Belly Dancing and Self-esteem: Moving the body to deconstruct violence
This project's parent organization is Coletivo Mulher Vida
It operates in Brazil
It uses Dance
Entered the Sport For Social Inclusion Award
More about Belly Dancing and Self-esteem: Moving the body to deconstruct violence
Since 1991, our organization has been a pioneer in offering belly dancing courses as a vehicle to “resignify” (give new meaning) the lives of women and youth who have been victims of domestic and sexual violence in 14 counties in the state of Pernambuco. We were able to witness how the belly dancing courses helped these young women to acquire a better understanding of their sexual and reproductive rights, to continue with their education, to look for job opportunities and even to become teachers of belly dance.
The work is based on strengthening self-esteem and recognizing the value of their own bodies which diminishes the cycles of violence experienced by these population groups. The practice of belly dance allows for women to leave situations of violence-sexual, domestic, structural, and creates opportunities for them to develop personal and social skills and enhances their mental and physical health.