Amanda LaCount proves that plus size dancers belong center stage, sharing how her journey, her advocacy, and the support of Dance Mom Jill are reshaping the dance community.
A professional dancer who has performed with Lady Gaga, Rihanna, JLo, and Katy Perry, Amanda joins John Corella to challenge the stereotypes that have long defined the industry. She reveals how media-driven beauty standards create barriers, why she is determined to advocate for greater inclusivity, and how she built the confidence to push back against an environment that often resists change.
Amanda credits much of her boldness to Dance Mom Jill’s unwavering advocacy and explains why having someone in your corner can make all the difference. From speaking openly about rejection and resilience to highlighting the responsibility of representation, Amanda shows how dancers of every body type can thrive when they are given safe, supportive spaces to express their art.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction to Amanda LaCount on Dance Dad
07:43 Every Body Is a Dancer’s Body: Breaking Stereotypes
11:32 Finding Boldness Through Dance Mom Jill’s Advocacy
24:32 Growing Up Plus Size in Dance Competitions
30:42 How Studios and Conventions Can Support Plus Size Dancers
42:03 Performing in Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Show
45:33 Lessons From Working With Lady Gaga and Katy Perry
47:37 Teaching Dance and Creating Inclusive Spaces
56:23 Inclusivity vs. Stereotypes in Casting
01:00:27 Being the Role Model Amanda Never Had
Connect with Amanda LaCount:
Connect with John Corella:
Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram
Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.