Project 6: Femininity and Physicality
Yes, this performance does not include food, but food was kind of an inspiration for it. I got the idea for this from body image, which is influenced by food. As a female athlete, I have many insecurities with my body. This is actually very common among female athlete's because we are lifting 3+ times a week and gaining muscle in places that some view as manly.
I am specifically insecure of my arms and how big they are, which is why I chose to challenge myself by wearing a strappy dress. After doing some research, I found that many female athletes are insecure of their arms and legs too. I believe that these insecurities come from the standards society and Western culture have placed on women.
Women are expected to be petite and delicate (as the song "Pretty Woman" implies), but athletes are just the opposite. I wore heels to lift because of the juxtaposition and also because they are commonly worn to please the gaze of others. By lifting weights in heels and a fancy dress, I am laughing at society's expectations for women and also challenging myself by going outside my comfort zone.
I'll admit, it was hard to perform this piece and also to watch it back on video. I felt a little more liberated after finishing it because it was a way of accepting my body the way it is. Over the years of my athletic career, I have become more accepting of my muscles because they allow me to compete and play the sports I love at a high level. My hope is that other female athletes, young and old, would see this video performance and learn to be proud of their muscles and bodies as well.
Femininity and Physicality Performance Video
I am specifically insecure of my arms and how big they are, which is why I chose to challenge myself by wearing a strappy dress. After doing some research, I found that many female athletes are insecure of their arms and legs too. I believe that these insecurities come from the standards society and Western culture have placed on women.
Women are expected to be petite and delicate (as the song "Pretty Woman" implies), but athletes are just the opposite. I wore heels to lift because of the juxtaposition and also because they are commonly worn to please the gaze of others. By lifting weights in heels and a fancy dress, I am laughing at society's expectations for women and also challenging myself by going outside my comfort zone.
I'll admit, it was hard to perform this piece and also to watch it back on video. I felt a little more liberated after finishing it because it was a way of accepting my body the way it is. Over the years of my athletic career, I have become more accepting of my muscles because they allow me to compete and play the sports I love at a high level. My hope is that other female athletes, young and old, would see this video performance and learn to be proud of their muscles and bodies as well.
Femininity and Physicality Performance Video
Very strong visually and conceptually! Bravo for doing this!
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