Student Wellness Program aims to increase self-acceptance on CU’s campus
Beats, dances and powerful poetry dazzled the crowded Trilogy Wine Bar for the Body and Soul Expression event on Thursday.
The Student Wellness Program presented BASE to start the Body Awareness Month off with a big bang.
“[BASE] is a great event meant to kick off the Body Awareness month,” said Joe Long, a sophomore psychology major who is part of the Student Wellness Program.
BASE, along with the Body Awareness month, is a way to get people to love and accept the body. Its purpose is to increase awareness in eating disorders and body-image issues.
“CU has twice the number of anorexia nervosa cases than the national average for college campuses. It’s a major problem,” said Preston Garland, a sophomore biochemistry major who works with the Student Wellness Program.
The event was filled with works of poetry, dances and singers. The mix of art forms expressed the great things the body is capable of doing. Men and women of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds gathered around the dimly lit stage while artists shared their work.
“Even in this room, there is so much diversity. It’s a real eye opener,” said Bridget McFail, a sophomore pre-communication major.
The evening started with various poetry readings by Lauren Pierpoint and Cindy Cabrales. Then it moved to a slideshow from the Boulder Youth Body Alliance followed by a dance by Liz Brent and Megan Quinn.
The mood was alive when Andrea Gibson and Katie Wirsing hit the stage with their powerful poetry. Their half-hour performance was a huge highlight of the night. They performed compelling poems of identity, sexuality and strength.
The high energy kept moving through the room as Motion Underground took to the floor. Motion Underground is known for its innovative break dance routines. The crowd clapped along to the beat as the dancers twisted and jumped across the floor.
The mellow performances of On The Rocks A Cappella and Tracy Shapiro were a nice contrast to the Motion Underground. The night ended with one final dance from Motion Underground.
“Events like this get people talking. It brings about change,” said Liz Oesterle, a sophomore psychology major. “It’s a great opportunity to hear women’s voices and performances.”
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Dana Silva at dana.silva@thecampuspress.com.
