FAT SHAMED BALLERINA? *pointe shoe fitter reacts*

[@lisabartrum5978]

I danced from the age of 3 until 17. I was never skinny, always one of the bigger dancers. But I could absolutely keep up with everyone else. There are people like this EVERYWHERE, especially in the dance world that I was part of. It's soul crushing.

[@BESTOFBela]

This sounds just like me. I started when I was 2 and I’m 17 now, and still doing ballet. I’m going through a really rough time with it right now, what with nutcracker starting up.

[@GuineapigGuardian]

Thank you for this comment because I know nothing about the dance world, so being a typical human, I thought every dancer was skinny, slender, or at least svelte. I’m learning and thank you for being one of the teachers.

[@Pegasus-xv1qy]

Same. I’m a young dancer still but I started at age 2 all the way were I am now at age 11 it’s been a hard experience.

[@tmccabe72]

@PurpleBookShelf Classic If you are able to do what is required for the routine, should it matter if you are thin, fit, thick, or fat ? 🤔🤷🏾‍♀️

[@SwirlEye]

@@tmccabe72 this. thinness is not equal to fit and healthy, and fit and healthy is not equal to thinness. take a look at power lifters.

[@megcarpenter1837]

Yes. People are REALLY this mean. It’s why I quit dancing. And I was no where near Lizzy’s size. Lizzy is a inspiration to the highest level.

[@dogsBFF]

that's really sad that you went through that

[@rachelrocha8756]

Hey! Don’t quit on ur dream if u wanna be a dance be one! Do ur best, the girl/ ppl who were mean to u probably saw u were good in something they weren’t and out u down be there were uncomfortable. U go girl! ❤

[@Raeven.ann13]

Look, I know you ready quit, but for later knowledge and a reminder never stop following your dreams even if someone says to. ❤

[@deromilly]

yeah. It's why I quit and later switched to raqs sharqi. :(

[@serenosotello736]

The bad news is that, there are mean people everywhere, it is not unique to dancing.

[@maccifyme]

I did ballet for a year or so. The dance studio started a group for adult beginners, we were a bunch of older girls/ladies between the ages of maybe 16-60, and a guy in his mid 20s. One of the girls had danced a lot when she were younger, and even did en pointe, but she wanted to dance just for fun so she took that class with the rest of us. She was probably the only one looking like you'd expect your typical ballet dancer to look. The rest of us were older, or bigger, or weren't "pretty", or were the wrong gender etc. Me and one other girl had sh scars, and that was the first time ever I wore short sleeves around other people. I just LOVED that ballet class, and the people in it. Everyone was so supportive and respectful. And we all loved the art and took our dancing very seriously. Unfortunately, the teacher moved away and the new teacher were very popular among younger dancers and wanted to be "the cool teacher". Suddenly the class were full of younger teens, competing to be the prettiest. Gone were the strict dancing to classical music, and we were "making ballet more fun" by dancing to songs that you'd here at a club. Not my vibe at all, and I quit dancing. I still miss my ballet days though.

[@idioticbagel2833]

Aww I hate that it had to end but that class carried memories that none of y’all would forget

[@nicelliott1175]

As someone else with sh scars, I loved being in an adult ballet class because I could wear short/no sleeves and no one who mattered would think worse of me for it. I came from a different type of dance, and as a teacher, I always had to wear long sleeves so that kids wouldn't ask questions and I didn't risk their parents coming after me for unfounded reasons. Covering my scars for competitions or, worse, covering half-healed wounds with copious amounts of makeup (don't do it, it's both dangerous and interferes with healing, not to mention very painful) was crappy, but it was worth it to be able to dance. I haven't done ballet in a while, but reading your comment makes me want to sign up for a class. Thank you for reminding me that dance can be enjoyable, and with a good teacher, somewhere that I don't have to be ashamed.

[@heatherarneson3814]

I’m so glad you felt safe to wear what you wanted to. I haven’t worn anything without at least sleeves to the elbow for class in years… I want to, but I’m scared; and it’s complicated by the fact that I’m taking class sometimes with my daughter right now. But even in adult classes other places, I’m still too scared… Maybe someday… Thanks for being brave! And I hope you find another class sometime soon that you can enjoy!

[@tammygant4216]

I'm an adult dancer too and it has literally changed my life. In most of my classes, I am the "fluffiest" and the oldest (52), but ballet means too much for me to give it up; still going strong 5 years later. I hope you get another teacher soon too so you can get back to dancing.

[@notchamama7571]

This sounds amazing! I’m glad you had this experience! I wish we had access to a class like that.

[@mamaboocee]

My mom started ballet in her late 40s, and she was welcomed in every studio with open arms. She made it en pointe in her mid 50s. Dancing made her happy, it was a wish of hers to dance since she was a child. My grandparents couldn't afford it to pay for her the lessons when she was a child. It was just after the great depression and they could barely afford neccessities. She waited a long time to finally be able to take classes. She did it! RIP Mom! I know you are dancing in heaven!

[@evephelpsmarketing]

I love this. ❤️ Thank you for sharing.

[@milkystraw15]

That's so beautiful. Thanks for sharing her story ❤

[@hairyandagitj]

That is so beautiful to hear. Thank you for sharing.

[@illcomebacktohauntyou]

that’s very inspiring, she is definitely dancing in heaven ❤️🩰

[@piiinkDeluxe]

🖤❤

[@BunBun-nq9zl]

I went to a performing arts high school and there was this girl who I took generals with that was a plus size ballet dancer. I saw her perform for Jay term and she was beautiful on stage, she never let her size define her dancing abilities. I hope she's still out there dancing because she was incredible.

[@suzetteemberton4368]

My daughter is 14 and does competitive dance. She's very muscular, and there are a few exceptional dancers in her studio (as in, good enough to get scholarships and pursue dance professionally) who are plus sized. At a recent performance, someone in the audience near me made a rude comment about a dancer's weight right before her solo began, and my first thought, other than wanting to throw something at that guy, was "just you wait - this girl is amazing." She proceeded to do her trademark acro moves, including an aerial (No hand cartwheel), back flip, and a long handstand with several impressive leg positions... and she leaps like her legs are made of springs. There was an audible "holy s--t!" from rude guy....like he couldn't even comprehend that someone who isn't thin could do this. There are still some dance studios who weigh and measure all their dancers regularly. Ours only measures for costume fitting...and it's so beautiful to see how many different types of bodies belong to these incredible dancers.

[@BunBun-nq9zl]

@@suzetteemberton4368 that's so cool, thanks for sharing

[@sipi2009]

​@suzetteemberton4368 Wow that sounds inspiring and amaizing. I did ballet when I was really young, and it's been on my mind ever since. Is it possible to start ballet as a 22 year old trans man?

[@1witheredsoul]

​@@sipi2009 why wouldn't it be possible?

[@BagelsGirl]

​@@sipi2009YES!! You are INCREDIBLY young and people of all genders do ballet.

[@Zyra19]

It's not just fat shaming, it's gatekeeping and I will never understand it. I love sharing the things that make me happy and seeing other people love them too. Dance is something innately human, anyone can dance.

[@writetoabbey]

Gatekeeping is THE WORST, and you see it frickin' everywhere. JOY IS NOT A ZERO SUM GAME, Y'ALL! by sharing the things you love with others and inviting them in, it doesn't diminish the supply of awesomeness left for you. It does the opposite: it makes the thing you love bigger and more vibrant and more beautiful. But some folks can never seem to escape from this kind of greed-based scarcity mindset, or from the desire to lord themselves over other people, even if just in this smallest and most petty of ways. 😢

[@andynonymous6769]

You can fat shame and gatekeep at the same time

[@theoriginalsuzycat]

I believe the gatekeeping comes directly from the fact that ballet classes are still designed to turn out professional dancers, and the vast, vast majority of professional dancers (especially in ballet) have to fit into a very specific body type in order to do the work. That doesn't mean people can't dance for fun, or dance outside traditional forms. But if Lizzie was really dancing the role of Clara she would need a partner able to lift her, for example, and to dance in a professional company she would have to be a "useful" size and shape. It's not fair but it's truth.

[@Widdekuu91]

@@theoriginalsuzycat Not to mention, I hope she is aware that sporting with such weight on your knees will destroy your cartilage and that doesn't just grow back. So she is putting all effort in, to get not much in return. I know someone that wanted to lose weight quick and he'd "work through the pain" and push his body to the limit. That's not how you lose weight, that's how you destroy your muscles. Give them time to rest, that goes for anyone, but especially for people putting extra weight on their knees.

[@user-gu9yq5sj7c]

I get what you're saying, but not all gatekeeping is bad. There can and should be balance and at appropriate times, and not going to extremes in either directions. If there wasn't a bit of gatekeeping than all hobbies would be blurred beyond recognition. Then if there's no distinguish genres, how would Lizzie be about to do ballet? So it's hurting people like Lizzie too. I don't think Lizzie would want ballet to be blurred beyond recognition. So you can't really speak for Lizzie too. It's also double standards how some people get too much uptight and cry "cultural appropriation or inaccuracies" but then think it's ok to destroy preserving certain cultures. Ballet and European cultures are cultures too. You probably wouldn't come over and tell people to change their traditional Asian folk dance. Just cause people want to preserve cultures and skills doesn't mean they're all elitists, bullies, or exclusionary. I'm not. I think people, including fat people, should be allowed to do whatever. People should encourage fat people to or when they exercise. Just cause people do ballet doesn't mean they'll perform. I think some ballet people are too exclusionary and bullying to people.

[@litnut]

Yes, people are like this. I quit ballet in 3rd grade after four years of dancing because the girls were so mean to me. I think if I weren't an overweight kid I would have continued to dance much longer. I miss dancing.

[@marvelcat6756]

I'm so sorry :( Everyone deserves to dance, don't let those girls put you down. I'm praying for you :)

[@jesshall2808]

You should go back to what you dream

[@StormSongs7]

Gal, go after your dream. Don’t wait until you’re my age. 💜💞💝

[@clairethompson5549]

Same here.

[@brendastevens9077]

Keep dancing. U tube girl!!! Beautiful Kathryn Morgan videos and classes. Once you start, you will feel so happy you did.😊

[@Amberx-xf6qk]

the thing is that the ballerina bullying her isn’t actually that skinny, when i used to do ballet, people got bullied for being her size. not being rude or anything but its true

[@mayochupenjoyer]

same

[@djr7144]

Facts. I was thinking the same thing. The bully didn’t have a “ideal” ballerina body either.

[@isumr7480]

yeah, im maybe around the weight of the mean girl but a bit taller than average and i still felt so uncomfortable as i always had more muscle tone and thicker thighs. i wish things would progress in the ballet world more because it should be about technique and artistry not things that shouldnt make u any less of a dancer

[@mamamoma9238]

It’s Dhar Mann, there’s so much bullshit in his videos, dude often seems out of touch with reality, he surely doen’t know ballet either, so what else would you expect?

[@sherrimiller5258]

The girl “bullying” her is just an actress! I don’t doubt that she’s faced discrimination in dance as well. How do you not get that she’s not the actual bully?

[@MissGrimmKitten]

As someone who was bullied and fat-shamed her whole life, I can factually say that yes unfortunately there are people like these mean girls out there in the world. I thought I was the largest girl in my class, in my ballet classes, in my gymnastics, and at my school. looking back at photos of me when I was a kid, I was tiny!! But the bullies made me think differently..... even today...I struggle, but I am getting to a place of pure love for myself. Even sharing this small bit makes me so emotional, I hate knowing that people like this are out there.

[@jadranova9711]

What does it have to do with beeing mean?? Do we all have to fake that lots of blubby fat is very healthy and very beautiful??? Come on, be honest. Yes, a lot of people are way too fat. That doesn't make it okay !

[@jenswittgrefe6169]

Nobody said it is healthy in this case. Don't Mix it up. It tells a story that everybody can dance! And her able to jump that high! So, to tell you the trues, if I had this weight, I not sure I could even dance a quater of this she can. I start to feel very tired when I have 4 pounds more.. 🤪

[@debbylou5729]

I have an overweight sister. Everywhere she goes, she’s ’fat shamed’. …….in her mind. I’m 3 years older and took notice. No one was doing anything. It was in her mind and perception. Probably like 80%

[@DarlingDaintyfoot]

​@@debbylou5729 I am naturally very, very (very, lol) thin so I know it's not my place to say..... But.... lol. (I know people say "Saying "but" means "ignore everything I said before" so it always makes me laugh when I feel like it's coming across that way.) I think what you said is so true for most overweight people. I have seen other people looking at overweight people in a way where you know they're judging them, but I have never (ever) seen anyone treat overweight people like they do underweight people. People will literally walk up to me in the market to tell me that I look sick & need to eat... & that is not a one off thing, as during my whole _life_ . My old landlord asked me if I was bulimic once when I went to pay my rent... When I was a teen, I worked as a cashier at a convenience store & I think if someone were to count how often someone tells an underweight person they need to do something different so they look different versus how often someone told an overweight person (in that setting at least) that the overweight person would either be shocked or just ignore it & insist that they actually still have it worse somehow... Yes strangers "pretend to" care when a person looks severely unhealthy & one cannot compare a severely overweight person to a fit person but to a severely underweight person & the severely overweight person undeniably gets _way_ more of a pass on the judgement.... In my opinion that is...

[@em.21]

Wow. MissGrimmKitten I’m so sorry you experienced this. And also super sorry on behalf of some of the replies to your comment that lacked any empathy or attempt at understanding. I know the journey you’ve been in can be tough, but I’m glad you had the courage to share that comment and I’m so excited for you and your path to pure self love. You got this ❤️

[@shadow6380]

This gave me a lot of hope. When I was a kid I did ballet and gymnastics but quickly stopped due to not being confident or just being extremely self conscious. Now as a woman I’ve gained that love of ballet back but I’m overweight and very tall so it’s been hard for me to want to do it but this genuinely made me cry and gave me hope!

[@nicolautorgal9298]

I relate to that! I did figure skating for close to 3 years between 15 and 18, but then I quit due to being extremely self conscious... Didn't help that I got stage panic and screwed up one of my solo performances really bad IN FRONT of one of my country's champions. On top of that, I may not be overweight, but I am a man interested in these types of performances that are stereotypically feminine... I cant go back to figure skating, but figure skating kind of is ballet on wheels, so for the past year Ive been really wanting to try it out via adult beginner classes. I hope you do gain the courage and motivation to get back into it! You shouldn't let your height and weight discourage you! Last thing you want is to get to your deathbed and regret not having followed something you wanted out of anxiety, or because you thought you didn't have the right body to do something that makes you happy.

[@chilanya]

the story is very over the top but the experience is very real and relatable. i've been both thin and overweight. and i've always hated how people had different expectations of my skills based on how i looked. when i was heavier they were always kind of surprised seeing me dance. when i was skinny it felt like i got respect unearned, before even knowing what i could do.

[@minissa2009]

I must have seen an edited version of the video she's commenting on, but I have seen it and had the same reaction. I've never seen an open audition Clara cast from dancers this age. Usually a Clara at this age is already on pointe and has more demanding choreography than, say, the Clara at NYCB. If I'd been the teacher, I would have banned the mean girl the first time she opened her mouth. And I would have fired the dance store employee because this is not how you treat a customer if you want to stay in business. Plus I wish they'd shown people doing a little more dancing. From what little you see (a lifetime as a dancer and dance critic here), they're OK but not brilliant for their age. Is it realistic that you walk into an audition for anything more than a little school show and get told you're cast as Clara after 4 measures of an audition piece? Not in my experience. I felt for Lizzie, but I also felt manipulated.

[@nacharitomato9065]

I have also yo-yo-ed my weight drastically and had the same experience. When I was skinny, people would say I looked like I "played sports in high school" (I absolutely did not) and make other assumptions about having a long history of athleticism. Just a year or two later when I gained weight due to depression-driven over-eating people assume I'm not physically active. Like, once at running gear store, after overhearing a shop clerk invite a fit-looking customer to their weekly run I asked if I could also join. But when he invited me he elaborated "sure, we have people of ALL SIZES on our runs". I wasn't thinking about my size as a dis-qualifier until he said that...

[@chilanya]

@@nacharitomato9065 Oooff that sounds terrible. I hope you joined the weekly runs and could change their prejudices.

[@pinkversace187]

It’s not over the top the story actually happened to her in real life when she was younger.

[@user-gu9yq5sj7c]

@@minissa2009 I don't get why businesses won't just sell people whatever they want. What's it to them? Kinda off topic, but there's forums, many comments, and videos complaining about the mall acting the same. People have complained about a clothing store at the mall who tells fat people "this store isn't for you" the moment they walked it, and chased them away. I'm not sure, but I think it was Abercrombie. A mall employee refused to sell me lipstick cause she said "it wasn't my color". Well there's people who wear alternative or blue makeup. Mall employees wouldn't let me try the men's skincare. Some women use men's skincare from drugstores. If it works it works. Some people like that men's skincare is often lighter. I have more similar stories. Employees let men walk into Victoria Secret. I would like these things to change. I kinda avoid the mall now. The mall and ballet might be rich and fancy but can treat people poorly or have poor service. Two relatives and I walked into a restaurant (not at the mall) to check it out. When we found out it was expensive, we left. Then I overheard a employee there angrily say why did people dressed like us think we could afford this restaurant? Well I didn't know. That's why people check. What's the big deal? Wouldn't she want to increase the chances of potential costumers? Is she rich? Casually dressed people can be rich too. She smiled at us before. Was that fake? People are also discriminated against in other areas. Like "dressing too poor or casual". Sorry for ranting.

[@Always_wandering]

I quit ballet at the age of 14-15 when I was told by my teacher that I would never be able to do pointe. I was always a bigger dancer, but was being placed with the upper level girls. I was told that I was extremely talented, but did not have the body shape for it. Never mind that I was eating less than they were and dancing 3-4+ days a week with lyrical, jazz, modern, and ballet. It was so discouraging!

[@sakuragirl9648]

You are amazing I hope that you will go back to ballet and it's never too late and I am a big dancer but still I love dancing do what ever you want and don't mind the "body shape" and do what makes you happy and I just want you to know we are here to support you and support all dancers💗💗💗💗💗after all it's up to you💗💗💗💗and dance is for every body

[@catherinehastings2063]

My story too! Crap isn't it!

[@anitabuso4802]

Oh nooo I am so sorry for that! It must have been very hurtful. Just a heads up though, since going on pointe puts a lot of stress on the joints, it certaintly requires strong muscels in order to support the body safely, whatever body shape/size that is. I hope the intention of your teacher was not to shame you, but to protect you from possible injuries, which can be very serious if your body is not strong enough. I did ballet too, and quit when I begun Uni, but that was MY decision, not others... it should be yours too, and you should continue if you'd like to!

[@cayenigma]

I am sure there is somewhere a medical reason too, pointe dancing is very hard on the body, even without the extra pounds. I am a bigger girl too, with a bad ankle, and the right side is taking a toll when I walk...

[@Author.Noelle.Alexandria]

@@cayenigma Reality is, a larger girl can have better technique and muscle development and do better on pointe than a thin dancer with weak muscles and mad technique who is likely to break an ankle. Yes, extra weight can pose a challenge, but so can having bad technique. Pointe is really a case-by-case basis.

[@meister1210]

I first started ballet at 48 (3 yes ago), I started a class for absolute beginner adults. As a male with what was quite a bit of excess weight, I was expecting a lot of negative comments. The class I started was full of THE most amazing people, so I had nothing to worry about there. I did get a number of negative and abusive comments out of class, but just ignored them or gave back as good as I got. It was hard sometimes to ignore the mean and rude comments, but we need to do just that. Ignore them. I know that it is hard in may cases, but if we love dancing, be it ballet, ballroom or whatever, try not to let these sad people put us off what we love doing. As lots of us keep saying, "Keep dancing!" I can't imagine my life without dancing now.

[@elitinajero6829]

I cried watching this story. I bullied a couple times in my life and I feel so horrible for it. I am so proud of you Lizzy!!!! Keep at it!!!!

[@TechKitKat]

😊😊❤❤❤❤ I cried the whole time

[@ingrid5944]

I'm glad you were thoughtful enough to understand you were doing something wrong and stop it! ❤

[@ApollosObssession]

I love that you're shocked and in disbelief by peoples cruelty. It means you're pure in heart and it gives me hope that there are people out there that have only love and goodness in their hearts and toward others

[@shespeex8413]

As someone who at 5’9” was “sized out” of her opportunities in dance in the early 1990s, I completely relate. I do see changes happening in the world of dance, and we still have so far to go, especially within ballet. I would love there to be more choice in clothing for different shaped bodies, so more people feel welcome to attend classes of all types. I think this is a barrier to entry which can be easily corrected. I believe, changing the culture around the “dancers’ body aesthetic” to a conversation focused on health rather than looks is a much broader conversation that also needs to happen in the context of this discussion, too.

[@simbahunter8894]

I don't get it - there are many female dancers in all genres who are 5'9" and taller. NYCBallet alone has several who are 5'10". If you want to dance, dance. Lizzy's problem is not her height.

[@nickislade5533]

@@simbahunter8894wow and lizzys problem is not her weight but the arrogance of others

[@wuzadiva]

Same, my friend. I would like to hope that the world has changed from when we were children. I'm airways so pleased by the spirit that lives in the comment section here!

[@bethboyer4203]

@@simbahunter8894 do some research on Lizzie. She is an amazing dancer!

[@Asparagoose073]

Tattoos being a big one for me. As a kid my parents pulled me from dance due to financial reasons. As an adult, I'd love to go back, but they don't allow tattoos

[@lh8508]

As an overweight woman I have to admit it IS harder to do the physical stuff and more dangerous. HOWEVER, it costs nothing to be kind and encouraging.

[@VelverElixir]

I never understood shaming someone for something like this. If they’re overweight, why does it make sense to someone to literally shame them for doing exercise? You’re right that it is harder for those who are overweight, but exercise isn’t easy for anyone when you just start out. Why be rude when as you say, encouragement is free and can help someone be healthier.

[@FlashDance002]

I think all should be given a chance..weight has nothing to do with talent...im for inclusion..sadly tho some think they can't reprimand a bully um yes you can or remove them..I think at times bullies need to be removed if warnings and other consequences don't work and don't wait or it gets worse that mean girl has been likely bullying lizzy and others too for too long..I would have said no to her on giving her the main role cause it rewards her bad girl behavior

[@5Gburn]

I literally think of her toes, ankles, and tendons sustaining injuries. Now, can any ballet dancer sustain those injuries? Yes--and they do (mainly due to overuse). It's more probable in a heavier person at any given point in time, though.

[@GiselleKlara]

You’re very smart. I agree on being kind an encouraging but teachers also have to set limits. It’s not being cruel to tell someone they aren’t ready to do something safely.

[@EmL-kg5gn]

@@GiselleKlara Yeah but the way to judge that is by ability not weight. If someone’s technique is good and their body is handling what they’re already doing well then they’re ready for the next step if they want to take it! And minimising minority stress by all of us being a bit less judgmental is the main thing most of us can realistically do to reduce the stress on people’s bodies

[@ameliejourdan8670]

at 4 years old i wanted to dance ballet but the teacher told me i didnt have the body for dancing, i was 4. Since then i've always had an eating disorder. 2 years ago i started dancing again and i love it but this teacher sadly broke something in me that i still have to fight in every ballt class. I hope people that hold such power over little girls start being kinder, because ballet is so beautiful and everyone should be wellcome🤍

[@kierstinl3787]

Keep on fighting! Proud of you for keeping on!

[@candycottrell6469]

Don’t ever let someone have that much power over you or in your head.

[@joylox]

People don't realize how deep words can affect kids. I had family members make some unkind comments about my weight when I was 8 (and on the larger side) and then again when I was a teen and food intolerances made me lose a lot of weight (mostly muscle and people spread nasty rumors while I was struggling to do so much). I'm at a much healthier state mentally and physically now, but both those types of comments really affected me, and still do stop me from wearing certain things.

[@platedlizard]

Yeah that’s so wrong

[@smileyraw]

Was this at a progressional ballet school? They assess you and your genetics, it’s pretty normal.

[@Jeepgirlcj7]

As a child my mother insisted I take ballet and tap. I was not very coordinated at 11 and was painfully bullied. It was the worst experience ever. Good for Lizzy who didn't give up! She is so talented and such an inspiration!

[@kailyns8159]

I’m not a ballet dancer. I’ve never been a good dancer in any way. Though I find the art beautiful and would love to learn ballroom and belly dance. I stumbled upon this channel when your latest reaction to the AGT ballerina from Brazil showed up in my feed. I’ve never heard of this dancer, Lizzy, before but I know exactly what she’s been through if this is a true story. I was born with a rare liver disease that went undiagnosed till I was 4. I was a very active kid with great balance and a love of belly dance, but the medications I was on to keep me alive made me gain copious weight practically overnight. Before my meds, I was wearing a size S6x-aka 6 sizes smaller than a child’s small. I was tiny. After six months on my meds I was a 4 yr old shopping in the teen department. And this weight gain due to high dosage continued till I was 15 and weighed 250lbs. I wasn’t allowed to do recess or personal fitness until I was 14. Wasn’t allowed to ride a bike till I was 15. And wasn’t allowed to join a gym or have a personal trainer till I was nearly 30. Like Lizzy, I had a passion for performance. I wanted to be in musical theatre. I had a good voice, not phenomenal because I was young and barely trained, but certainly good enough to be a player in a musical performance at school. From the age of 4 to 18 I auditioned for everything musical. And without fail I was humiliated again and again because of my weight. “You won’t fit the costume” “This isn’t a part for a big girl.” “Belle wasn’t fat.” “Christine is supposed to be thin; she’s a ballet dancer.” Being told you don’t have a chance just because you’re a larger person is close minded. I could understand being turned away for my vocal chops-that did happen. But it was almost always a rejection based on my appearance. Especially in high school. By the time I graduated high school I was done believing I could be a part of musical theatre. In my 20s, I stopped singing altogether. And I have never had the courage to sign up for belly dance or ballroom because of how I was treated as I pursued my musical theatre dream. Today I’m 37 and I’m still large thanks to meds. And everyday I still deal with comments from people about my weight. It’s still just as devastating, just as emotionally draining, and just as frustrating as it always has been. Only now, my fight is gone. I’ve been struggling since March 2022 when I had a terrible liver flare up that almost killed me and they put me on ridiculously high dosages of my meds to stabilize my liver. I gained 70 lbs in 6 months! And suddenly I was over 300 lbs and diabetic (drug-induced, not genetic) and it’s all my fault?! So now they are yelling at me about my weight and making me go to all these weight-related appointments and treating me like I weigh this much and I’ve ruined my health because I don’t care. I’m sharing all this because I want to say Thank You to you for reacting to this video. I’d have never known it existed and would never have seen all these amazing comments otherwise. Your comment section, your video, and the video you’re reacting to have truly helped me tonight. So much was said that I needed to hear in this moment.

[@sheanaguthrie6021]

Oh sweet woman xx The world needs to hear you. Please if your health allows find a choir, a theatre group, something that brings your joy that you can celebrate your hard work. It will help greatly with your mental health and be a distraction from the physical health challenges you face. I get so annoyed when medical people and establishments use cookie cutter medicine then blame the individual when it doesn't work as they, the drs expected it to.

[@sophiaunicorn]

I started dancing ballet at 25 and have always been bigger. I was definitely always the biggest in any class I went to. And by bigger, like an Australian size 12-14 and 169cm tall, aka the average size and height of a woman in Australia. I ended up making so much progress that I was allowed to go en pointe for the first time after a year of classes. Tbh my teacher was extremely supportive and understood that I was strong enough and it wasn't about weight. I had characteristics about my dance that people loved like my port de bras, even if I wasn't the best jumper or the most agile. The other women were never outwardly mean to me about this, except for being shocked when I was complimented so much by the teachers all the time (behind my back, another story for another time haha)! However... I had a ballet progress Instagram account that ended up getting a fairly big following. Internet strangers would routinely bully me about my size, but I could brush those off pretty easily as just unhappy trolls who need to get a life. More hurtfully than the obviously nasty comments, I would get SO many comments about how "brave" I was or how people were shocked that I would have the courage to go into a class looking like I do and it was inspiring. These were meant as compliments but they were such back handed insults, and would really get me down. I always felt like why should I be treated as brave for simply going to a dance class? I should not be any different to any of the other people going. I don't think many skinny people get told they are brave for just existing. I did not want to be some plus sized icon, I wanted to improve my dancing. I then realised that everyone (but especially Ballet people) are just SO body obsessed, and the sooner we stop treating people like Lizzy as brave/inspirational and just start thinking of her body neutrally and focusing on how good she is at dancing, the better. She is an amazing dancer! She is better than I ever was or could be. But she is just that. A dancer. I hope she shifts the attitudes of dancers and teachers and inspires other "non-ballet bodied" kids to take up dancing, but please let's not treat her as some sort of hero for just being good at dancing. Side note - I also had a pre-professional kid at one of my studios say to my face and in a completely normal conversation that my body was probably more suited to jazz hahaha!! She again wasn't saying it to be mean, it's just something that this messed up community teach these kids from early ages. We need to stop this sort of thing immediately.

[@pisceanbeauty2503]

To be fair, many people are insecure about their bodies and do find someone like you inspirational. It will be great to get to a point when bigger bodies in ballet and dance are the norm and not noteworthy, but until we get to that point it’s not a terrible thing that others may find someone like you worthy of praise. Many people don’t even try out of fear of judgement or that they won’t be capable.

[@sophiaunicorn]

​@@pisceanbeauty2503 Totally. I'm just saying I want to be neutral about my body, I don't want to think about being bigger, and other people projecting insecurities onto me isn't helpful for them or me. All it made me do was focus on my weight and my differences to others in class. You say that as if some people are insecure but I'm not and it was so easy to just go to class? Not at all. I am hugely insecure and I pushed through anyway. And yes I do feel sorry that I was not capable of providing them this inspiration because it ended up being detrimental to me. I learned my lesson and have deleted this Instagram of course. The only way we're going to get to that point is if people stop worrying about things that do not matter, and just go to class. Perhaps the burden should not be on me, but be on organisations to encourage this shift. Maybe having promotional material with larger bodies in them would be a step in the right direction. I know my studio continues to this day to only show the pretty girls with dancer bodies in all their marketing. The amount of people who think you have to be 14 and skinny to start ballet is astounding. Maybe Josephine should fit more larger bodied dancers on her channel. Just make it NORMAL. People should stop talking about it like it's such a big deal.

[@Catalina-Winemixer]

Oh my god. I have the same condition. This rocked me to my core - I’ve always had an interest in ballet, but never the motivation. It messes with your balance. Good on girls like Lizzy who break the mold and pursue their dreams! It isn’t easy living in the world when your own body is an enemy.

[@AnnapurnaMoffatt]

My first ballet teacher, Rachelle, was a big-boned lady. And she was still a fantastic dancer (and yes, she did pointe) and teacher. She's still teaching ballet (Royal Academy of Dance technique, which she taught me and I still love), though at a school about an hour-and-a-quarter from me. And absolutely: dance is for everyone. Thankfully, I never heard a word of bullying.

[@chrystalzhou8274]

You're so right!

[@MasterpieceLost]

I was in ballet and tap for years as a kid. I've always been considered heavy by those around me, and vividly remember being likened to an elephant in my ballet classes, at 9 years old. I was told I'd never be allowed to move forward and learn to be en pointe, because I'd just injure myself. That kind of shaming warps your view of yourself. I spent my young life believing that me doing any physical activity that could make my body 'bounce' was repugnant. Dance and gym became a source of anxiety and shame instead of happiness, and I not only left dance but believed I couldn't be physical in the presence of others. It wasn't until I found Big Moves in my late 20s that I realized I have as much right to find joy in movement as anyone else. Thank you very much for addressing this topic and being supportive.

[@sofftskies3769]

I actually had to deal with this, and it was pretty bad. I was a larger kid when I was younger and also came from a small town, so a lot of people were really judgy. I loved ballet so much and I still do till this day. It's one of my biggest regrets that I quit ballet. But I couldn't stand the bullying and the shame I felt over my weight - even when I was complimented plenty on my form, the shape of my hands and feet and my positions, I just wasn't flexible enough and was never confident I would be thin or pretty enough and ended up quitting at age 12. It still makes me cry, I miss ballet so much, but I feel too old now to ever go back to it, and I never lost enough weight for it to be a possibility.

[@v.k.i9412]

I was the thinnest dancer at my studio and I was shunned as if I had a disease. I did, but not anorexia or bulimia. I knew I was skinny as my disease made it impossible for me to maintain a standard weight. I danced for the beauty of the music that I could feel in my body. I say this to remind people that any deviation from the typical size can be, more often than not, a symptom of a cause that should not have to be made public in order to be treated with the respect all human's deserve. Everyone needs to give grace and acceptance to others. Life is long; do not think for a minute that some thing cannot happen to you, the bearer of nasty words and deeds. "There but for the grace of God go I."

[@jessicaarntzen582]

This is incredibility true. I was a dancer from 5 to 16. Competitive for several years. I had that exact issues at stores, costume makers charging me extra because I would 'use up too much fabric', and a few times my team was deducted points because we weren't "uniform in size".

[@hidline02]

THIS exactly. One judge sheet "Costume not flattering on all dancers" Not one comment regarding my actual dancing..good OR BAD

[@joylox]

As someone who sews, there is a point where pattern pieces have to be laid out in different ways to get the shape and it can use up to twice the amount of fabric so I sort of understand that (in reality it's like a $5-$10 cost usually, and not worth charging more for), but there are so many ways around it. But judging based on uniform look, is that like K-pop or something? Sometimes I think those people need to go to a public pool or beach and see that everyone looks different, and it's not a bad thing. Or school uniforms, they don't look the same on everyone, they're more to show the school colours and a sense of belonging, not to make people look identical.

[@user-gu9yq5sj7c]

Judging not based completely on dance or talent and cause of superficial things like uniformity in size is ridiculous and false advertising about who the real winners are. It's also ridiculous to expect everyone to be a uniform size. I heard there's also high appearances standards in the olympics gymnastics. Like being docked points if they wear too much makeup or too fancy nail polish. I don't get what those has to do with ballet, gymnastics, or talent. How are those things too distracting to people? Look at circus performers. Side note, talking about superficiality reminds me of Dailymail covering a story of a little boy, like 7 yrs old, suspended from school because the teacher said his natural platinum blond hair was "distracting". The teacher shouldn't assume for the students. I think it was in England or the UK.

[@mariec7092]

Reading this thread in disbelief.. I thought I'd witnessed all the craziness in this world but this.... 😧

[@adeliachambers4031]

I am a dancer in her early 40s. I am do glad that I dance at a studio that accepts any size and age. I was almost 200 pounds at one point. When I was ready, I decided what I wanted to do for my body. My ballet teacher was supportive either way. This video brought some tears.

[@musicleeinclined]

You are so kind and compassionate. Sadly, people can be that mean even in person. I so appreciate you showing this video and for all of your wonderful encouragement for people to be themselves.

[@solcitozorrito]

no, she is just false. when it comes to dancing for fun that's fine and does not matter how do you look. but the professional ballet is extremely difficult and you have to be skinny to be able to train for many hours and perform for MANY hours. Unfortunatley fat people don't look graceful, she can't even do a proper split. This is super disrespectful for professional dancers.

[@TheVipir]

What a beautiful story! I am 55f, plus size due to a number of health issues, and live in a regional location where there are no ballet classes for adult beginners. So...I get my fix for my love of ballet through channels such as yours. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@성시야-g6w]

I never knew the story of her but in 2019 in Eurovision song contest there was one performance that shook me the most. It was from France, Bilal Hassani sang Roi, and now after 3 years of admiring this performance I know it was Lizzy who danced there wow! That first time I watched that eurovision I thought she was so inspiring! She basically showed everyone that it's not the weight that matters, it's your hard work and dreams.

[@Colorado_APN]

I danced classical ballet from 5-15 years old. It was everything to me. I was really good at it and had many solo roles in our dance company. I wanted to go professional. Then I had an injury that was serious. I wasn't able bro dance. I thought all these years my mother supported my dance, but I came to understand she only supported me when I made her look good. She abandoned me physically and emotionally when I couldn't dance anymore. I felt so profoundly rejected and betrayed that she only appeared to love me when she could brag and live vicariously through me. I was heart broken. I still have never really recovered from the realization . She more than let me know I was a failure, that I embarrassed he, disappointed her and let her down. Nothing about me, how I felt about the situation if being forced to give up what I loved, and having constant bone pain when I walked. I seriously have never gotten over the loss and betrayal.

[@a.nonymous2089]

Yep. My mother was mentally ill and that's how she treated me.

[@dronesclubhighjinks]

I'm really sorry to hear what happened to you. Please understand that your mom has a problem, and it's not your fault she reacted the way she did. Do you know a former child actress named Jennette McCurdy? I hadn't heard of her, but I am in a different age group. Her mom sounds similar to yours. She made Jennette act because that's what she wanted as a child and wasn't allowed to. Jeanette wrote her autobiography after realizing her mom had been abusive which has quite a shocking title "I'm glad my mom died." I hope that you are able to manage your pain, or that it has gone away entirely. Wishing you the best 💐🙏💕

[@StarDreamMemories]

❤ I know how it is to not be dancing anymore and I miss it greatly. I can't imagine not having support from my mom. Dealing with this has probably made you a very strong individual. ❤

[@carolirvine7663]

get over it.

[@GuineapigGuardian]

To answer your question yes there are people like this. I was bullied for being overweight. From the time I was 12 until I was in my mid 20s. I can 100% relate to this and it still hurts me even though it’s not directed at me. People look at me now and tell me that they would never have guessed that I used to be overweight. I’m a thick pear 🍐 now, my genetics will not let me be slender, but for my height of 4 feet 11 inches, I’m grateful that I’m not. I’m healthy and that’s what counts. People should value people more for their thoughts, ideas, hopes, dreams, their quality as a human being, and less on their looks and presentation. And yes I cried. I always cry.

[@sakuragirl9648]

Ugh why do people have to be so mean they just don't understand that we are beautiful in the way we are and don't forget this YOU ARE AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL💗💗💗💗💗

[@emilyesnyman]

Yes to that last bit! We so often focus on the outside, that we forget that the things in our minds and our hearts matter so much more than apprearance...

[@sakuragirl9648]

@@emilyesnyman That is right😭

[@GuineapigGuardian]

@@sakuragirl9648 thank you so much for this. We are all beautiful. Our diversity is what makes life much more interesting and appealing. You’re beautiful too ✨ ✨ ✨

[@GuineapigGuardian]

@@emilyesnyman agreed. I never understood why some people are so shallow. I prefer to spend my time with people who have depth to them.

[@Jezzie]

Thank you so much for reacting to this. I did ballet as a kid for 6 years, but then I had to start taking several medications that made me gain weight like Lizzy. I started at age 23 to do virtual ballet classes during the pandemic and seeing this video makes me feel better about being plus size :)

[@pleasebekind7056]

Ever since I can remember I've been embarrassed about my body. I danced, did gymnastics and worked out constantly. I was so thin and yet still I thought I was fat. I tried to perform self surgery and ended up in hospital. I got very ill, ended up in a wheelchair and gained a lot of weight. I'm now regretting that I didn't love my body and I'm 10x more embarrassed than I was before. Please love yourself before it's too late, I lost everything and I've never experienced real love. Don't be like me, I pray that everyone loves themselves as you're all amazing ❤

[@judy3turn]

Starting again at age 70. "It is never too late to be what you might have been." - George Eliot. This was the most inspirational video and I really needed it just now. Thank you not for the video. Thank you for fighting shaming others across the board. Thank you so much!

[@rosalie-alexiabonegre7045]

Yes people are like this. I had this one teacher who would tell me " lose weight, ballet will be easier" in front of everyone because I was not skinny like the other ones. I was never a skinny ballet dancer, but I also am not fat. I was a normal size, but got teased about it everyday. Sometimes I would spend weeks without eating- but that caused me to get weaker in ballet. Thankfully, I did not quit and changed studios and I have been striving ever since

[@mushroom-cottage5660]

You seem so strong, I'm sorry you had to go through that. I hope that you are happier in your new studio and that you thrive with a normal teacher

[@rosalie-alexiabonegre7045]

@@mushroom-cottage5660 Thank you so much

[@ta_nya5240]

Just as bad as the shaming, which I've experienced from the very young age of 5 years old, are the backhanded compliments. Most of the time people don't mean to be mean about it, but OMG, the number of times I've heard stuff like "Amazing how flexible you are at your weight" and "I've never seen a person like you dance like this" and, my favorite, "Wow, I didn't expect you'd be able to do that". Yeah, I'm a trained professional, who would have thought I can do my job? 🤯 The people poking at my weight (again, from the age of 5) sadly tuned out the (rare) voices of support when they were present. I either didn't hear them, or brushed them off as sarcastic, because I was not used to people just being decent towards me as a dancer. It's why I ended up deciding on a teaching route rather than an actual dancing career. I'm a passionate teacher, but there are days on which I think that something was taken away from me. Just to avoid any confusion, I'm not a trained ballet dancer. That was the first thing that went out the window when my teacher at 6 years old told my parents I didn't have the body. I'm still a pro dancer. Ballroom, Latin and tap. And I kept taking ballet/modern/jazz classes here and there because I really like the way you move your body doing these. To everyone who loves to dance: Just dance. It's such a wonderful way to both express yourself and exercise your body and mind. ❤️

[@LeSpookyWolf]

I absolutely love this story. I used to have such a passion for dance and even wanted to do ballet but never did because of my size. I was always told I was 'too big' to do dance like that.

[@oliviajeane.]

As i dancer, it crushes my soul to see this. Ive never had the "ideal" dancer body, though lucky enough to not have experienced any bullying first hand, Its still terrifying walking into a dance class and not "meeting the standards" you feel are in place. Being able to push through when you're discouraged, or still showing up to class and giving it your all when you dont feel good enough to keep going is more important than being skinny or the best one there. It took me a really long time to realize that. I hope to see the ballet and dance community grow and realize that those standards are dumb outdated. Theres no such thing as a "dancer body," any body is fit to dance. Lots of love to all the fellow dancers out there

[@Ghostie_Cat]

Josephine, you are an inspiration to everyone, and thank you for reacting to this, it’s sad how some feel entitled and as if no one else can touch them just because of their perfect body, well, we’re all human and still learning at all ages how to be supportive of each other and ourselves

[@user-gu9yq5sj7c]

I think they and people shouldn't be snobby and arrogant cause they could age, get injuries, or fat too, and that would ruin their ability to do ballet. Or should understand or relate to others since all people are bullied and told they couldn't do something.

[@Ghostie_Cat]

@@user-gu9yq5sj7c agreed

[@Cantetinza17]

As a full figured woman I totally relate. I get this reaction a lot and it even when it has nothing to do with dancing or fitness. People are just miserable and mean. There really are people like that in the world and it really comes from their own insecurities. Great acting.

[@melissasmith7490]

I’ve been big and small, and I’ll tell ya what… people like that are going to talk crap no matter what. I’m glad you realize it’s from their insecurities and has nothing to do with you. 🤗

[@MissMiseryGloom]

I'm really lucky to be in an dance class that is completely accepting all types of people. One of the first dancers to inspire me was a bigger woman. She had the MOST beautiful control at barre she was a joy to see.

[@emilyboyer4480]

Lizzie now dances hip hop like a boss with the Millennium dance studio (I believe?) I’ve seen her in recent videos totally nailing it!

[@donnamurphy5698]

Yes. People are like this. I started in Ballet as a chubby child. I was the most limber, had the most stamina... the girls were brutal. I quit dancing when the recital costumes could no longer be made to fit. I'm now almost 60 and this video brings me back to that child. This is still devistating. devastating.

[@laurensii9098]

there are absolutely people still like this, and not even just in ballet. I've seen fat shaming at work (for a literal sit-on-your-butt job), at the gym, etc. there's a lot of people who can't seem to mind their own business.

[@hollyseymour2029]

The attitude of the mean girl is one of the reasons me and so many of my friends never tries out for anything we would have liked to; dance, cheerleading, ect. We were just 'too' over weight. (Even though my childhood pictures don't show that i was at all) Knowing that Lizzy got support and was given the right type of encouragement restored some of my faith in humanity when I first heard of her story. She is a very beautiful and talented young lady. ❤️

[@성시야-g6w]

As I was a child, i did a bit of ballet/classical choreography, it was mostly at primary school. And I had to quit as I was too fat for it. Not to mention that yes, I may have been a bit bigger than some thin girls out there, but I wasn't even overweight. It absolutely killed my self-esteem and I'm struggling to accept my weight even now after years and years of dieting, eating and health problems and endless shaming. But you know, as long as you wish for something, you can do it. It doesn't just end with nasty people who shame you or with your complexion you can do nothing about. It's all about you yourself and what you want. The thing is, as an adult (I'm 25 now) I went to a stretching/ballet studio and started ballet anew. I'm dancing for more than a year now, can do pointe (obv not as good as pro ballerinas out there) and I'm quite content with my results. Maybe it's crazy to dream for something society isn't ready to accept, but for me the most important part is your own dream and your striving to do what you've desired most.

[@heathernile4700]

I was in tears. My sister and I were gymnasts at age 2-16 years old. My sister was skinny and athletic. She was always on competition teams. I was more heavy set and just did my best. But it damaged my legs and now I am in my 40's and walk with a cane. I also have Pseudo Tumor Cerebri since I was in my childhood. I have had 10 brain surgeries revising the shut that drains the extra spinal fluid. I was blind for 10+ years before my first shunt. I recieved alot of the same comments when I started nursing school and was told I was to big and that people with disabilities couldn't be a nurse. I successfully graduated and enjoyed 10 years of nursing before I had to give it up. So don't ever give up on dreams. No matter what I do now, I will always remember that I succeeded. Thank you for doing this video. I know it was tough but the symptoms the character experienced are accurate and can be debilitating. I hope that the young lady never gave up on her love of dancing. It is beneficial not only physically but emotionally.

[@AlexSwiftie_Vlogs]

Honestly for people to actually feel actual, idk, ACTUAL FEELINGS about the actors, this proves that they are great actors!!!

[@75jvs]

That made me cry! I did ballet for about 13 years until I got chronically ill. It has been over 30 years ago and I still miss it. I was thinking about taking lessons again for fun, but I don't think my health would agree. As long as you love to dance and can, do it, no matter what others say!

[@Sara-mt5bx]

As a kid I've always loved watching ballet and would even try to copy some moves alone in my bedroom, however I never actually asked for ballet classes because I was too self concious about my weight (since a reallyyy early age)... yesterday, as a 25 year old adult, I finally signed up for ballet classes, I feel like I'm finally fulfilling my childhood dream 😸

[@bridgetveralidaine3761]

Love Lizzy! When I was 8, I had to begin taking high doses of steroids and it caused immense weight gain. I would try to cover up in ballet class with non-dance attire (regular skirt that wouldn't show my thighs) and always would tuck myself into the farthest corner. I lost most of the weight and came off the steroid rotations at 13... got into the State Ballet on a scholarship at 16, then was asked to leave a year later, as my legs and upper arms became too big to fit into the corps. (Which is fine, truly. They are a traditional ballet company, and that is their aesthetic, and let's face facts... most teens dancing ballet at that level have a certain body type. Contemporary and modern companies exist that include a more diverse collection of body types!) Despite intense dieting and extra classes and Pilates and a nutritionist, I couldn't slim down my upper arms and legs.... but my torso and face appeared emaciated. 10 years (and a lengthy eating disorder) later, I was diagnosed with a condition called Lipedema. It is a painful fat disorder and does not respond to diet or exercise. Right now, the only treatment available is expensive surgical manual lipedema extraction and lymph-sparing liposuction. The body cannot break down the hard fat nodules. Non-invasive support includes compression garments. I'm only including so much information here because the condition is more common than people realise, so if anyone is struggling with weight loss, especially in their legs... perhaps it's not your fault at all. There are other conditions aside from PCOS and hormone disorders that cause an inability to lose weight or progressive weight gain. Regardless.... NEVER stop dancing! I wish I hadn't.

[@paigerichmond6002]

As the person who did sports as the big girl this really touched a nerve especially as this was basically my childhood. Being told I was too fat for most things 😭😭

[@lawyerlib]

Heads up! Back in the day when I was dancing in Minneapolis, the choreographer I danced with, Myron Johnson, auditioned and cast dancers with all body types including dancers with scoliosis and other disabilities. I celebrate him here!!!

[@jenniferneal4323]

As a current fat lady who had YEARS of disordered eating in order to be "thin" and still never was by societies standards I can 100% confirm there are people like this. Strangers, acquaintances, family, doctors. All kinds of folks are fat-phobic, and the really insecure or extra hateful ones say stuff. Most people don't, thank goodness!

[@mktay2067]

Lots of people are rude or mean. That doesn't mean fatphobic which is a terrible word choice anyway. It's the only phobia linked name that used a derogatory term in it from the start. It sets up for mockery of the true issues. Bullying is wrong regardless.

[@fungirlwinx]

Dance is for everyone, including ballet. The dance school I went to took everyone no matter gender or size. Roles were always given on skill not looks. Its heartbreaking to know this sort of shaming still happens and is why we have so many problems today.

[@autumnjohnson8247]

Great reaction video! I was lucky and had amazing teachers my 13 years, but there are always a few dancers that don't think larger people should dance. Senior year, you can help look through costumes for your group dances, and I remember somone commenting "I wish only certain people got to be in the class so we can wear cute costumes." At 17/18 and already on crash diets, that still hurts 12 years later.

[@borkbork4124]

I was literally told the same thing….sad thing is body shaming culture will come for everyone. Bullies will bully someone else if the last person leaves.

[@hannahlewis8311]

This is the while reason I quit ballet, I was a bigger girl and ALL the other girls used to make fun of me I couldn't take the bullying so I quit. But then I join colorguard and it really changed my mindset about dance, and I absolutely loved it

[@OvcharkaShepherd]

Gloriously inspiring message for the new year. Tears running down my face for her strength …. You GO girl ❤

[@AbstractlyDelen]

Story time from a plus sized girl- so in 4th grade (I was like, 9) I had to go to “after school fat camp” (literally what it was called) where we “learned healthy eating habits” like writing down every single thing we ate/drank, chew on ice if your hungry between meals, and “freeze yogurt to have a fun dessert.” Basically set me up to have my ED later in life. Yeah…. Be kind to people, you don’t know their story is all I gotta say

[@borkbork4124]

I was taught something similar, not from a “school camp” though. I am so sorry. I am the healthy probably, but disordered eating still haunts me when I eat out/eat with others.

[@sablewoods7003]

I was told by a teacher in 6th grade that I would be much prettier if I lost weight. And at 15 I was a cheerleader in high school. At a football game a random fan told me to “ sit my fat a** down. I later developed an ED . Gratefully, I’ve had a lot of therapy and have mostly healed from that part of my life. This is very real!

[@a.nonymous2089]

Yep.

[@chubbydinosaur9148]

What hurts the most is when you come out of the worst depression you've ever had, you're full of enthusiasm and eager to live life again and during recovery you discovered your love for ballet and startet dancing yourself because ....so graceful and difficult and 😍. I just love it! Then when I announced to my family that I'm over wanting to end my shid and want to do ballet instead, my mom started laughing out loud and fat shamed and insulted me to no end. I cut her off by now, I'm too old to have my mental health wrecked by my mom like some insecure teen.

[@morrisminor72]

I had a pointe shoe fitting yesterday at a shop in our city with a reputation for being a bit snobby about less traditional dancers. However, I have been there twice now for fittings (tap shoes and pointe shoes, also some character shoes to wear with an Edwardian dress), and I was really impressed at how friendly and welcoming the place is. I got an excellent fitting (Heritage), very quickly, yet the fitter encouraged me to try everything in my size/shape. Merlet Cloes were a close second. Another assistant helped me find some meshies, and scoffed when I was concerned about being a tiny bit chonky for them. I am a mature but very keen dancer, and this seems to be a bit more common these days, and perhaps dance stores are realising that mature dancers often have money and are keen to make up for lost dance years with pretty things. I was thrilled with my experience, on World Ballet Day. 😊

[@LaurenRichey3]

I started ballet at age 2. I fell in love. I dreamed of the day I would be able to get to dance en pointe. At age 11 I gained a bit of "fluff" pre-puberty. My ballet teacher called me out for it in class one day, and it was humiliating. I never. Went back. A few years later, my grandma took me to see the nutcracker. Several girls that I grew up dancing with had major parts. I remember going home and sobbing. It crushed me. Im 45 now, going through chemo for ovarian cancer. Ive spent so many days sick in bed watching ballet videos. As soon as Im able, I am going to find an adult ballet class. I want my dream of dancing en pointe to come true ❤ even if its a bit late.

[@TheArtisanTarotTBMoon]

I have as a dancer actually have been through this from a girl in my college dance class and we had a performance and we were at the rehearsal I remember that the girl that was like "You need to stay in your window." and right before our professor was about to say anything to her I straight said "Excuse me? Um no, you are not going to tell me what to do when you were not even here for our first rehearsal where we had our windows laid out. I said you need to stay in your lane and check your self in your correctness before you even come for me when I was here for the window layout." then she was like "my grand-parent passed away that is why I was not here." I replied with "I am sorry your grand-parent passed away, but that does not give you the right to come at me emotionally with your problems like a punching bag. Learn your windows." Our professor was over it with her and told her that she had told her the windows before she even came to that class and that it was not my fault. My professor was over it to the point that she sided with me in front of everyone because all of the colleges other dance groups were there watching in the audience to the stage.

[@kobaltkween]

This makes me think of a young woman I met in grad school. She was about 4 or 5 inches taller than my 5'3" and incredibly thin. I was even heavier than I am now, and I'm over 200. She was waxing on about the ballet classes she was taking at the nearby school, and all it's benefits. Without an ounce of self-consciousness either way, she strongly encouraged me to do the same. "Everyone should take ballet," she said. "Everyone."

[@tarabooartarmy3654]

I wanted to be a dancer as a kid, but I was told I was too chubby. It really was crushing, especially for a kid who already had serious self-esteem issues. There weren’t a lot of plus-sized role models for a chubby kid back then. I felt so alone and singled-out. Then when I was around 20, I went to a Victoria’s Secret to buy some Christmas gifts and I got told, “Honey, I don’t think we have anything here in your size.” So I told her I was planning to drop several hundred in the store on gifts, but I guessed I’d just take that money elsewhere. I also got called “Wilson Phillips” in the mall when I was a teenager walking with two slimmer friends. Those are just a few issues I had growing up overweight. People don’t understand and they think it’s so simple to lose weight. “Just eat less and exercise.” But it’s not that simple. Some of the same people who say these things have addictions, too. Drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, over-spending. They almost all have some addiction that’s not so easy to quit. But somehow losing weight is supposed to be so easy. I’ve lost 100 pounds and counting, but it was really, really hard.

[@shyeahright]

I did ballet as a kid, and hit my growth spurt at 12. This is EXACTLY the attitude I got walking into a pointe shop (not yours!) as a 6’ tall teenager. It’s humiliating. It goes home with you and stays there. Dancing at any size ftw! 💕

[@anks-g5d]

the employee at the start plays her role so well and im not surprised in almost every Dhar Mann film she always play the bad guy / villain and she’s been doing so for a while i love her!!

[@maitegutierrez6852]

“Being a horse or something?” Me loving horses: “HEY HORSeS ARE NOT BAD!!”

[@Genin99]

Since my fiance was bullied about her weight, she quit ballet as a kid. Now we're both taking adult ballet classes and we both love it. I used to figure skate as a kid and because I was bullied for being a boy that does it, I quit figure skating. Now I love ballet.

[@audreyd6725]

I am so glad to hear you guys are back at it! Keep going, you got this

[@xeanayafoxzelaine9002]

3rd-7th grade my mom told me that would not let me take ballet classes because "you are too fat to be able to do ballet"(yes she specifically said fat, overweight, etc depending on which occasion i asked and was only 80 max overweight). After the second or third time I asked to do it, never asked to do something to improve myself outside of school again. Even now, I struggle to ignore that negativity inside myself for EVERYTHING I do or try as it has been repeated so much. Glad she got massive positive support in the end. Sadly, this thing is very common based on my personal experience and those I have met through my life.

[@mswitch936]

My mom quit dancing after graduating with a dance major because she was taller than most of the guys she was paired with and she was more endowed than the standard ballet dancer (around the 80s). Wish she wouldve been able to keep up with it, she still loves dancing

[@mickiofthemountains]

Theres another Darman about Lizzy... With a happier story... A fellow dancer befriends her and helps her. Truly an inspiration!

[@mismonsta]

I wasn't ready for these emotions tbh. Yes, people can be this mean, especially when behind a keyboard. Bravo Lizzy and all the other dancers out there that continue to persevere. We dance together.

[@colleenoneil9153]

This was a great react. This would never happen at our studio. All sizes and shapes are welcome!

[@patriciahunter1566]

Thank you for showing this and for your compassion and desire for ballet to be more inclusive. I think the world of dance is something that should be open to everyone who desires to learn. Not everyone who desires to learn to dance wants a career, maybe they just want to express themselves, to feel they are beautiful, to feel the freedom of expression in the arts.

[@TiffanyAllen1784]

If inclusivity is the goal, they could start with their shop. A quick look on the website doesn’t show a single pair of pointe shoes being sold that aren’t geared toward fair-skinned dancers. There are companies that make shoes designed with POC dancers in mind. Having a more diverse product lineup would be a start.

[@patriciahunter1566]

@@TiffanyAllen1784 I have seen POC on their site as well as men dancers doing point shoe fittings. I have also see older adults and a few dancers that were not an ideal weight.

[@TiffanyAllen1784]

@@patriciahunter1566 Did you even read my comment? I'm talking about the pointe shoes. Pink ones are designed to blend in on white people. Different skin tones work better with different shoes. As I already said, other products exist. The shop could sell them. They don't appear to do so. Also, there's no such thing as "an ideal weight." Way to miss the entire point of the video.

[@tanisabenulic2861]

@@TiffanyAllen1784 Well, but of course there is an ideal weight for professional dancers in classical ballet, it simply can't be helped. If a partner needs to throw you in the air, you should be slender, so he is not hurt. Otherwise you can dance all you want just not in classical ballet productions. there are thousands forms of dance you can learn if you are not the ideal type for classical ballet.

[@TiffanyAllen1784]

@@tanisabenulic2861 And you’re also missing the whole point of the video. But the comment I’m responding to is referring to their website. Maybe don’t nose your way into conversations without knowing what’s being discussed.

[@sngray11]

Lizzie is incredible! 💗 There will always be miserable people that say cruel things to try and make you feel as terrible as they feel about themselves… kudos for following your passion and dreams and showing the world that we can all do the same! 💞

[@craftypat10]

I just stumbled upon your videos & thank you for posting this one! Yes; unfortunately, body shaming is very real especially in dance schools. My daughter was a ballet student for nearly 14 yrs from age 5 & a company dancer for 12 of those yrs. It’s also very unfortunate & sad that parents can be amongst those mean people. My daughter, now 19, is currently studying at ASU majoring in dance. She definitely doesn’t fit the typical “ideal” ballerina standing at 4’11” & brown skinned similar to other Pacific Islanders but she has an amazing personality, truly loves to dance & works hard despite mean people. discrimination laws, it still occurs everywhere.

[@marianachavessilva9609]

I've been dancing since i was 4, and now I'm 14. I've always been very tall for my age (I'm 5'7 rn), and I have a big bone structure, so uncomfortable comments like these are unfortunately very common.

[@v.k.i9412]

Anyone who shames, harasses, teases or mocks another dancer should be tossed out of the studio, never to return. That is the only way this behavior will cease. Teachers, choreographers and other dancers need to take the lead and stop the cruelty. Children can be scared of repercussions to speak up. But, if they tell an adult or an adult witnesses cruelty, the adult needs to act.

[@romywhite290]

I work at a dance store. We genuinely don't carry enough leotards in larger sizes than an XL because brands don't make them. We WANT to carry more cute stuff, and we definitely try.

[@alisonfraser8231]

This is the way retailers of all sorts pass the buck. You need to stop ordering from suppliers who are not size-inclusive. You have everything to gain and they have everything to lose. You have the power to change things.

[@romywhite290]

@@alisonfraser8231 we carry quite a bit of size inclusive stuff considering, and we make plenty of custom work, but we are a small business with not much shelf space. Getting new brands is expensive with buy in costs. We are constantly looking, especially after many brands we relied on went under during COVID. And over COVID, the companies we rely on constantly don't have their full size range available due to inability to manufacture or inability to get materials. To say we "pass the buck" is reductive of a small business doing the best it can.

[@romywhite290]

@@alisonfraser8231 we service everyone from babies first ballet class to a drag queen's night out. We do our best to have sizes.

[@msguineapigsrus]

@@alisonfraser8231 as someone who is plus size, when the vast majority of companies don't have these sizes, actually its not ok to tell stores not to order from the main brands. How are the stores supposed to stay in business? What they can do is continue to tell the companies that they have had customers come in looking for these sizes and they thought their products would have been great for them, but they didn't come in the customers' size. I know I had trouble when I got my pointe shoes because there were entire brands that didn't have shoes that fit me. I have short feet, but they're extremely wide. Most people at my studio start in Chacotts... fitter took one look at my feet and said Chacotts didn't come in my size. My first pair ended up being Grishkos.

[@romywhite290]

@@msguineapigsrus exactly. We are also able to carry a wider range of skin tones for this reason. Being able to give a girl her first ballet shoe in her skin tone when she graduates to skin tones from kiddos in pink, or she has been dancing for a while and didn't ever expect to get something that matches her is so special. (The little ones just want to wear pink no matter the skin color.) Fortunately we are able to make some higher plus sizes in house, and carry them on the rack, but those are mainly basics. Many positive things to say about the So Danca "This is Me" line, and that Capezio ultrasoft tights go to a size 3x/4x and fishnet go up to 3x in the full range of colors.

[@stacy9619]

Let her brake her ankles and knees. Just smile. We are all free to do what we want to do. Teacher (professional): You wanna hurt yourself? Of course, you look great! You gonna brake your foot? Yes do it, you can! If you are heavy, Dance!! But not ballet!!

[@reginacarr4633]

Sadly yes!! I had other students and teachers treat me this way. I walked away at 15 and never looked back. I’m 47 now, and do not regret walking away, nor danced since then. I did it because I loved it and thought it was fun.

[@joykitchens353]

I am 13 and have done ballet all my life, and this was so sad .Nobody should ever be told they are to big to dance.

[@saralouisehowells1766]

This sounds like my daughter's dance class except there are 4 mean girls at once. She also has a complex medical issue and wants to quit because of them. I keep showing her people like Lizzy in hopes that she will still follow her passions no matter what others think.

[@miasoloproductions]

So the myth that always hit me hard was the age factor. When I was growing up, my family had no money to spare for dance lessons and most other lessons. So I learned from books and videos on my own, and I had the dream of becoming a professional dancer despite my obstacles...until I started hearing those rumors that if a dancer doesn't start training at least in her early teens, she can forget having a dancing career, because everyone knows all dancers are old by the time they're 30. So if I'm 31 now, I must be ancient! (ha ha) Regardless of the determination I felt to learn to dance at all, that one hit me pretty hard, because learning to dance does take time. Well if I was 16, and halfway decent dancers put in at least five years of hard practice, then I'd be 21, and most professionals put in around 15 total years of training before becoming professionals, so 16 years old plus 15 more years is 31 years old, and that's it! Now, that all sounds funny now as adults, but you remember being emotional teenagers who believe anything, right? It was very depressing...at the time. THANKFULLY, by the time I graduated high school, I had discovered that dancing full time was not what I truly wanted to do with my life. It worked out for me but let's face it, the performing world really does have so many myths about it, and not just in dance. It's nice for once to hear stories of people who are proving the stereotypes wrong.

[@Ph3onix.101]

as a ballet dancer who has been dancing from the age of 3 i was always the biggest dancer there. still am. but i am as good as anyone else which just proves size doesnt matter.

[@lunahyacinth6335]

As someone who’s been on some of the meds used for pseudo tumor cerebri I can confirm the weight gain is real, 50lbs over 8months and that was with virtually no appetite either. It changed the way food tastes, makes you tired, is a pain in the butt to stay on a schedule for, and can easily leave you feeling worse off than just dealing with the headaches and random vision loss.

[@wolfwalker5924]

Professional & recreational dance class standards and objectives differ greatly. The former requires thin but the latter should encourage almost all with an interest in ballet. The objective of the former is perfection and performance on stage. Whereas recreational classes provide opportunities for students to enhance grace and fitness improving strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and knowing where their body is in space through the healthful, enjoyable, rhythmic movement of the ballet.

[@Malcriada115]

Dancing for the love of dance is one thing. Turning pro and making it to the big stages is another.

[@solcitozorrito]

yup, exactly. We all know the truth, unfortunately such a big person won't become a pro ballerina, it looks ridiculous

[@Malcriada115]

@@solcitozorrito Most women on the planet will not become ballerinas, because hardly anybody has the required, "perfect" body type. But we can all dance our hearts out as passionate amateurs.

[@nikaj9377]

​@@solcitozorritoyou are ridiculous and missed the point bro🙄

[@solcitozorrito]

Ofc! There's difference between professional ballet dancers and amateurs. The issue about this video is making her look like a drop dead good dancer and a pro who crashes everybody else with her skills. As long as she enjoys it that's amazing and she should keep doing it. But no, with that body weight she will not become a professional ballerina. Ballet is not only a dance, but also prestige, acting skills and pain. When I used to dance ballet professionally, I had to weigh as maximum 100lbs (I am 5'5). @@Malcriada115

[@solcitozorrito]

Can you do something else than insulting people? I HAVE NOT said that she should quit due to her body weight. I meant that with that weight she will never be a professional ballerina due to international standards and the overall idea of ballet. Have you ever asked yourself why ballerinas use point shoes?Like what's the idea behind it? Google it then. You like it or no, but amateur ballet is not a real ballet. @@nikaj9377

[@annetyrrell2189]

Being a plus sized athlete myself I run into this in my sport as sport places just don’t make clothing for plus sized athletes. I did try ballet as well and felt it was way to advanced for me. I felt out of place and have always wanted to try point but have always been scared that I am too big and too old. Even when I did ballet as a kid I was compared to the hippos in Fantasia and never got over it and never tried point.

[@MidnyteRosa23]

I turned to food at a young age due to bullying watching this flooded me with memories but I LOVE lizzy she inspires me and I hope she reads this comment that she inspires me to take life by the horns and dance like noone is watching❤

[@LadyINTJOfficial]

I understand why ballet dancers need to be small and not overweight or obese, the more weight you have the less flexible you are, the more weight you have and you go on pointe, all your weight will crush your ankles and feet. Your feet are the most important part of your body when it comes to ballet. It's not fat shaming it's just reality. I just don't get why people are so offended by this fact.

[@Astadourian]

I quit ballet at age 11 (right after starting pointe) because my teachers were starting to subtly body shame me. I was not a single ounce overweight, but my body wasn’t a classical ballet shape. I loved ballet *so* much, but I knew that staying would be too damaging for me. I’ve had significant challenges with mind-body disconnect ever since.

[@barbarawilliams2968]

My daughter loves ballet and danced from the age of 3. She was really good at it but not the right body shape. Not much turn out, either. Despite all the problems, she went on to be a professional dancer. She danced professionally until the age of 37.

[@annacarter6559]

She is shattering her joints and squashing her intervertebral disks

[@FlowerPower-cf2fp]

The weird thing is that ballet dancers are so skinny it wasn't realistic that the girl in blue would be the bully.

[@cmartin836]

When I was in high school I was slim, but the issue was that there were classmates that came from wealthy families and my family was not wealthy by any means. I couldn't dress as well and made a lot of my clothing. Unfortunately I can say that there are cruel people like those attacking Lizzy in this video. To The Pointe Shop, thank you for your positive and caring comments regarding Lizzy. She is a beautiful woman and it's so easy to see she was born to dance.

[@sjastram]

Not a single comment about how incredibly harmful for her body doing ballet will be for her body- especially her joints. Should she dance? Absolutely. But she needs nutrition and any other help to help her lose some weight so she doesnt get injured. People need a huge dose of reality.

[@Sunny10tv]

I wanted to do ballet in the worst way in the early 90's as a little girl & asked my parents repeatedly from the age of 3 to the age of 15 if I could do ballet. Apparently I that time frame my dad actually did look into it & found out both how strict it was & talking to other parents who put there kids in ballet. I guess some of these other kids were having a rough time in it according to there parents they told my dad maybe a different activity for me. 🤷‍♀️ When I asked my mom she cut me down saying I was flat footed & to clumsy to do ballet, & also told me the cost of ballet & the uniforms / tutus were simply to expensive but yet she had enough money to ditch me in every daycare in the Pittsburgh area several times over which still baffles my mind to this day her sense of logic & reasoning as a parent... 🤦‍♀️✌️ One of the very first doll's I owned was a Lil Miss Ballerina doll & my favorite for a long time because of ballet. I even watched ballet on tv when it was on a occasion on the tv & tried to imitate what I saw as a kid from learning ballet moves off the tv with no real training... 🤷‍♀️✌️ I told people at school other students there response why don't you ask your parents about ballet if you want to do it I told them I repeatedly asked to the point I was blue in the face. They didn't know what to say as to look in sort of sadness / disbelief... 🤦‍♀️✌️

[@dancingnature]

You story reminds me of mine. But I was told I’d be a wh*re if I danced. I still dance at near 70 but my ballet technique is sketchy because it’s self taught. I’m so glad I see classes on KZbin.