UEA Ballet Club promote body positivity in sport via Norfolk-wide campaign

They've been doing this by taking photographs around campus as part of their ‘Love Your Leo’ Campaign

Author: Tom ClabonPublished 10th Apr 2023
Last updated 11th Apr 2023

University of East Anglia’s (UEA) Ballet Club are promoting body positivity and tackling the stigma's surrounding eating disorders in sport.

They've been doing this by taking photographs around campus as part of their ‘Love Your Leo’ Campaign, which was established back in 2019.

It's main aim is ‘to promote diversity in a society that tells us we should all look a certain way’.

What else has been taking place at UEA and beyond?

During their campaign, Ballet Club has built a 'body positivity wall, in The Hive, the UEA Student Union space on campus, encouraging everyone on campus to share empowering messages.

Outside of the university setting, UEA’s Ballet Club have been raising money for ‘Eating Matters’, a Norfolk based charity which offers counselling for young people with eating disorders.

"Making sure everyone feels confident and comfortable in our clubs"

Elspeth Mcguigan, UEA Ballet Publicity Representative, said:

“Love Your Leo is such an important campaign for UEA Ballet. Our aim is to promote body positivity in sport, especially where we wear tight-fitting clothing.

“Spreading the message that every body is a ballet body, and making sure everyone feels confident and comfortable in our clubs in one of the most important aspects of the campaign.

"We love seeing clubs across UEA getting involved as well as clubs from other universities too!”

How serious is this issue?

Over one million people in the UK live with an eating disorder, according to charity Rethink Mental Illness.

That represents around 2% of the UK population, but a recent study from UK Sport revealed that this rises to 13.5% among elite athletes, and over 20% of female athletes.

What has the University said?

The University of East Anglia say they're looking into the issue, and will be able to provide a more detailed response after the Easter break.

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