In a city as big as Toronto, finding a dance and fitness studio is as easy as doing a quick Google search and finding at least three nearby.
But finding the perfect facility that is also inclusive and makes you feel appreciated, not tolerated, is sadly a different story, especially if you don’t fit into society’s standards of what someone “in shape” should look like.
That’s why Natalie Borch, owner of The Pink Studio, is on a crusade to give everyone the body confidence they need, and deserve.
Now Toronto had the opportunity to step into Borch’s world, which is a vibrant pink-coloured studio on The Danforth, to get a glimpse of what inclusivity feels and looks like.
Borch is a speaker, advocate and body confidence expert who grew up practicing ballet and spent her teenage years and early adulthood dancing competitively at a high level.
However, she shares that her body changed in a world that wasn’t expecting of it, and she would eventually fall out of love for dance and take a step back for two decades.
“I didn’t feel like there was a space for me. I didn’t feel like I fit in,” Borch told Now Toronto.
Years later, she would find her way back to her first love and pay it forward.
In fact, the studio was born from her personal journey tackling body positivity and re-defining it for herself.
She dreamed of creating an atmosphere free from diet culture where everyone is welcomed and all bodies are celebrated.
“A lot of people [haven’t had] great experiences in traditional gym environments or yoga and dance studios. Historically, those spaces haven’t always been inclusive and people haven’t always felt welcomed,” Borch said.
“You don’t have to get in shape to go to the gym. We’re trying to heal those wounds that people might have around physical exercise,” she continued.
The Pink Studio offers a range of dance styles to get people’s bodies moving,including Ballet, Bollywood, Hip Hop and many more.
Borch believes catering to all types of people in a city as diverse as Toronto is essential.
“We offer a lot of different styles so that there’s something for everyone. And more importantly it’s all at a beginner level,” she said.
To schedule a class and start your journey, click here.
In recognition of Small Business Month, Now Toronto will be publishing stories throughout October to highlight small business owners across the GTA.
