Dance is more than just movement—it’s an expression of who we are. For women, it can be a powerful way to reclaim our sensuality, our strength, and our voice. In this blog post, we will be talking about dance as a tool for empowerment, and how it helps women to embrace their sensuality and feel stronger than ever.
Have you ever seen a video on social media of a woman dancing fierceless in front of the camera, and think dammit, I wish I was her? I did. Even if I was already practicing a beautiful art from (contortion), I would still admire dancers. The way they could express themselves and use their own body combined with musicality to tell stories, it has always been mesmerizing.
Sometime during the last years, even if I was progressing with contortion, I started feeling a sort of disconnection with my own femininity. For example, I did not feel sexy anymore, which it was a feeling that always gave me confidence. The connection between my mind and body was bigger than ever before, however I could not feel that same connection at an emotional level - I hope it makes sense?
And then, I joined Musical Theatre productions, and I started dancing cabaret pieces like Mein Herr or Cell Block Tango. Something 'clicked'...
I loved how working through movement and acting felt inside me.
I loved wearing sexy clothes, specially mesh, to enhance my body lines and support the storyline.
I loved being on stage, feeling strong and fierce.
Dance is an art form that has been celebrated, as an universal language that connects people across cultures, for many many years (maybe even before dinosours existed on this planet?). As I was writing this blog post, I wondered how many type of dances we got out there - so I asked Google (thank you Robot!). Guess what? I could not get a straight number!
I grew up knowing about Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz and Basque Folk dances. Until my late twenties, I knew nothing about dance styles that helped women to tap into their sensuality, boost confidence, and channel their empowerment through movement. I briefly experienced this during 2 years that I played with the pole, but I already had forgotten that feeling (I say "play" because I spent most of the time fighting with the pole and not feeling like a potato bag lol). For the records, here a photo of that era:
I know, I know, you are probably wondering:
when are we talking about sensuality and becoming stronger through dance?
Before getting into the nitty-gritty details, I do want to share a couple of personal observations in the matter. Even if I was raised in a open minded family, we were part of a society that was still very narrow minded on how women should behave and what they should wear. Note that this was in the 90's and year 2000 - and I am so pleased to see that women nowadays, in many locations, wear what they want and they are proud of their bodies.
In society, from an early age, many girls are taught that being sensual is synonymous with being inappropriate or seeking attention. Sadly, this fosters shame around expressions of confidence and self-awareness and it translates into sensuality, instead of being seen as a celebration of self, to be frequently judged, policed, and misunderstood, making women feel shamed. Should being sensual dimisnish our value or credibility? No. But in a patriarch world, it does (maybe because some men feel intimidated with women that know what they want?!). Simultaneously, we have been taught that only women who exhibit characteristics typically associated with "Alpha men" are considered confident and worthy of respect.
This idea creates a disconnect between women and our bodies, as we navigate the pressure to be attractive without being “too much". And for some women this works, but for others (including myself) it leaves you with a feeling of being trapped. On this matter, I highly recommend to read the blog post from Rachel Wright “How to Embrace Your Sensuality in a World That Tells You Not To”. It is surprising to read through the stigmas we have been taught about women, and how they adversely affect our freedom.
But feeling empowered and sensual in your own is nothing to be ashamed of.
Connection Between Dance and Empowerment
Can I get an amen that dance is more than just physical movement? Amen! It is in itself an embodiment of freedom. When men and women dance, they break free from societal expectations and it becomes a space where they can express their true selves without fear of judgment. They can feel their body and share their desires without being policed.
According to various sources, empowerment through dance is rooted in self-awareness. Dancers learn to own their space, their bodies, and their stories. Dance helps us to transform our vulnerability into power, reminding us that our sensuality is not a weakness but a part of our inner strength. And oh gosh, it feels so good!
The Role of Sensuality in Dance
The beauty of certain type of dances is that they allow women to explore sensuality without stigma. Dancing style like Heels shifts the narrative from “being looked at” to “being in control.” Something also used by Burlesque artists. Through movements like a fluid sway of the hips or an intentional body touch, sensuality becomes an act of self-expression and self-love.
Sensuality in dance is not about external validation—it’s about internal empowerment.
Yes my friends, it’s about feeling good in your own skin, and letting your body tell its story. And not about "calling attention" or "asking to be looked at".
How Dance Builds Confidence
Let's be honest, mastering new moves and routines is really hard. It requires you to have discipline and be resilience. At the same time, when you perform in front of a camera or an audience, it fosters bravery. Even dancing alone in a room can be a personal way to connect with oneself, and simultaneously be very intimidating.
My personal experience is that all the confidence I gained through performing and dance spills over into other areas of my life. I definitely feel more confident standing in front of a crowd when I host events or I give presentations. Other women find themselves standing taller and speaking louder.
Dancing as a Feminist Act
In a world where women’s bodies are often scrutinized and controlled, dancing freely becomes an act of defiance: this is my body, my rhythm, my rules. This is why also Burlesque is a form of feminism. It is the performer herself deciding to undress and tease.
I fell in love with Strip Plastic and Frame Up Strip dancing styles because they are powerful dance styles. They are mostly floor work based and they can be sensual, even erotic; but at the end, it is the dancer who decides how far he / she wants to go. I personally love how both dance styles help me to be more in tune with my own body and femininity, boosting my confidence and making me feel more empowered to live the life I want. And not the life society tells me to live.
The following act has elements of Frame Up Strip on the second part. The dancing was not sensual but rather creepy, which it was in tuned with the storyline. This is an example of the versatility that dancing can bring to your creations, and how it can simultaneously empower you!
Tips to Embrace Sensuality and Empowerment Through Dance
Simply start: You can either start dancing in your living room and allow your body to guide you; or look for dancing classes in your area. I personally always felt more comfortable attending classes than dancing by myself at home. But hey, everyone is different so see what makes sense for you!
Choose a style that it goes with you: From belly dancing to pole dancing or hip hop, explore what feels most aligned with you and your personality. I have attended contemporary dancing classes that were not the right match, while other classes from the same style were mind blowing and lot of fun. You need to try and, once you find something that speaks to you, stick with it!
Focus on feelings and not the looks: Dance is about the connection you build with yourself, not about meeting anyone else’s expectations. Always, always remember this.
Surround Yourself with Support: Join classes or communities that celebrate empowerment and self-expression. I found the best support in women through dancing communitites, specially in heels and exotic dance styles.
Document Your Journey: Capture your progress—whether through journaling, photos, or videos. This will help you to reflect and acknowledge on how dancing transforms your confidence and mindset.
Summarizing, dance is not just a physical activity; it’s a tool that you can use to empower yourself and connect with your sensuality. Dance helps us to connect mind, body, and soul. And specially for women, it is an invitation to step into their power, celebrate their sensuality, and find their voices through movement.
So, dance. Not for others, but for yourself. Dance to feel alive, to feel empowered, and to feel free.
Let's connect, follow me on socials to get inspired to be the best version of yourself and live the life you want through movement and artistry!
xx
Zohar
Comments