Anytime I enter a brand new venue, I take a few minutes to examine the space and how I will use it. Can I walk through the aisles? Can I jump on a table? How can I best use the lighting? How much room can I take up? As a performer I want to take up as much space as possible, both physically and energetically. (This relates to being big, like we discussed last time.) I want to use the environment around me as part of my presentation. It is my job to project myself all the way through a room, and to own the space.
By now you’ve probably heard the term, "manspreading ." When this phrase first came out, I thought it was great. Burlesque, after all, makes fun of difficult topics just like this as a way to approach them and begin difficult conversations. But, the more people began to pile on, the more concerned I got. I've experienced this behavior, and I am viscerally aware of the problems women face. However, it’s not enough for men to take less space in public—women also need to insist on the space they deserve.
Sheryl Sandberg is a pioneering women's leadership researcher, who examined women at work. TIME's Jessica Bennett offers us suggestions for how to not be "manterrupted" in meetings. It is one thing to make fun of something that pains you, and it is another thing to take action. “Manspreading,” taking up physical space, is NOT something only men are entitled to.
By now you’ve probably heard the term, "manspreading ." When this phrase first came out, I thought it was great. Burlesque, after all, makes fun of difficult topics just like this as a way to approach them and begin difficult conversations. But, the more people began to pile on, the more concerned I got. I've experienced this behavior, and I am viscerally aware of the problems women face. However, it’s not enough for men to take less space in public—women also need to insist on the space they deserve.
Sheryl Sandberg is a pioneering women's leadership researcher, who examined women at work. TIME's Jessica Bennett offers us suggestions for how to not be "manterrupted" in meetings. It is one thing to make fun of something that pains you, and it is another thing to take action. “Manspreading,” taking up physical space, is NOT something only men are entitled to.
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I attended the Oprah's Life You Want tour. My seats were way up in the top of the nose bleed section. Oprah is someone who knows how to take up space. She stood on stage in front of thousands of people. Even from way up in the bleachers, I could feel her presence and power. She owned her space and filled the area with her energy. That ability requires a deep sense of belonging, purpose, and self-worth. Only someone who knows they’re worthy of all that space could own the arena like she did. And, like all things, worthiness takes practice.
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We live in a world that disenfranchises and diminishes the feminine, so no wonder we feel devalued. Not all women feel empowered, or have agency over their bodies. Not all women triumph over slut-shaming, body shame, or sexual violence. Not all women feel safe to stand up for themselves, feel comfortable in their own skin, and accept their worthiness. Not all women have stories with happy endings.
While Sinner Saint loves exemplifying the possibility of radical self-acceptance, we believe it is essential to hear all the voices of women—especially the ones that are uncomfortable to hear. These stories are as necessary to witness as the liberated sexy ones. |
Women have internalized stories that tell us to be small, or that we are not good enough. It takes intentional healing to recover that part of your soul, the part that knows without question that you ARE worthy of taking up space. The good news is that you can fake it ‘till you make it—you don't have to be 100% certain to get started. You also don’t need to be on stage in a huge auditorium to practice body postures that let people know you mean business. You can own your space talking to the grocery store clerk, in a meeting, on the bus, or even when you’re alone.
I do this by feeling my feet on the ground, breathing deeply, lifting my chin and chest up, and feeling the strength of my spine. Sometimes I even just practice using my hands to take up space. It’s so easy! Stretch your arms all the way out, spread those fingers, and grab all the space you can!
I do this by feeling my feet on the ground, breathing deeply, lifting my chin and chest up, and feeling the strength of my spine. Sometimes I even just practice using my hands to take up space. It’s so easy! Stretch your arms all the way out, spread those fingers, and grab all the space you can!
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Have you heard of power posing? It is one of my favorite ways to practice taking up space. It is great to use before a presentation, when asking for a raise, out on a date, or any time you need a jolt of confidence. Check out Amy Cuddy as she talks about how your body language shapes who you are.
Three different times today, use your body to practice taking up more space. |
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SAVE THE DATES
Sacred and Profane - Speaking of pleasure...We're teaming up with Seattle Immersive Theater's gorgeous, sumptuous Victorian-style parlor space to arouse your senses and explore the blurry lines between what is sacred and what is profane. Save the dates - September 22nd-25th.
Revolution - We're co-producing the revival of Sexual Revolution with Theatre Off Jackson December 1-4th. Come join the movement and see our most political and impactful original production.
Revolution - We're co-producing the revival of Sexual Revolution with Theatre Off Jackson December 1-4th. Come join the movement and see our most political and impactful original production.
