Dancing has been a passion of mine since before I could even walk as a toddler. As I began to take a more conscious approach to my spirituality in recent years, I realized how meditative and deeply spiritual – in addition to being a major source of joy and recreation – dancing is for me. And as I strengthened my relationship with my Ancestors and Spirit Guides, I was eventually led and encouraged to broadcast these spiritual dances for others to view. These spiritual dances, or Areitos, are meant to help one connect to the Higher Self, Madre Gaia, the Spirit Realm (e.g. Ancestors & Spirit Guides), and Universal energies (e.g. Source & the Collective [consciousness]). At some point during these dance rituals I usually become very uncomfortable in the clothes I’m wearing, which is why I often end up dancing with my chest exposed. And I use this opportunity to really feel my body and connect with the Spirits and the world around me as I’m dancing in this more natural state.
Given today’s sexualization of the female form, I was initially hesitant to live broadcast these Areitos out of fear of being perceived as sexually promiscuous. But societal stigmas and misconceptions regarding Black femmes has led to me being perceived as a “jezebel” regardless of what I am or am not wearing. So if my body is going to be sexualized whether I “stay covered” or not, why would I not choose to exist in the way that feels most comfortable and natural to me in the moment? Why is my desire to connect to Mother Earth and Padre Sol with my bare skin seen as “sexually promiscuous” when the intention of this act is so far from sexual? Though my movements and appearance during these spiritual dance rituals may be sensual in nature, it is not meant to be sexualized.
On a more technical note, female breasts are a secondary reproductive organ, meaning that their primary function is not intended for reproduction. Rather, their role comes into play after reproduction has occurred (hence the term ‘secondary’) to provide sustenance for babies – which is why babies and children associate female breasts with milk. My point with this is that the sexualization of female breasts, and the female body as a whole, is a learned behavior. And as with any learned behavior, this is a mentality and perspective that we can unlearn. Instead, we can learn to associate the female body not with sex – as society and popular media have taught us to do – but with the beautifully Divine, nurturing, Life-giving (and yes, sensual) essence that is the feminine form. In sharing these personally sacred dance rituals with the world, I hope to help with this necessary unlearning process.
More information on how to access my live Areitos coming soon!
