Plus-size Ballerina Redefines Dancing, Routine Video Gets Over 9 Million Likes
Ballet dancers are expected to be slim and small but in Cavanaugh's case, he defied gravity and all stereotypes as he is one who takes pride in his plus-size built.
Dancing has become a way for many people to communicate their feelings. Among all the lean ballet dancers around the world, Erik Cavanaugh shines bright as one of the compilation videos of him dancing has gained over nine million views and thousands of likes.
The clip that took the internet by fire was posted by Worldwidedance on May 6. Aside from millions of views and thousands of likes, the said compilation also boasted of comments that praised Cavanaugh and his grace on the dance floor.
Another video compilation that has gained over two million views was published by The New York Post, and ever since the videos were uploaded, the 23-year-old ballerina's Instagram account has become a constant meeting place of other dancers who were inspired by Cavanaugh's story.
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Ballet dancers are expected to be slim and small but in Cavanaugh's case, he defied gravity and all stereotypes as he is one who takes pride in his plus-size built. In a recent interview with People, Cavanaugh said, "Dancing has this stereotype that only the thinnest can be successful, when that is not true. Dance is for everyone and anyone who is willing to put in the work."
Cavanaugh went on to explain that he wants his routines to shine a light on those who believe that there is a certain size and shape for aspiring performers.
For the past six years, Cavanaugh has been taking the dance floor seriously. Aside from being a performer, he is also a choreographer. Through dancing, Cavanaugh has found an outlet where he can fully express his emotions and connect with people despite language barriers.
The Telegraph notes that many of Cavanaugh's short videos uploaded on his Instagram account show him performing leaps through the air that are only usually seen in slimmer ballerinas. His performances also feature motivational captions that have touched the hearts of many.
When he was younger, Cavanaugh attended Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts and moved on Slippery Rock University, where a dance coach encouraged him to show his skills on social media.
