be · you · ty
a play on word ‘beauty’
This dance film reflects and questions the conventional beauty standard and its effect on body image and self-identity on female-identifying dancers. Featuring Black and Asian dancers, we want to challenge the toxic Eurocentric body standards through dance & fashion.
DIRECTOR, PRODUCER, CHOREOGRAPHER: Elvina Raharja (@elvinanr)
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY & EDITOR: Kat Castro (@yunglilfireball)
BTS PHOTOGRAPHER, CAMCORDER OP, PA: Malini Khotsiphom (@mkhots)
PA: Jonathan Yau (@jcyjonathan)
PERFORMERS:
Lyza Manalo (@_lyzam)
Jess Narula (@jessn9113)
Quincie-Alysha Taylor (@quinciealyshataylor)
MUSIC:
Torn Apart - Infinity Ripple
Between The Groove by Teon Gibbs and IAMTHELIVING
The existence of this project is made possible with the support of Ryerson Library's Creators Grant.
JESS NARULA
I realized that whatever beauty image is in our head. I thought before: when I lost the weight, everything will be fine and all my problems will go away. But guess what, it’s all here in your head. Everyone have their own insecurity. You’d never know what everyone else think about you.
Main realization was your body image reflects on what you think. What you think of yourself is what you gonna see.
For me, it’s about empowerment.
LYZA MANALO
I grew up as a technical dancer and I danced competitively. So when you go to competition, everyone have “ballerina” body, and here I was: the only Asian girl with curvier body. One of the biggest thing that I regret was letting that idea of “ballerina body” hindered my confidence. It wasn’t until the end of my competitive dance life that I realize that your body image is not what people see when ur dancing or performing. It’s really about your passion you admit when you dance, it’s about how you feel when you dancing. When I realized that, it helps me to accept myself in my own skin & it’s a part of me as who I am as a person as a Filipino ballerina.
Being different is a not a bad thing and it makes you unique. Little parts of our identity that sometimes feel may hold us back, it’s actually the thing may push us forward. It’s one of the biggest thing, accepting my body image and who I am. It’s one of my biggest takeaway, especially growing up in a white prevalent community & studio.
Accept that your uniqueness is your superpower.
QUINCIE-ALYSHA TAYLOR
It’s hard because I grew up as a studio kid, and I’m classically trained, mostly in ballet. I was around people that don’t quite look like me. The one thing that I always remember is my ballet teacher telling me to tuck my bum in, but I couldn’t, because it was just that big. I can’t just change how my body is proportioned. I was 16 and thinking that my body needs to look a certain way, even though it is still growing. I know it was okay to look different than most people in my class, but at the same time I also want to be as thin as my friends. Looking back now, that way of thinking is problematic. Now, in my 20s, I realize that I need to love my body and it’s okay that I can do whatever I want & it’s nobody business if I gain or lose weight. I wished I knew that back then. I’m glad I know it now, because it changes my perspective on things.
What I would say to my younger self is:
F*** what everyone think and just do whatever you want to do.
some resources
a compilation of social media accounts, articles, and others that have
helped myself personally on my journey on self-love, body image & neutrality.
not the end all be all, but hope it helps in any capacity 💕
- Elvina, creator of be.you.ty
Book
My top 5 self-help book. Sonya Renee Taylor goes in depth on radical self-love, body terrorism, and brings a honest conversation on our relationship with our body.
Website
Articles
These articles talk heavily on body neutrality and its differences from body positivity.
The Rise of The Body Neutrality Movement: If you’re, you don’t have to hate yourself
The Difference Between Body Positivity, Neutrality, & Acceptance
Forget Body Positivity: How About Body Neutrality?
A variety of positive Instagram accounts on topics like self-love, self-help, body image, anti diet culture, etc.
Body Is Not Apology
Beauty Redefined
XO Higher Self
Alex Elle
No More Guilt
Film
Straight/Curve
This movie helped start my research on my project. It covers the bias from the industries, especially fashion & entertainment, and its contribution to body image crisis.
Amy Lee - My Body Is Not My Worth
Amy Lee talks in depth about her experiences on body image and her journey to body neutrality.