11.07.08
Busting Body Image Myths About Dancers: Sabrina Bryan and Kaycee Stroh
If you have children or younger siblings, you can’t help but have heard of Sabrina Bryan and Kaycee Stroh.
Sabrina is a member of the group The Cheetah Girls and competed a few seasons ago on “Dancing With the Stars.”
Kaycee became known to us from her role as Martha, the hip hop dancer, in Disney’s High School Musical movies.
Both of these women destroy the myth that to be a great dancer that you have to be really skinny.
I’m not saying they’re fat, because these women are probably more fit than I am. But it’s important for young women to see that they can be dancers if they want to be despite their size.
Other famous examples of this are Paula Abdul (who was told she was too short and went on to dance and choreograph the Laker Girls and working with Janet Jackson) and Jennifer Lopez (who was also told she didn’t have the right shape).
One other great example is Robin Anton. She is the creator of the Pussycat Dolls. By her own admission she was never the best dancer, she just wanted it more than the others.
So, what’s the lesson here?
If you want it, go for it. Ignore the people who tell you that you have to lose weight to be a dancer and remember the examples I’ve given you. Remember that there are many more regular size dancers out there than skinny minnies who are struggling to find work. And if you haven’t danced in awhile and want to get back into it, pick your favorite style (hip hop, tap, jazz, ballet, ballroom) and take some classes. As long as you enjoy it, it won’t feel like exercise anyway!
Sabrina and Kaycee, if you read this, I would love to interview you both to get your take on childhood obesity, body image, and the role of dancing in your lives!
Sabrinarockzz said,
November 7, 2008 at 8:47 pm
I love Sabrina Bryan. She is a great role model and that girl is mulit-talented. OMG!! If you have chance go see in her concert. She freakin awesome!!Also on Nov. 12 in NYC Sabrina Bryan will be doing a book singing at Virgin megastore for her book Princess of Gossip at 6:00 pm. Great book!!
Kelly said,
November 7, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Thank you for this article. I just adore Sabrina Bryan ever since watching her dance on season 5 Dancing with the Stars . WOW that girl has a passion for life and dancing. I love what she is doing working for Healtly Kids foundation and want’s to make a differnce on how children eat. and workout but in a heallthy way. I love how she just is.. Sabrina your are just AWESOME!!!!