@danceteachermb: Apparently, I don’t have the “right body” to be a dancer. So, let’s talk about it. 🤎 Today, someone decided to comment on my body during a TikTok Live and tell me I was too big to be a dancer. What they didn’t know was my story. They didn’t know about my past struggles with an eating disorder or how hard I’ve worked to build a healthier relationship with food and my body. And that’s exactly why I think this conversation is so important. I am a plus-size woman. I am also a dancer, dance educator, choreographer, and judge. My body size does not invalidate my training, experience, abilities, or love for this art form. I think we have a long way to go when it comes to body image and representation in the dance industry. I want the next generation of dancers to know that they don’t have to fit one specific body type to belong in a studio or on a stage. And if sharing my story helps even one dancer feel more confident in their own body, then it’s worth sharing. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Have you ever felt pressure to look a certain way in the dance industry? What do you think we can do better? Let’s have an open, honest, and respectful conversation. Everyone has a story, and I hope we can remember that before commenting on someone else’s body. #DanceCommunity #BodyImageInDance #DanceEducator #DancersOfAllSizes #DanceTeacher
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Region: US
Friday 23 October 2026 21:00:00 GMT
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Triscuit that Buiscuit :
I loved hearing this story, i definitely struggled with this when I was still dancing! you are so strong and i miss you so much as my teacher! love you M!
2026-10-24 12:06:06
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Jessa Lynn :
Excuse me…. They said what now? I’m gonna need this persons info I’d like to have a talk with them 🤬
2026-10-24 04:44:08
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Hannah Shouse :
I am so sorry that this comment was made to you, but I am so proud how you were able to shift the perspective of this situation to advocate for yourself and for other dancers. You are such a fantastic dancer with a quality of movement and passion that can’t be taught! Your dancers are so blessed to have you in their lives! LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!
2026-10-24 04:42:25
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izzy :
One of my biggest inspirations. I love you always.💗💗
2026-10-24 04:15:50
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Julie Gallagan :
I am so sorry that happened to you. You are beautiful just as you are! Any “body” that wants to dance is a dancer’s body!
2026-10-23 22:42:01
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Val :
Thank you SO much for sharing this !! Having been in the dance/cheer world for years, I have seen this alot. The phrase "kids are mean " can be so true. But on the flip side where are those "mean" kids learning that stereotype from? I hope that they are not learning that at home, and I pray they arent hearing that from a coach that they have had. Of course there is always that random mean person that thinks that skinny is the only way to be and is mean or makes fun of those that dont look like them. In our world today that skinny stereotype is praised, all you have to do is turn on your tv, pick up a magazine or be on your phone.
You are an amazing Coach and we are thankful for the time we were blessed to be with you. Keep being you and please keep making these dancers feel that they belong on that dance floor and they are beautiful, no matter what body type they are. We miss you 🩷
2026-10-23 22:57:57
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Meeaa :
Same here. And yes!!!!! I could go on and on about this topic. You can dance no matter your weight,size,color,gender. Love you!!!! ❤️🙌🏻
2026-10-23 22:22:27
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Angel Soft Life Jrny🪷🧩🎲🦝 :
As a dancer and a dance mom, I agree with you. There is no such thing as a “dancer body”. I love to dance, but when I was a child I was always told that I could never be a dancer because I was thick. So I never followed that dream. My daughter loves to dance and I reassure her that she is pretty and amazing just the way she is. She is five. She is in ballet, jazz and tap.
2026-10-23 22:45:18
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The Taj Collective :
Gorgeous yea this morning was horrible with that guy
2026-10-23 22:29:57
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Casey | UGC Mom | Homeschool :
GIRL. Let me at em 😤
2026-10-23 22:30:44
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Hannah G :
I’m sorry you had that interaction. You addressed this with so much grace, strength, and wisdom. You are one of my favorite dancers ever. You are such a wonderful advocate for dancers and for what dance is all about!!! Thankful for you! LOVE YOU SO MUCH!
2026-10-24 01:00:51
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caroline🌻 :
aww i’m so sorry Miss Makayla! You’re amazing just the way you are💗
2026-10-23 21:52:29
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The Taj Collective :
Ur lashes came out amazing. My nap was great
2026-10-23 22:30:30
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caroline🌻 :
as a dancer, I at times have felt like my body wasn’t necessarily a “dancers body” but I’ve learned to not compare myself to others and love my body the way it is
2026-10-23 22:04:31
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