Mary Lambert BODY LOVE - Lonni Olson Choreography

BODY LOVE
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This is much more than a dance video. It’s acceptance, and a very special message that needs to be heard.


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Many don’t know, but when I was 15 years old I started struggling with body image, my relationship with food, and my view on myself as a whole. Growing up as a dancer we are constantly staring at ourselves in a mirror, comparing ourselves to others, being compared to others, and picking ourselves apart. Me also being the perfectionist I am heightened all of these things to an extreme. Many things contributed to this time in my life, from my own insecurities, to being bullied, to being compared to dancers, to fears and limitations I had created in my own head.
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For the first time in my life body image became my “priority.” Yes my body image - not my health. I started to watch every thing I ate, weighed myself every single day, was counting my calories & sometimes didn’t eat at all. I realized that the one thing that was making me so happy in my life, dance - my passion, was also slowly tearing me down. I knew the person I was at that time was not me. Was not who I wanted to be. I was taking my own insecurities and issues out on others and I knew I had to come out of it all. But I felt stuck and unfortunately was stuck for many years.
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Fast forward 9 years I can genuinely say that I LOVE my body & all it does for me. My health is my priority. Yes it has taking me years to get to this place- to understand myself, my heart, my body, and MY needs. And trust me I know I’m nowhere near being done. Anxiety, insecurities, eating disorders - don’t disappear into thin air, it’s something I struggle with every single day of my life. Some things still trigger me. But I don’t let any of it win, I control it all. I am in charge. I’ve found ways to cope in my everyday life- my love for fitness and learning about the human body is something that personally helps me A LOT. I love FEELING healthy.
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So in all of this I have used art as my outlet and let it help me bring this message to light. That body image is just that - an image. You are a human being with a brain, a heart, and a soul - not just an image! I have finally found my courage to share my story. So here it is. Here is a part of me that has made me the woman, dancer, teacher, human I am today.
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To everyone in this video - THANK YOU. Each and every one of you hold a very special place in my heart. Thank you for always supporting me and being a friend to me. I love you all.
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To my parents - I love you. I know seeing your daughter struggle was never easy. Thank you for unconditionally loving me and supporting me.
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To ANYONE struggling - please reach out to someone. I am here for you. I only wish I opened up about my struggles sooner. I promise you will get through it. you are stronger than you even know. You are enough. And you are perfect just the way God made you.