November 2017

Fun fact: having a vagina is hard.

If it's not the lawmakers trying to legislate what we do with our bodies, it's ridiculous pressures to make our vaginas "smell good."

If it's not those ridiculous pressures, it's the periods we certainly did not sign up for. Bleeding for days is bad enough, but then we have to make sure we have money to buy tampons? No wonder women of a certain age called it "the curse" (shout-out to Iris editor Mary...). 

I’m not one to hide the fact that I’m on my period. “Feminine hygiene products,” in all their shrouded mystery, are really just a necessity. This isn’t always the mode of thinking. The start of menstruation is classically hailed as the day a girl becomes a woman; it is also the day she starts to hide this womanhood. From the moment we are labeled women, we learn that the supposed “essence” of womanhood is a taboo for everyday conversation. We discreetly slip tampons or pads into shoes, waistbands, or sleeves before heading to the bathroom during class.

Do you know that feeling when someone starts talking, and you can immediately tell that they’re brilliant, and you’re instantly captivated? This feeling doesn’t happen very often, but it’s a wonderful surprise every time it does.

BREAKING NEWS: it's not always great to be a woman. Shocking, huh? I could make a list of a quite a few things that tend to make womanhood seem more like a curse than the blessing.

I wanted to find out why the University Salsa Club opted for an all-female dance premiering at its upcoming Salsa Showcase. I sat down with current students, Claire and Jaqui, to explore how Salsa Club balances the sensuality of dance with consent and safety, and how it promotes body positivity and confidence. The University Salsa Club is a student-run contracted independent organization at UVA in Charlottesville, VA. 

Nicky: So guys. Get in here. Introduce yourselves. How long have you guys been a part of salsa? When did you join and why?

I played basketball throughout high school and middle school, and before that I played on travel teams and in intramural leagues, and before that I played in my cul de sac with my two older brothers and dad. Basketball was a big part of my identity, something that shaped me and helped me grow.

I’ll admit it: I bought a comfort colors Bicentennial shirt. I took one of those free clear bags with the "200" logo emblazoned on the side. I like the idea of being a part of something that’s been around for so long, in a place of education and discovery, with peers who are as interested in knowledge as I am. It’s easy to buy into the huge celebrations UVA is hosting. The Bicentennial launch ceremony was obviously a success, with the huge turnout, and the long, impressive set list that performed that night.