If You Haven't Watched Barbie, I won't spoil it for you, but you still should read this... ;)

I'm part of the club that watched Barbie more than once. Yup, twice to be exact. Why? Because every story, just like dance, has layers. The first time you see or feel the obvious. The second? You discover nuances.

On my second Barbie watch, her drive for authenticity hit me. Perfect on the outside, but deep inside? She just wanted to be true to herself. Doesn't matter how hard it is, doesn't matter the things she will have to go through. She wants to FEEL. And that got me thinking about us in the world of dance.

In dance and life, being real is where the magic is. But society? Sometimes it gives us a script. Tells us we have to look or move a certain way. If you can't find your spot in the limelight, create it. If the rhythm isn't right, bring your own beat.

For someone like me, a decade deep into teaching and feeling the dance, Barbie's genuine spirit felt like a freestyle with the perfect beat. Dance to your own rhythm, not the one they hand you.

Barbie's journey toward authenticity mirrors so many of our own life experiences. Like her, when we step into our genuine selves, it's not just about our own evolution—it serves as a beacon, guiding others toward their truth.

Imagine our world as one giant dance floor. While many may move in predictable patterns, adhering to the choreography set by society, there are those who choose to dance to their own rhythm. This choice isn't just personal—it sends out ripples, encouraging others to question, explore, and eventually find their unique dance.

Sometimes, in dance, it feels like there's a mold. Like you have to fit in to stand out. But that’s not the real dance of life. If you don’t see a space for you, carve it out. Being genuine? That's the truest form of art.

So, authenticity isn't about fitting a mold. It's about:

acceptance,peace, creativity, flexibility, hope, and inclusivity, growth, self love

Here's to all the unique souls out there: may your week be filled with genuine vibes. And if you're feeling it, swing by our studios. Let's dance our truths out. 😉

ALTERNATIVE ESSENTIALS

I could never leave you without our alternative essentials:

Resistance Bands

This week I am sharing with you a life changing tool we use a lot in private classes 🙂

Resistance bands! For some inspiration on how to use them, follow us on IG!

Youth To The People Facial Cleanser

Nobody's perfect but each of us is unique. While I work hard everyday to give my people my best, I learned it is ok to show them who you are as a whole. For me, living authentically every day is like having a clean face.

I can be a cranky me, a joyous me, a tired me, a stressed me or even an electrified me teaching a sizzling new choreography but it is ME. I am here, I am present, with all I have in this moment, even if it might not be everything the other person is asking from me. Ask the ASTC members what it feels like to experience Amanda's many faces 😂 BUT they know that as long as my skin feels smooth and cherished, we are all good 😂 when I feel my skin nurtured and smooth I feel authentic, I feel me. Full disclosure: I've never been a makeup aficionado. But give me that fresh, nurtured skin feeling, and it's like I've made peace with the universe.

I keep my skincare routine straightforward – quality over quantity. And this cleanser from Youth To The People got totally qualified as an alternative essential 🙂