Watch a Charlotte dancer perform to earn a spot on Lizzo’s upcoming tour
Charlotte’s own Charity Holloway dances her way through Prime Video’s “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls,” which first aired on March 25. The local dance instructor and marketing account executive is currently featured on the series, which stars Lizzo and follows her as she launches the search to find full-figured dancers to be a part of an upcoming tour.
Holloway’s ties to Charlotte’s plus-size dance community includes her role as an instructor at NC Dance District in Charlotte — where she was born and raised — and leading 4Thirty-Two, a plus-size dance troupe she founded in 2016. A lack of representation validated the need for the troupe’s mission, which aligns with Lizzo’s goal for the show. The troupe cultivates an atmosphere of body positivity, uplifts full-figured women through the art of dance and advocates for more plus-sized bodies in the dance industry. “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” amplifies that goal on a larger platform.
For Holloway — who has always had an affinity for hip hop dancing — the experience was an opportunity for her to manifest her dreams of dancing on stage with Lizzo.
“It feels a little bit unbelievable,” she said. “I learned a lot about myself, as far as who I am as a person, some of my weaknesses and some of my strengths.”
“Working with Lizzo was very inspiring,” Holloway told CharlotteFive. “She’s a very hard worker, super talented, and, in general, she just really cared about us and our growth.”
What to expect on Lizzo’s dance show
At the start, the eight-episode series follows 13 dancers as they work toward their goal of dancing on Lizzo’s 2022 tour. While the dancers didn’t always know what to expect, viewers can rest assured that the show remains true to its original premise.
The dancers complete a variety of dance challenges that test a specific skill.
After being briefed on a particular challenge, dancers enter rehearsals for hours to learn and practice choreography.
The cameras follow dancers as they perfect dance skills and learn new choreography.
Other impactful moments show the dancers work through personal struggles and grow as individuals, as well as dancers.
“I really admire Lizzo, what she’s doing and being a pioneer, because I think it took someone on a larger platform to really get this message across,” she said. “I’m so glad that she’s invested in this. I’m just grateful to be a part of that, grateful to be seen as a talent and to be a part of this movement.”
Body positivity, empowerment
While a significant aspect of the show highlights dancers, there’s also a sense of women’s empowerment and empowerment for all. The dancers are challenged beyond the art of dance to a space of personal growth and healing.
Holloway, who uses dance to express creativity, told us she is an introvert. She pushed herself to be vulnerable during the show, however. The dancer spoke about personal struggles, such as her experiences with alopecia and being bullied. This level of vulnerability led to encouragement for viewers who’ve already expressed their appreciation.
“That really touched me,” she said. “So, even though I went to a deep place in me and I really shared my insecurities, which makes me cringe a little bit, I’m still happy that a little girl is looking at me on TV and being inspired about me and my story, because I think we need more than in the world.”
Holloway’s journey through the experience was paved with many lessons, hard work and fun. The once-in-a-life-time opportunity started as a promise to herself after being inspired by and seeing Lizzo perform in 2019.
“I think it goes to show that you can actually manifest things,” Holloway said. “You have to speak it, make your intentions very clear and actually put in the action to get those goals.”
You can follow Holloway on Instagram @_charityholloway_.
This story was originally published April 6, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
