b'En Pointe .Its Easy to Judge.Its More Difficultto Understand.by Anna CookePhotography by Laura Allen StudiosDance to the beat of a different drummer. Strive to be unique and creative. Childrenhear this all the time in school. Adults are reinforced with these directives throughouttheir careers and relationships. Above all, be ourselves, were told. Yet, how many of ushave been judged as soon as we show our true colorswhether its the way we dress, ouroccupational choices, who weve fallen in love with, or the way we wear our hair? Howmany opportunities do we miss to meet and connect with someone amazing simplybecause of some preconceived notions?Sitting behind the bars of a kennel, shelter dogs are judged just for beingthere,throughnofaultoftheirown. ThattheremustbesomethingMyth: Shelters are full behaviorally or physically wrong with the dog is a common mispercep-tion. Judged by their looks and a perceived behavior, these dogs areof dogs with behavior overlookedstereotypically deemed the unadoptable ones.The publicissues. Reality: The number is told black dogs are harder to adopt because they dont show well.Block-headed looking dogs, such as pit bulls, pitties or pit-bull typeone reason for owners dogs, are lumped into a dangerous dog category. Some shelter direc-surrendering their dogs tors have gone so far as to make the irresponsible statement that thesetypes of dogs are not what the public really wants to adopt, justifyingis moving. killing them.How many opportunities do we miss to connect with an amazing dog simplybecause of way they look; because weve failed to take the time to understand?In the world of dance, the challenges to be labeled perfect as a dancer, and to fit thiscriteria of the beauty standard, include having a slim hourglass figure, flawless skin andhair, and an overly-optimistic attitude in the face of challenges. The issues that plaguethe dance world often cause dancers to develop a hatred of themselves and resentmenttowards the art they once loved. Teachers play a crucial role in structuring dance classesand do not always consider the detrimental effects of their words. Azara Ballet in Sarasota, Florida, has set the stage to create a more diverse and inclu-sive environment for all dancers. In an art form that has historically been unwilling toacknowledge body positivity, and diversity in race, gender and beyond, Azara Balletsmission is to inspire joy, foster unity, and promote mental health through the universallanguageofdance. Wefeltaninstantconnectionwiththemwhensearchingforapartner to help us create our photographic essay on the shelter dogs at HillsboroughCounty Pet Resource Center. Who better to partner with to help elevate the image ofshelter dogs than a dance company that is opening doors and opening minds to less judg-ment and more understanding?24 THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com'