“You don’t have the body to be a dancer.” Ever heard that?

I did, from a young age. Short, muscular, AND curvy—hit with the tripple whammy—and lacking “perfect” turnout. I felt crushed. I saw tall, lean dancers in class, straight as arrows, and I didn’t belong.

I loathed my muscles, curves, wide shoulders, and “thunder thighs.” People called me that. I thought about quitting for a “real” job. But dancing? On stage, with the music swelling, the joy was electric. I had to keep going—dancers get that.

The audience felt it too. They didn’t critique my turnout or measure my thighs. They craved emotion, story, connection. They cheered my power, presence, and fire. My body type fueled that strength. I grew to love my muscles, my movement, my unique shape.

Too many gifted dancers are pushed out of ballet for not fitting the “ideal” mold. These outdated standards harm dancers’ mental and physical health, set impossible expectations, and rob audiences of talent. The world’s changed—talent shines in all forms. Ballet must evolve to stay alive.

If dance burns in your soul, keep moving! Embrace your unique beauty. You’re not like everyone else, and that’s your gift to the world. Train fiercely. Hone your skills and technique to be your best. But don’t sacrifice your health or dreams for some old-school idea of a dancer’s body.

If talented dancers stood firm, ballet would have to shift. Keep dancing, and redefine what greatness looks like.