Teenager Amanda LaCount is shattering the 'skinny dancer' stereotype
Amanda LaCount is a professional. A professional dancer, a professional hair-whipper, but, most importantly, a professional spirit uplifter.
LaCount is the true definition of inspiration. After defying the odds for quite some time, the fiery 16-year-old girl from Colorado is taking Los Angeles —and the rest of the country — by storm with her captivating dance moves and bubbly personality. She continually defies the odds by being original and refusing to fall in line with what many would consider the traditional dancer mentality or image.
LaCount has been told more times than she cares to remember that she was "too fat" to be a dancer. In the hopes of leaving weight stereotypes behind, she moved from Colorado to Los Angeles at the age of 13 to follow her dreams of becoming a professional dancer.
Since moving to L.A., LaCount has found plenty of success — she recently launched the #breakingthestereotype movement on social media, which promotes body positivity and the belief that any "body" can be a dancer. When asked by Savior Flair what her message to the world is, LaCount said, "Don't be afraid to reach for your dreams. If you love it, do it. It's as simple as that. Don't let society's hang-ups stop you from reaching for the stars."
LaCount's dance videos have garnered over 70 million views, and her talent has landed her guest appearances on "Dancing With the Stars," "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," and Katy Perry's "Swish Swish" music video.
LaCount has never let body-shamers discourage her from going after her dreams. She hopes that by breaking the stereotype that dancers are skinny, she can give others the courage to showcase their own unique qualities rather than striving to fit into a narrow mold.
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