While a slim, toned body might improve the form of a pirouette or help a dancer’s leap reach new heights, it’s a common misconception that a ballet dancer must be stick-thin in order to portray grace and beauty. One individual proving this to be true is dancer and activist Erik Cavanaugh.
Cavanaugh is blowing up the internet because his body type is not typical of what one would normally expect to see from a ballet dancer. The best part is, he accepts this and doesn’t care.
“Dancing has this stereotype that only the thinnest can be successful, when that is not true,” he told People. “Dance is for everyone and anyone who is willing to put in the work. I want people to finally see the world of dance as much more than just one size.”
In high school, Cavanaugh danced in musicals; he also performed solo and in group pieces for college. Now, the activist is on a mission to “change the mind and shape of dancers.” Based on the support he’s so far received, it would seem as if he’s well on his way.
The twenty-three-year-old has been posting videos of himself soloing in often improvised performances, and the response has been epic. “The attention is crazy,” he told The Huffington Post.
One of his performances to Sia’s ‘Eye of the Needle’ earned the dancer generous attention. The video has so far garnered over 9 million views and over 137,000 comments.
Regarding his love of dance, Erik elaborates:
“I love dancing because it’s the soul’s direct communication to the world. Everyone can speak the same language if we dance.”
This burly ballet dancer is graceful AF
This ballet dancer might be burly, but he's graceful AF.
Posted by New York Post on Sunday, May 8, 2016
If you’re inspired by this activist’s example, please share this news and comment your thoughts below!
This article (This Ballet Dancer Is Proving That Grace Comes In All Shapes And Sizes [Watch]) is free and open source. You have permission to republish this article under a Creative Commons license with attribution to the author and TrueActivist.com
