craft is evident in every step.
- Your storytelling abilities through dance are captivating.
- Your leaps are breathtaking.
- Your ability to partner seamlessly is commendable.
- Your creativity in choreography is inspiring.
- Your agility and flexibility are remarkable.
- Your stamina is impressive.
- Your artistry is truly beautiful.
- Look at those gorgeous feet! (only dancers will understand this one!)
- I love watching you dance!
- I can see how much work you put into your training. Keep it up!
- I love seeing your personality come through on stage!
- You look so confident in those leaps! Nice!
- Great improvements!
- I feel so inspired to build my endurance after watching you perform.
- Wow! That balance!
- Your movement is lush!
- Your musicality is wonderful to watch!
