Thick Thighs and Witch Vibes In recent years, there has been a growing trend and movement embracing body positivity and celebrating diverse body types. One body type that has gained particular attention and appreciation is thick thighs. Thick thighs refer to having well-developed and muscular thighs, often characterized by a full and curvier appearance. Thick thighs have become a symbol of strength, power, and beauty. They challenge conventional beauty standards that prioritize thinness and promote a more inclusive view of attractiveness. Many individuals, regardless of gender, are now proudly flaunting their thick thighs and embracing their unique and natural body shape.
Although this show has become an audience favorite since it first premiered in 2005, it’s been almost exactly three years ago to the day when, on March 12, 2020, the dancers performed their first and only performance of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe when they heard that they would have to cancel the rest of the performances due to the emerging Covid-19 pandemic.
The story follows the adventures of four English children staying in a large house in the country to escape the bombing in London during World War II. Although this show has become an audience favorite since it first premiered in 2005, it s been almost exactly three years ago to the day when, on March 12, 2020, the dancers performed their first and only performance of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe when they heard that they would have to cancel the rest of the performances due to the emerging Covid-19 pandemic.
Many individuals, regardless of gender, are now proudly flaunting their thick thighs and embracing their unique and natural body shape. Moreover, thick thighs have been associated with a sense of confidence and self-assuredness. Those who possess this feature often exude a certain level of body positivity and self-love.
After pandemic pause, Evanston Dance Ensemble returns to Narnia
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On March 9, when Evanston Dance Ensemble performers take the stage for an original ballet production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, it will be a return to the magical world of Narnia nearly three years to the day after the show had to shut down because of pandemic restrictions.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is an original ballet first staged by Evanston Dance Ensemble in 2005. Credit: Matt Glavin/Evanston Dance Ensemble
That ill-fated production at the Josephine Louis Theater on Northwestern University’s campus had exactly one performance, on March 12, 2020.
Béa Rashid, who founded Evanston Dance Ensemble and Dance Center Evanston, the company where the ensemble got its start, had the foresight to have the performance videotaped, lest all of the dancers’ work be lost and forgotten.
Now this year’s return to the same stage with a refreshed version of the same show feels like a celebration. Of the 21 dancers who will be performing, only two were involved in the 2020 production. And those dancers have grown physically, artistically and emotionally, so they have new parts and new costumes.
Rashid first staged the show in 2005. She described her creative process in a recent conversation that included her husband and frequent collaborator, Steve Rashid. He is a composer, performer, producer and sound engineer who has won numerous professional awards for his work scoring dance, film, television, theater and children’s recordings.
Steve and Béa Rashid worked together on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: She was one of the choreographers of the ballet and he composed original music for the work. Credit: Matt Glavin
“I wanted original music that would be really appropriate for the different scenes that I envisioned being part of the production,” Béa Rashid said. “I asked Steve if he would consider scoring the whole show. And he said yes. The process – from the point at which I decided to do the adaptation and he wrote the entire score, and then we choreographed it and put it on dancers and set it up on its feet on stage – took a couple of years.”
The show has been produced seven times since 2005, and each production is unique.
“Every single time we do this, there’s a different set of dancers in front of me, you know, and so, our goal is to make them look as strong as possible on stage,” Béa Rashid said. “For that reason, we do sometimes make adjustments to raise the level of the choreography to the level of the dancer that is being used or to just address the stylistic strengths of the dancer and to meet them where they are. It’s very much part of the collaboration with the dancers themselves. They bring a lot of character and a lot of personality to the roles they’re playing.”
She encourages the dancers to read the original fantasy novel, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, to gain a better understanding of the characters. Musicians don’t necessarily need to be inspired by the original story, but they do need to interpret the story to meet the needs of the choreographers.
Steve Rashid said, “My job was to work with the choreographers and make sure that the music that I developed reflected the same attitude towards that scene or narrative that the choreographers, in particular Béa, wanted.
“I live in a world of sound. One of the absolute joys of this for me, once I complete my work, is to actually see it. It’s like watching my music in front of me. … It’s always an emotionally powerful experience for me to simply see it physicalized in front of me, even after all these productions. The process itself is not new, but the experience is always fresh.”
Christina Ernst, artistic director of Evanston Dance Ensemble. Credit: Evanston Dance EnsembleChristina Ernst, artistic director of Evanston Dance Ensemble, is also eager to see this year’s production on stage. After the pandemic shutdown, she described coming back as “a healing moment.”
“It’s a timeless story because fairy tales or stories are about metaphors of good and bad,” Ernst said. “You kind of have to go on a journey and work through stuff, and I think it’s very much like life. Goodness prevails and wins in the end and everybody can relate to that.
“This show is done on a very high artistic level with the whole decor, the music, the lights, the costumes and the performers. It’s just a very artistic experience for all ages. It pleases everybody.”
The show will be performed March 9 through 12 at the Josephine Louis Theater at Northwestern University. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. March 9 preview show are $15; tickets for other performances (at 7:30 p.m. March 10 and 1 and 4 p.m. March 11 and 12) are $15 for children and seniors and $25 for adults.
Tickets can be purchased through the Northwestern box office, over the phone at 847-491-7282 or online at tinyurl.com/lion2023.
Thick thighs are seen as a testament to embracing one's natural body shape and working towards self-acceptance. Furthermore, the concept of "witch vibes" has emerged as a popular cultural phenomenon. Witch vibes are characterized by embracing elements of mystique, independence, and non-conformity. It is an aesthetic that promotes individuality, self-expression, and empowerment. The combination of thick thighs and witch vibes represents a fusion of body positivity and a rebellious spirit. It symbolizes the ownership of one's body and defying societal expectations. This combination encourages individuals to embrace their body type and reject societal pressure to conform to narrow and unrealistic beauty standards. The thick thighs and witch vibes movement has gained momentum through social media platforms, where individuals share their experiences, stories, and fashion choices. Fashion and beauty brands have also recognized the need to cater to this growing demand, offering a wider range of clothing options that celebrate diverse body types and promote self-expression. Overall, the celebration of thick thighs and witch vibes represents a significant shift in societal norms and attitudes towards body image. It encourages individuals to embrace their natural bodies, be proud of their unique features, and challenge narrow beauty standards. This movement promotes self-love, individuality, and empowerment, creating a more inclusive and accepting society..
Reviews for "The Journey to Self-Love: Embracing Your Thick Thighs and Witch Vibes"
1. Emily - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really disappointed with "Thick Thighs and Witch Vibes". It promised to be a fun and empowering read, but it fell short in so many ways. The characters were shallow and one-dimensional, and I struggled to connect with any of them. The plot was predictable and lacked originality, following the same tired tropes of other young adult fantasy novels. Overall, I found it to be a forgettable experience, and I wouldn't recommend it to others looking for a captivating and well-written book.
2. Daniel - ★★☆☆☆
I had high hopes for "Thick Thighs and Witch Vibes" after hearing some positive buzz, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype for me. The writing style felt amateurish, with clunky dialogue and inconsistent pacing. The protagonist, who was supposed to be relatable and empowering, came across as overly self-centered and lacked depth. The world-building was also lackluster, leaving me with more questions than answers. While the concept had potential, the execution lacked the finesse needed to make it an enjoyable read.
3. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
As a fan of both fantasy and body positivity, I was excited to dive into "Thick Thighs and Witch Vibes". However, I was disappointed with the execution. The story had a scattered plotline that seemed more focused on pushing a particular agenda rather than crafting a compelling narrative. Though the idea of celebrating diverse body types is commendable, it felt forced and superficial within the context of the story. The characters lacked depth and the dialogue was often cringe-worthy. Overall, this book didn't live up to my expectations and failed to deliver a satisfying reading experience.