Voluminous Dance features plus-size dancers in Cuba

Franklin Reyes / AP

Dancers Maylin Daza, right, Barbara Paula, center and Rubi Amaro get dressed and apply make up before dancing with their group Danza Voluminosa, or Voluminous Dance, in Havana, Cuba, Nov. 24. Voluminous Dance is a theater company with overweight dancers founded by dancer, choreographer and director Juan Miguel Mas.

Franklin Reyes / AP

Members of Voluminous Dance perform the show 'Crisalidas' or 'Chrysalis' in Havana, Cuba.

Franklin Reyes / AP

Xiomara Gonzalez, left and Maylin Daza, of the Cuban group Danza Voluminosa or Voluminous Dance, smoke cigarettes before a show.

 

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More like, Plus, Plus, Plus! Just one plus is an understatement.

    Reply#1 - Mon Nov 26, 2012 9:45 AM EST

    It's refreshing seeing ladies willing to dance who defy the label usually expected of dancers. So many societies are being fed (pun intended) vast amounts of fake body images, photo shopped faces and perfect hair. To see a group of overweight women not afraid being in front of others on stage, while expressing from within themselves the joy of dancing, I think is wonderful. It is hard enough getting up in front for an audience to stare at. All those folks judging what you are doing. Trust me, I have been there and it can leave one a bundle of nerves.

    The last acceptable bias or prejudice in society is fatism, or overweight people. So often a person's self worth is crushed because society says being too heavy makes them ugly.The world says their value as humans is far less then those who are of normal or even skinny weight. And it doesn't matter what causes a person's weight gain. Nobody cares because it is the outward appearance that matters, not inside. Just open any magazine. Wait, forget that, just scan the cover or check out any product using female bodies or faces. You won't see fat females promoting cars or bikes right?

    Overweight can be caused by genetics, a disease, medication someone must take, early life conditions like starvation. Others always assume it is from eating too much. Yes, some people gain weight from that way. But a surprising amount are from other reasons. The point is jumping to conclusions is so unfair. Numerous studies found more people would rather lose a limb or go blind then become obese. We do have hangups about our bodies and some harsh judgments towards others. In the end though, it is the soul which matters most.We need to be much more gentle and forgiving to each other and ourselves. And take some time out to dance along the road in life.

    • 1 vote
    Reply#2 - Mon Nov 26, 2012 10:21 AM EST
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