Summer offers a lot of delicious benefits: longer evenings! Beach days! Daily ice cream! But for many of us, it can bring an added layer of self-consciousness, especially if we tend to run a little warmer. Whether you’re out jogging, dancing or literally just lounging in the backyard, feeling sweaty can sometimes knock confidence just when we want to feel our freest.
That’s where Dove comes in. If, like us, you’re a long-time fan of the iconic beauty bar, you’ll know this is a beauty brand that’s long championed real women and real bodies.
After new Dove research found that 40 per cent of women hold back from activities due to worries about body odour and sweat, and 54 per cent are concerned about chafing and irritation, the beauty brand is encouraging women to feel confident baring it all with the launch of its Whole Body Deodorant range. Designed to protect and care for more than just underarms, the range supports women in moving, living, and sweating comfortably from head to toe. Read more about the new range here.
To celebrate, Dove teamed up with the Royal Family Dance Crew — people who know a thing or two about movement, confidence and sweating without shame. The crew stars in a new choreographed video set to Dove’s original track with artist and producer Chika, a bold rework of Khia’s My Neck, My Back, now renamed Let Your Body, Body. The message is to let your body exist, fully, without edits.
@theroyalfamilydancecrew Let your body BODY @dove ♬ original sound – officialroyalfamilydancecrew
Royal Family Dance Crew leader Teesha Taulepa says the idea behind “body, body” is simple — but powerful.
“To me, ‘body, body’ means letting your body exist fully — moving, sweating, taking up space and being seen without apology,” she says. “It’s about existing as your whole self. As long as you feel happy and free, nothing else really matters.”
Dove continues to champion confidence through its Real Beauty Pledge, portraying diverse women in its campaigns as they are in real life, with zero digital distortion and all images approved by the women featured.
“It allows us to see ourselves reflected as something beautiful, just as we are,” says Teesha. “Seeing real women, real bodies and real movement reminds us that beauty isn’t a standard to reach. It already exists within us.”
We caught up with Teesha to talk confidence, joyful movement and how to show your body a little more kindness, especially on the days when it’s harder to feel good.
Do you have a message for women who might be hesitant to participate in joyful movement (such as dance, yoga, or any other activity) due to a lack of confidence or fear of getting sweaty?
“You don’t need to look a certain way to move your body. Sweat, awkward moments and trying something new are all part of it. Movement is about how it makes you feel, not how it looks. You deserve joy in your body exactly as it is — sweat is a sign of effort, not embarrassment.”
Dancers push their bodies hard. How do you maintain a positive relationship with your body on tough days?
“On tough days, I lean on my special people and let myself slow down when I need to. I prioritise self-care and remind myself to stay grateful — grateful that my body allows me to move, express and do what I love. That mindset helps me treat my body with kindness, not pressure.”
What are five simple things that everyday women can do to feel more confident in their bodies?
- Be kind to yourself. Speak to yourself the way you’d speak to a friend — your body deserves compassion, not criticism.
- Move if you can, rest if you need to. Confidence isn’t only about exercise; it’s about listening to your body and giving it what it needs.
- Wear what feels good. Clothes that make you comfortable and happy can instantly boost confidence.
- Celebrate the small things. Notice what your body does every day — carrying you, creating, or simply being there. Gratitude builds confidence.
- Limit comparison. As the saying goes, comparison is the thief of joy. Social media and other people’s bodies don’t define you — focus on your own journey.
Dove Whole Body Deodorant range
Dove Whole Body Deodorant Stick
RRP $15.99 from retailers
Compact and easy to pop in your bag, this deodorant stick is designed for use all over the body — including underarms, chest and thighs. With targeted application and a gentle, sensitive-skin-approved formula, it’s perfect for everyday confidence on the go.
Dove Whole Body Deodorant Cream
RRP $13.99 from retailers
A nourishing addition to the range, this cream deodorant glides on clear and is ideal for areas like the chest and thighs. Gentle and non-invasive, it delivers long-lasting odour protection while caring for skin.
Dove Whole Body Deodorant Spray
RRP $11.99 from retailers
This invisible spray provides all-day odour protection and makes it easy to reach areas like the back, feet and beyond. Dermatologically tested and suitable for sensitive skin, it features odour-fighting actives and fresh, uplifting scents.
Learn more about Dove’s whole-body confidence solution at https://www.dove.com/nz/deodorants/wholebodydeo.html.
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