Akira Armstrong is a dancer, like for real. She’s a former student of Ailey Dance School and has performed with Jubilation Dance Company, Bernice Johnson Dance Company, the world famous Apollo Theater, and Ladies of Hip Hop at Cosmo Theater in Vianna Austra.
In 2007, she debuted as a principal dancer in two of Beyonce’s music videos: “Greeenlight” and “Get Me Bodied”. In 2011 Akira worked with Hip Hop Legends “Salt-N- Pepa” as their personal makeup artist and has traveled along with them to countries such as, Dubai and Australia.
But despite all of her accomplishments and accolades, Akira couldn’t find an agent to represent her as a professional dancer because of her size. To change what people perceived what a dancer’s body should look like, Akira started her own dance company, made up of plus-size dancers. And the “Pretty Big Movement” was born.
“Family members used to make fun of me,” confessed Armstrong. “It was frustrating. But my first dance class I ever took was a West African dance class. From that moment, I knew this is what I wanted to do.”
Pretty Big Movement, LLC, is a NY-based dance company consisting of female members, all of which individually and collectively have endured consistent rejection in today’s entertainment industry where “plus size” is considered an unhealthy image of beauty and appreciation.
READ: DWTS Winner Amber Riley: “It Doesn’t Matter What Size You Are…”
The women of Pretty Big are a diverse set of women that represent the entire spectrum of “plus size,” including short, medium, tall, wide hips, wide waist, or wide busts–they represent it all. Although they all seem to surpass the recommended ratio on the standard “height and weight chart,” Pretty Big takes pride in their physical attributes and pride themselves on staying active.
Historically, the groups members tried to go above and beyond to cater to others and their ideal imagery of what they were suppose to look like as entertainers, which often led them to feel down and frustrated. Until, they came to the realization that they are their own proponent of success, that includes self-esteem, entertainment and of course health.
In all, members of Pretty BIG have grown as individuals. They have become knowledgeable of their self worth and nutritional needs. They all have their own individual health goals and…
… have committed themselves to working out together with a personal trainer while holding each other accountable. They also try to share their suggestions and recipe ideas using healthier food options.
READ: Can You Be Healthy At Any Size?>
Pretty Big is excited for the upcoming year. They are committed to spreading their mission to promote health, passion, desire and self-esteem without being ashamed of size. They live by the mantra that you can be “Pretty Big” while still living a healthy lifestyle.
For more inspiring health stories, visit the BlackDoctor.org General Health center.
To see Pretty Big Movement moves, click here.
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