Latest news with #womensempowerment
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Dance class with very eye-catching name is BANNED by Utah rec center
A dance fitness class with a cheeky name and a loyal following has been shut down indefinitely by city officials in a conservative Utah town. The cancelling of Dirtylicious Dance Fitness classes has sparked a fierce backlash, a flood of complaints, and accusations that the city Provo is 'silencing' women's empowerment all under the guise of morality. The classes are a high-energy, choreography-driven workout designed to help adults, especially women, reconnect with movement, confidence, and community. The Provo Recreation Center has hosted the increasingly popular classes for the last three years with four sessions running a week because of the strong demand, but that all came to a sudden halt last month. In a June 23 email, the city notified Erica Tanner the program's founder, CEO, and who also lives in Provo, that Dirtylicious was being permanently removed from the schedule. 'We've decided to move in a different direction that aligns with our current goals in programming,' the center's management wrote bluntly. But what started as a generic programming update quickly morphed into something far more contentious. Tanner, who launched Dirtylicious in 2019 with co-founder Chelsey Curtis, said the decision came without warning and without any clear justification. 'It was not just devastating but deeply unjust,' Tanner said to KSL. 'We asked for specific examples of what they didn't like or specific dance moves. We asked what policies the instructors broke or what parameters were inappropriate. We asked many times for clarification … and it was discovered there was nothing they could reference,' Tanner said. 'They were pretty much asking our instructors to abide by policies that had never been created and our instructors had never been made aware of.' City officials eventually clarified how a man had watched an old promotional video shot at the rec center, taken issue with the content, and filed a complaint. That in turn triggered a review by Provo staff, who decided the choreography didn't align with the city's 'moral standards' and 'family-friendly values.' 'What started out as a really good fitness-focused class gradually became more content, which involved adult-natured moves,' said Cathy Smits, the recreation center's programming director. 'That did not align with our family-friendly facility codes and standards for Provo City. 'I believe the decision to discontinue the class is both appropriate and reasonable.' Tanner maintains the classes remained appropriate for the audience who are all adults aged 18 and above and that it was in line with other dance or fitness classes at the rec center. 'Why was Dirtylicious singled out when we follow the same norms, same standards, same unwritten policies as other city-sanctioned fitness programs?' Tanner asked. 'The lighting, the music, the choreography - it mirrored what's already happening in other classes.' At its core, Dirtylicious is an empowering, beginner-friendly dance fitness format that blends the physical intensity of a workout with a performance. Each class teaches a short 30-second routine, carefully broken down for students, and emphasizes posture, control, and self-expression. 'Many adults used to dance when they were younger,' Tanner said. 'We're reclaiming that. You don't stop being expressive or joyful just because you're older. And that's what Dirtylicious does - it brings back that confidence.' No prior experience is needed, and classes routinely attract women in their 20s to their 60s - many of them moms, professionals, or women looking for a safe and supportive space. 'For a lot of women, especially mothers, this was the only adult interaction they had all day,' Tanner said. 'It wasn't just a workout. It was a lifeline.' Since the cancellation, Provo's rec center has faced a barrage of online criticism. Dozens of one-star Google reviews have been left accusing the city of censorship, sexism, and hypocrisy. 'I am extremely disappointed in the Provo Rec Center with their recent decision to remove their extremely popular class,' one woman wrote. Another added: 'This class provided a safe, empowering space for adult women to connect, build confidence, and enjoy a physically healthy form of self-expression.' 'Dirtylicious quite literally changed my life,' said another. 'It was a place where I could dance, laugh, sweat, and feel seen.' An online petition demanding the class's reinstatement has gathered more than 500 signatures in a matter of days. Meanwhile, Dirtylicious members are canceling rec center memberships and urging others to call city officials and protest. 'It has been so wild. I'm talking hundreds of women and men are speaking out, memberships are being canceled, reviews are being posted,' Tanner said. 'The outcry is real because Dirtylicious Dance Fitness meant something to these people.' 'This is about fairness,' she went on. 'Provo says it's inclusive. But when a class that celebrates confidence, fitness, and sisterhood gets shut down - without transparency - that tells a different story.' Tanner said she and her instructors repeatedly asked for clarification and offered to revise their routines or adjust to written guidelines but no such advice has been provided and all offers have been rejected. 'They told us we broke rules that didn't exist,' Tanner explained. 'How can you follow rules that are unwritten?' City officials have since hinted that Dirtylicious might return, if the choreography is modified. 'We're working with the owners of Dirtylicious to see if they would be able to modify the content,' Smits told Fox 13. But Tanner has said that it directly contradicts what was said to her behind closed doors. 'They told us in an email that Dirtylicious classes are officially canceled forever.' she said. 'We want to collaborate. But we need fairness. And we need clarity. 'We built something vibrant and powerful here in Provo and I won't let it disappear quietly. This is about giving people - especially women - a voice, a place, and a stage. We're not done.' Dirtylicious continues to operate in gyms and studios across Utah, with additional classes in Arizona, Hawaii, Texas and Florida.
Telegraph
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Even Barbie wears flats now, but I'm pushing myself to wear heels
Picture a Barbie and you'll most likely imagine a blonde doll wearing a pink dress and high heels. It might be Margot Robbie that springs to mind, given that she starred as the toy in Greta Gerwig's phenomenally successful and extensively marketed 2023 film. One of the most memorable moments of that box office hit was Robbie's Barbie experiencing an existential crisis when she finds that her feet, designed at an angle to slot into heels, are flat on the ground. It turns out that the shift has been happening to the doll in real life as well. A recent study of nearly 3,000 Barbies released over 65 years, led by podiatrists in the UK and Australia, has found that familiar high-heeled versions have gradually given way to flat-footed incarnations. The emergence of Barbie's more 'sensible' footwear options coincided with the doll's burgeoning employment opportunities, which have included everything from football player to president. Beyond Barbieland, there's been a wider move away from heels, often with women's empowerment front of mind. On the Cannes red carpet, a longstanding (though unwritten) rule that required women to wear heels triggered high-profile protest, from Julia Roberts going barefoot to Kristen Stewart removing her Louboutins mid-carpet. Airlines have also come under scrutiny for outdated footwear regulations; who could forget the scrapped Norwegian Air policy that required female flight attendants to wear heels of at least two centimetres unless they had a doctor's note? The relaxation of these archaic rules has not only felt liberating, it's also given rise to one of the prevailing trends of recent years: the triumphant return of women's flats. From Alaia's cult mesh pumps to M&S tie-up 'ballet teacher' styles, it's a resurgence that has crossed the spectrum from high-end to high-street. 'The rise in popularity of flats reflects a broader shift in fashion priorities, favouring comfort and understated luxury,' says Net-a-Porter's fashion director, Kay Barron. 'We are seeing more designers continue to reimagine the flat, with updated takes on classics such as loafers, jelly shoes, fisherman sandals and vintage-inspired trainers becoming increasingly desirable – even more so than heels.' Factor in the hangover of lockdown fashion and surprise success of 'ugly-chic' brands like Birkenstock, Ugg and FitFlop and it feels like the death knell for high heels has been sounding for a while now. Many – not least podiatrists – will applaud their seeming demise. And yet, there remain certain undeniable truths: heels look elegant and dressy at any age, and their leg-elongating powers remain, as yet, unrivalled. So is it time to dip a toe back into this almost forgotten world? As a 5ft10ish woman, heels have always been an unattractive prospect for me. But lately I've found myself perversely drawn to them – not reliable blocks but good old-fashioned stilettos and kitten heels. It might have been watching Sarah Jessica Parker in the new series of And Just Like That in a glamorous stampede of Manolo Blahniks, a covetable Carrie Bradshaw trademark. Or noticing that the Princess of Wales is rarely out of nude pumps of late, with Ralph Lauren's caramel-hued Celia style and Gianvito Rossi suede slingbacks dominating her current rotation. For those of us without royal engagements to attend or Manhattan avenues to roam, it can still be fun to dabble in heels. Not to comply with draconian dress codes, but simply to make any outfit feel a touch more fabulous. As for how to take that tentative first step, there are certain pearls of wisdom to bear in mind. 'Ultimately, being able to walk comfortably and confidently is key to looking good,' say Coco Fong and Valerio Bava, co-creative directors of Malone Souliers, a female-founded footwear brand known for surprisingly comfortable high-heeled designs. 'We always encourage trying on shoes in different sizes, and being open to sizing up if your feet are prone to swelling in heat.' Another tip they share is to look for certain design details, including subtly flared heels and diagonal straps: 'These can make a huge difference in the comfort and stability of the shoe, as well as helping to elegantly frame the foot.' Florence Dowley, who founded her own footwear brand, Florrie, having been told that comfort was irrelevant in her previous heel design jobs, has a more surprising tip. 'Balance is really important,' she says. 'The best way to check a shoe's balance is by tapping the back. If it wobbles a bit but then steadies itself, it's well balanced. If it wobbles a lot or even falls over, it isn't. If you walk in a badly balanced pair of shoes your feet and body will have to compensate.' Braced to tap and strap, it also feels prudent to start small and work your way up in the business of reclaiming heels. For me, this meant a pair of Reformation black kitten heel mules that I had relegated to the back of the wardrobe, having found them surprisingly difficult to walk in despite their relatively meagre height. The first few minutes of wear – spent racing across Paddington station to catch a train – were a nightmare, but by the end of the evening I'd worn them in and felt confident wearing them again a few days later. Top, £58, Reformation; Satin trousers, £85, Cos; Kitten heels, £195, Bobbies; Necklace, Marla Aaron Then, it was time to reach greater heights in stilettos. I tested the water by wearing a pair with jeans, which felt pleasingly retro. Then I wore some out to dinner, a fun experiment and easy entry point - just so long as reaching the restaurant doesn't involve too much walking. If it does, Malone Souliers is a safe bet in the comfort stakes. Hemp shirt, £120, WNU; Jeans, £185, Paige; Heels, Malone Souliers; Earrings, YSSO The final hurdle was wearing a pair to a wedding, which was made surprisingly easy by a comfortable style from Russell & Bromley featuring ankle straps to provide security befitting a novice like me. Did I keep them on when the time came to hit the dance floor? Not a chance. Was it nevertheless fun to leave the flats at home and take back the heel, just for the day? Absolutely.
Daily Mail
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
George Clooney and wife Amal look delighted as they meet the King's Trust Award winners and chat away with His Majesty at Buckingham Palace
George Clooney and wife Amal were in good spirits on Wednesday as they attended the King's Trust Award at Buckingham Palace. The Hollywood icon, 64, and his human rights lawyer wife, 47, dressed to impress as they attended the reception celebrating the winners at the palace. George and Amal couldn't contain their smile as King Charles III chatted away to the couple before greeting guests. The actor cut a dapper figure in a grey suit which he teamed with a matching open collar shirt. Meanwhile Amal made sure to turn heads in a black off the shoulder gown which she teamed with towering heels and a gold clutch. The Clooneys have long supported the work of The King's Trust, formerly known as The Prince's Trust. The Amal Clooney Women's Empowerment Award, launched in 2019 with the Trust, celebrates the achievements of inspirational female youngsters around the world. Amal posed in a snap with Alice Ngitira who was nominated for a King's Trust award for her work with young people and her dedication to overcoming mental health challenges. She was recognised for her crafting workshops which she developed when she was hospitalised. Barrister Amal is known for her work defending women's and human rights issues across the world, while her and George co-founded the Clooney Foundation for Justice back in 2016. The non-profit organisation focuses on defending human rights, particularly free speech and women's rights, by providing free legal aid and advocating for policy changes. The King met with the winners of the eight UK categories during the day as well as the three winners of the three global categories ahead of the awards ceremony, which will be held at the Royal Festival Hall on Thursday. Also mingling with the royal was make-up mogul Charlotte Tilbury, who looked to enjoy a spirited chat with the royal, and national treasure Dame Joanna Lumley. Actor Joseph Fiennes, presenter Declan Donnelly, Fearne Cotton, Rosie Huntingdon-Whiteley and members of girl group the Sugababes were also present at the glitzy reception. The star-studded reception greeted a beaming Charles after he had appeared to enjoy the performance by The Herds, a group of life-sized animal puppets operated by artists at the event earlier this afternoon. The contraptions slowly made their way down a staircase in the Grand Hall before the Gorilla moved towards the King and held out its arm. The public art group are travelling from the Congo Basin to the Artic Circle, to raise awareness of humanity's bond with the natural world and the impact of climate change. They have just arrived in London ahead of a series of performances at landmarks throughout the capital this weekend.
Forbes
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
ITZY On What 10th Mini-Album, ‘Girls Will Be Girls,' Means To Them
ITZY "Girls Will Be Girls" Concept The expression 'Girls will be girls!' can mean anything, because girls can be anything. Girls can be powerful, sensitive, kind, loving, brave, fearful, logical, crazy, and many other things. For the K-pop powerhouse ITZY, 'Girls will be Girls' to them means strength, unity, and their bond as a team. It's why it's the title of their 10th mini-album, as well as the main track, out now. The quintet – Yeji, Ryujin, Lia, Chaeryeong, and Yuna – have embodied women's empowerment and confidence since their debut six years ago. 'Our message has been all about loving ourselves, and now, as we celebrate our 6th anniversary, it felt like the right moment to express the bond of being together,' says Yeji. 'We thought it would be a great opportunity to show the teamwork we've built over the past six years.' The team has achieved massive success together in the music industry. Their 8th mini-album BORN TO BE debuted at #2 on Billboard's World Albums charts and #5 on the Top Album Sales chart. Their 2nd World Tour for BORN TO BE had the group traveling across 18 countries, including the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Japan, the UK, and Australia. Last fall, their 9th mini-album, GOLD, became double platinum in Korea. In the U.S., the group had made appearances on MTV's Fresh Out Live, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and NYC's Head in the Clouds Festival. They continue to grow both domestically and internationally. 'I think our team itself was the biggest source of inspiration [for the new mini-album],' Lia says. 'We've become stronger and more solid when we're together, and I believe it all started from the bond we've built since our debut.' ITZY "Girls Will Be Girls" Concept Now that the single and EP are out, ITZY gave insight into their music, what it means to them, their growth over the years, and what to expect next. LAURA SIRIKUL: How are you guys doing? How have you been feeling lately? What have you been up to besides preparing the album? YEJI : We're happily preparing for our comeback. Since there are a lot of festivals and events in May, we've been making lots of memories by attending university festivals while also getting ready for our comeback. LIA: These days, I've been spending time preparing for our album, practicing, and managing myself to stay in shape for our comeback! On days when the weather is nice, I try to go out for a walk too. SIRIKUL: What can you tell me about the concepts (outfits, photoshoots, set design) from this EP? What story are you trying to say with this mini-album? YEJI : In the trailer, we showcased a lot of high-teen style outfits and aimed for a casual mood so that everyone could relate. In the music video, we created a sense of tension with a Mad Max-like concept to amplify the image of overcoming anything together. Through this album, we want to convey the message that all the time and effort we've put in as ITZY over the years was only possible because the five of us were together. And it was also thanks to all the people who helped us, [as well as] our MIDZYs who listened to our music and gave us love. It was all possible because all these people were made up as 'us.' LIA: In the teaser, we went for a more casual look — styles that we would actually wear in our daily lives — to better express the message of the album. For the title track, we went with a more charismatic and powerful concept. And for the B-side track, like 'Kiss & Tell,' the styling is more like something people our age would wear when going out and having fun during the summer! SIRIKUL: How does this EP represent this journey you've all been on as a group? RYUJIN : We tried to capture the feeling of continuously upgrading and evolving. CHAERYEONG: It's a song that suits ITZY as we are now, after being together for six years. It also carries the meaning that there's nothing we can't do as long as we're together, which makes it even more special. ITZY "Girls Will Be Girls" Concept SIRIKUL: What is your favorite song or lyric from the EP that you feel closely connected to? RYUJIN : This album's tracks are all so relatable and amazing. It is very hard to choose. However, the lyrics in 'Promise' are messages to our fans, which is probably why it stands out in my memory so much. CHAERYEONG: 'Girls Will Be Girls' is the song I'm most attached to! I feel like it really shows the strength and solidarity we have as a group. SIRIKUL: ITZY as a group has always been an embodiment/representation of [strong, badass women]. Who inspires you as an artist? RYUJIN: We're most inspired by our fans, who return the love and courage we give them many times over. CHAERYEONG: We ourselves are our biggest inspiration! We're always reflecting on who we are and imagining who we'll become in the future, constantly thinking about what new sides of us we want to show or express even more to our fans! SIRIKUL: YEJI, you were the first to release your solo album and videos. How has this experience helped you as a member of ITZY and on the EP? YEJI: After experiencing what it's like to do everything alone as a solo artist, I feel like I gained lots of experience during that period. And I think what truly made me happy was realizing that I could bring those experiences and improved skills back to ITZY as a member and use them to strengthen our album. ITZY "Girls Will Be Girls" Concept SIRIKUL: With the EP [now out], what are your plans – will we see another World Tour? Will there be plans for more solo albums from the others? CHAERYEONG: I can't share too much just yet, but I can say that after this album, our focus will likely be on preparing our next group album with the highest quality possible. We're committed to making sure that what comes next reflects our growth and teamwork even better! YUNA: Even after our album release, we plan to continue staying connected with our fans. While the next world tour hasn't been confirmed yet, we are always hoping to meet our fans! SIRIKUL: What message would you want to send to your fans aka MIDZY through your music? RYUJIN: We want to give back that courage and convey a range of emotions through the way we continue to grow and improve. YUNA: We want to share messages of comfort and courage with our fans through our music. ITZY's Girls Will Be Girls is out now.
Associated Press
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Dr. Obioma Martin Selected to Appear on ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX Network Affiliates as Guest on Times Square Today
NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, May 19, 2025 / / -- Dr. Obioma Martin, international speaker, transformational trainer, 8x Amazon bestselling author, and trailblazer in women's empowerment, has been selected to appear on Times Square Today, the nationally syndicated program airing on ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX network affiliates across the U.S. Hosted by Bob Guiney, Times Square Today features influential voices shaping industries and creating meaningful change. Dr. Martin's segment will showcase her groundbreaking work in advancing radical self-love, small business development, early childhood education, and purpose-driven leadership. 'Each guest we feature brings a story that can truly move people,' said host Bob Guiney. 'Dr. Obioma Martin is one of those rare individuals whose life and work are not only transformational but deeply inspirational. Her commitment to helping others rise—especially women—is something our audience will not soon forget.' As the visionary behind OMAX Institute, OmazingYou Publishing, and OMART Women Supporting Women, Dr. Martin is best known for her signature B.R.E.A.T.H.E. coaching method, which has helped nearly 20,000 women transform their lives since 2005—from welfare dependency to academic achievement, entrepreneurship, and emotional healing. She is a graduate of the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, a certified biblical counselor, ordained evangelist, licensed trauma expert, and holds an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy from UGCSI United Graduate College and Seminary International. Her international influence spans stages in the Bahamas, London, Dubai, Jamaica, Mexico, Kenya, Ghana, Zanzibar, and Paris, where she continues to speak into the lives of women, educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders worldwide. About Dr. Obioma Martin: Dr. Obioma Martin is a transformational coach, TEDx speaker, 8x bestselling author, educator, and internationally acclaimed speaker with a mission to help women heal, lead, and thrive. Through her signature B.R.E.A.T.H.E. coaching framework, she empowers women to overcome limiting beliefs, embrace radical self-love, and step fully into their purpose. With over two decades of leadership in early childhood education, nonprofit service, and small business strategy, Dr. Martin is a trusted voice in ministry and the marketplace. She is the CEO of OMAX Institute, OmazingYou Publishing, and OMART Women Supporting Women, a nonprofit supporting battered women and teen parents. She is also a certified biblical counselor, ordained evangelist, and proud graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. Her impact spans nearly 20,000 women since 2005 and includes speaking engagements in Dubai, Ghana, Kenya, Paris, London, Jamaica, Mexico, the Bahamas, and Zanzibar. Media Inquiries and Interview Requests: Dr. Obioma Martin Email: [email protected] Website: Instagram: @obiomamartin LinkedIn: Obioma Martin Ryan Ruff Celebrity Branding Agency +1 (321) 450-4239 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
