Plus-Size Dancers Are A Real Proof That Everybody Can Dance | SHAKE MY BEAUTY

A group of plus-size dancers in New York prove size is no barrier to being a great dancer. When Akira Armstrong appeared in not one but two Beyonce videos, she thought she had hit the big time. But as a plus-size dancer she struggled to find regular work and, for a few years, even gave up on her dream of becoming a professional dancer. Determined to succeed – and give other fuller-figured women the opportunity to perform - Akira founded Pretty Big Movement, a plus-size dance group who train in New York City and have performed across the globe.

Pretty Big Movement is made up of eight core dancers who train together at least twice a week. The troupe also puts on monthly dance workshops in NYC that women of all shapes, sizes and ages can attend – no matter what their dance abilities. Most recently Pretty Big Movement has run an apprenticeship scheme for aspiring professional dancers. Together they hope to challenge the stereotypes that you can only be a good dancer if you are a size zero. Akira, who describes Pretty Big Movement as “her baby” founded the group 10 years ago and challenged the assumption that larger-sized women are unable to dance.

In a world where media constantly beats the ideas of what beauty “should” look like over the heads of the American population twenty four hours a day, it can be very difficult for women who do not fit that mold to truly be confident in who they are. Beauty is not limited to the size zero model women; everyone is beautiful and unique and should be treated as such. Our nation’s media and Hollywood scene portray that women should be a size zero with long blonde hair, fair skin, and a bit submissive. The world can sometimes be uncomfortable and unsupportive of strong, successful, confident women who are not “model size,” so groups such as these truly challenge those ideas.

These women are unbelievably inspirational to millions around the country. They relay a message of truth and confidence, which is certainly something that this country needs more of. This is especially true for our young generations. Young women growing up in this day and age desperately need to see and hear messages and women such as these beautiful people. They prove that being plus size is beautiful. Women all over the world will learn from these women to be themselves, to be confident in their own skin, and to not be afraid to stand up for what is right and what you believe in. When young girls are constantly taught to believe that they are not beautiful in their natural forms, it leads to monstrous issues with self-esteem and confidence. There is an epidemic of negative images and messages bombarding our youth, but these women are striving to battle all of that negativity.

These inspirational women have started a movement, and women across the world could not be more grateful that they are doing so!