One thing that we hear about often these days is bullying. It is a problem that often starts when we are children and are being bullied on the playground. Although most people think that it stops there, that is unfortunately not the case. People can be bullied at any time in life by anyone, regardless of whether it is an acquaintance, a fellow worker or perhaps even a member of our family. Sometimes, it can cause a person to feel downhearted but in the case of this dancer, it made her move on to greater things.
Lizzie Howell is a very talented young dancer. Unfortunately, she has been bullied because of her size and more often than not, she has felt a desire to give it up and stop dancing altogether. Not only did this take place in her local area, but she also had to endure online shaming because of a dancing video that has gone viral. It seems that when we don’t fit into the typical stereotype that fits in with our passions, we pay the price for it.
Months after Lizzie was a viral sensation, the teenager decided to speak out. She is truly talented and is far more than just her body type. Eventually, she began getting recognized for more than her size. A well-known dance photographer, Jordan Matter, took Lizzie to his famous dancewear store, Capezio in New York. He is perhaps best noted for his YouTube videos that include his “10-minute challenge” stories. He offered a contest online for his upcoming photo series “Dancers Among Us.” Lizzie applied for that honor and her emotional story was easy to spot.
When Lizzie was only five years old, her mother passed away and she started gaining weight. She moved in with her aunt, Linda Grabowski and started dance lessons. Unfortunately, her weight made her a focus of many unkind actions and words from her peers.
“Dance is her outlet for all her emotions, good and bad,” Grabowski said. “She persevered. She wanted to drop out many many times.”
Lizzie now sees how important it is to fight for your passion and not allow others to decide your path in life. She has also become an inspiration for others who don’t necessarily fit into the stereotypical mold associated with their passions.
“I think sometimes social media paints a pretty picture in people’s minds. I used to think famous people’s lives were all happy,” she told POPSUGAR. “I think it helps to realize that people who hide behind a screen and bully you would never say anything to your face. If you are being told you should quit doing something you love, don’t quit! It’s one person’s opinion, and honestly if they can’t see how happy it makes you, their opinion doesn’t matter. Only yours does.”
