Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” has grossed over 1.4 billion since its release in July 2023, taking home the award for Best Original Song and nominated for Best Picture at the 2024 Oscars. 

What audiences love about this film is how it celebrates womanhood while exemplifying the ideal environment for women: a vibrant dance floor where everyone is welcome to dance the night away while supporting one another, free of judgment and ogling. During a time when I was lacking a female community in my life, I would yearn to exist in this kind of world. This was before I returned to my home gym for winter break and discovered Barbie Land was right in front of me in my local exercise dance class. 

I feel an immediate sense of empowerment as soon as I walk into the studio. I see women of all ages mingling and happy to see one another. While they stretch, they compliment each other’s workout sets, celebrate birthdays, exchange high-fives and ask about their families. The class is simple. Our instructor teaches from the front of the studio while we all mirror her movements. It is a lot like the video game “Just Dance,” except there is no point system and a lot more encouragement.

Who I am most excited to see is Amie, the class instructor (and my president Barbie). Amie is a family friend who I have known all my life. She loves what she does — and rocks the biggest smile on her face while she does it. When she sees me walk into class, she exclaims when she sees me and gives me the biggest hug. She also mingles with all the other ladies in the class before giving them a big, “Thank you for coming, I’m so glad you’re here!”

During the session, Amie beams at her class from the stage she teaches on, proud to see all of us showing up and putting in the work. One of the things that made me hesitate to come to this class was my fear of looking stupid or failing to do the moves correctly. But each time I see Amie, it is difficult to feel insecure or unmotivated when your instructor is one of your biggest supporters. As I hear the class holler, clap and laugh during the songs, I can tell this sentiment is shared. After overcoming my fears of embarrassment and failure, I am proud to say that I have moved up from the back corner of the class to the mid center. 

Another one of my fears (there are a lot of them) going into the class was how I would be seen. As someone who does not like to be perceived while exercising, I was afraid that I would be judged or criticized by those with body types that are different from mine. I thought it would be foolish for me to try to seek out community in something I may not be the best at. Now I know that is not true, and if it is, it does not matter. Even if I do mess up, others likely will not notice, because everyone is focused on following the routine. One morning when I caught a glimpse of myself in the studio mirror, the only thing I noticed was that I could not stop smiling.

We are all there to achieve the same goal — to get our blood flowing, break a sweat and have a good time while we’re at it. It taught me that I do not always need to immediately achieve perfection. No one is expected to be perfect — in fact, the discrepancies in the routine are what makes the class more fun. There is solidarity in our imperfections, because in each class, we are all improving. Amie acknowledges this when she says to the class, “If you don’t get a little lost, are you really having fun?”

Sometimes during the class, when I am searching for clarification on how to do a certain move, I will look to the women around me and take mental notes on how I can improve my movement. One day, it dawned on me: maybe one of the women around me is looking at me to see how she can improve her moves. Maybe these women are not criticizing me at all. When I was able to get out of my head, I realized it is not always a matter of criticism or no criticism. Sometimes we can look to other women for support, and sometimes we can help set an example for other women. We should always look to the women around us to learn, support and uplift one another.

Our Barbie Land is not entirely bereft of Kens — one of our class members, Gary, just celebrated his 65th birthday. Discovering the community in my exercise dance class is the best departure from my comfort zone I have ever made. While it can be intimidating, I would highly recommend leaving your comfort zone and adopting a hobby that makes you feel closer to your community — especially if it involves a healthy habit like exercise.

To be in a room full of endorphins every morning has boosted my adrenaline, improved my health, and made me feel generally happier throughout the day. Attending these classes have not only been a great addition to my routine, but an opportunity to witness women coming together and celebrating one another each morning. Although we rock sweat-stained tank tops rather than sequined jumpsuits, all our insecurities are left at the door. We realize that if we can feel this energy and spirit, our dream bodies are the ones we are living in. Your body is your home for this lifetime. Take care of it and give it love.

Finding your own Barbie Land can help women build each other up and grow together. I encourage everyone to understand the importance of adopting a new hobby and departing from your comfort zone — especially one that you can find community in. While you are at it, you may just discover you are stronger than you think.

Share