Beauty & Self Confidence in the Dance Industry: Q&A with Amanda LaCount

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Amanda LaCount is a well known hip hop dancer, actress, choreographer, singer, model and influencer. She has been dancing since she was 2 years old. In 2015 she moved from CO to LA to follow her dream of becoming a professional dancer and actress and has since performed for many notable artists and shows including Meghan Trainor, Katy Perry, Lizzo, Lady Gaga, The Ellen Show, “The Greatest Showman,” “The Little Mermaid Live,” and more.

We asked Amanda for her perspective on beauty and self confidence in the dance and entertainment industry. Here’s what she had to say:

TMIB: How was #breakthestereotype founded?

AMANDA: One day I was trying to come up with a hashtag to use since many of my dancer friends that I knew had their own hashtag.  I came up with #breakingthestereotype which promotes body positivity and the belief that any "body" can be a dancer. My passion is dance, but my goal is to inspire others to follow their dream.

TMIB: How did you get around the obstacles of not fitting within the "mold" in the dance industry?

AMANDA: I didn't listen to all the people telling me I couldn't be a professional dancer. Instead I focused on getting as much training as possible by taking every dance class I could from as many different choreographers as possible. I had to work twice as hard as anyone else in the room just to get noticed. I kept working hard and soon people began to notice me and use me for jobs.

TMIB: Do you still struggle with roadblocks even at this level in your career?

AMANDA: Yes, I still struggle from time to time. For example I do very well when auditions are held and book most of the jobs I audition for. However, during the pandemic choreographers are booking directly for awards shows and music videos because they can't hold open auditions with Covid restrictions in place. This means that I haven't booked many dance jobs this past year.

TMIB: What is your goal with #breakthestereotype? What would "success" look like?

AMANDA: I want everyone out there that wants to be a dancer to know that if they work hard it is possible no matter what makes them different from the stereotypical dancer.

TMIB: Best piece of advice that you were given and you hope to pass down to those young dancers who look up to you now?

AMANDA: Don't compare yourself to other dancers. Everyone is on their own journey and no one's will be exactly the same as anyone's else. Also, if someone is trying to put you down, that is their problem, not yours. You are not responsible for their insecurities.

THE STORIESChyna Bardarson