Oti Mabuse, aged 34 and formerly a professional dancer and cast member of Strictly Come Dancing, has publicly disclosed that she has endured a longstanding and adverse relationship with her body image, which she characterizes as “toxic,” arising in substantial part from her professional experiences within the dance industry.
Ms. Mabuse, who voluntarily exited her role on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 following a seven-year tenure, has acknowledged that the process of establishing a healthier and more constructive self-image has been, and continues to be, an evolving journey. She further stated that an integral aspect of this progression involves accepting the physical changes she has undergone—specifically, that she no longer maintains the form typically associated with professional dancers—particularly in the aftermath of experiencing both personal fluctuations and the recent birth of her daughter.
In an interview with Prima magazine, Ms. Mabuse elaborated upon the psychological and emotional complexities surrounding body image within the context of professional dance, as well as her transition into motherhood. She also alluded to the potential of re-engaging with Strictly Come Dancing in the future.
Reflecting on formative influences, she noted: “Growing up, I was under the impression that the highest-performing dancers were invariably the thinnest, which led to the belief that professional success was inherently tied to attaining a particular body type. This perception was not exclusive to Latin and ballroom dancing, but pervasive across the dance profession.” She further observed that such industry norms foster a systemic and detrimental mindset among dancers, adding, “We consequently develop a highly toxic relationship with our bodies, whereby even weight loss is met with pronounced external validation—such as remarks like, ‘Oh my gosh, she looks so good.’”#newsafro_
