Amanda LaCount shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Amanda , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: When was the last time you felt true joy?
The last time I felt true joy was when I surprised my mom for her birthday! My mom is my best friend, as well as my biggest supporter, and I was so glad I got to show her just how much I love and appreciate her. She came to watch my dance class I was teaching and at the end I gave her balloons, her favorite cake, and had all my students sing happy birthday! She was so surprised and I will never forget the look on her face:)
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Amanda LaCount and I am a professional dancer, actress, model, and body positivity advocate based in Los Angeles California! I am 24 years old and I have been dancing for 22 years! I am extremely passionate about body positivity and fighting for true inclusion and diversity in the entertainment industry. I have my own hashtag and movement called #breakingthestereotype that I created about 8 years ago with the goal to inspire people to do what they love no matter what people say or think. As a plus size dancer people have always underestimated me, but I show them that every body can dance and that stereotypes are made to be broken! In my 10 years of being in LA (I am originally from Colorado) I have been given so many amazing opportunities I will never forget. I have danced for Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, JLo, Lizzo, Meghan Trainor, and Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty show 3 times! You might have also seen me on TV shows and movies like AGT, the Ellen Show, the AMAs, the Latin AMAs, GMA, the Emmys, Euphoria, Descendants 4, and more! My goal and purpose in life is to inspire people to be themselves and to chase their dreams no matter what people say. If you love it DO IT!!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mom 100%. My mom knew what I was born to do way before I did. Even when I was 5 years old doing my dance solo she knew I was going to be a performer! Also when I got older and people started saying things about my size and how I should stop dancing she was the first person to say they didn’t know what they were talking about. Without her I don’t think I would be where I am now. She has always been in my corner supporting me and reassuring me every step of the way. She saw the star in me before I did and I am so grateful she believed in me.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There is only one time in my life I got close to giving up, and it ended up being one of the most pivotal moments in my life. When I was around 12 years old the studio director of the studio I was training at kicked me out of his studio because my “body type didn’t fit the vision he had for his team.” This broke me. I had already started hearing people say things regarding my body type, but to hear it from someone I looked up to and wanted nothing more than to get the approval of was extremely discouraging. At 12 I was not the same Amanda that I am now, and without my superhero mom and her support I don’t think I would’ve gotten through that and persevered. I almost debated quitting dance, but my mom said absolutely not ha ha. She told me that I can’t let one person’s wrong opinion stop me from doing what I love. She also told me that he is going to eat his words and you are going to prove him and everybody else wrong one day. Spoiler alert she was right! Moms are always right! That moment when I was 12 hurt me so much, but now looking back it was the start of me achieving my dreams. His words lit a fire in me and I had no choice but to prove him wrong. Never stop doing what you were born to do. You will prove everyone wrong if you believe in yourself!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie the industry tells us is that we have to change everything about us to be successful. That is not true!! Before I moved to LA everyone around me told me I should go on a diet and that I would never be successful in LA at my size. I didn’t listen and went for it anyway. Because I stayed true to myself and was authentic every step of the way so many of my dreams came true. I got to do music videos with Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, perform with Rihanna for her Savage X Fenty show multiple times, dance at award shows like the Emmy’s and American Music Awards, and even got to be a mermaid in Disney’s Little Mermaid Live all as a plus size dancer!! Although the journey was hard and I got told no hundreds of times, I stayed true to myself and it paid off in the biggest ways! No matter how much the entertainment industry tells you you have to change I promise you that you don’t. Just believe in yourself, work hard, and go for it!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Worrying about what other people think about you!! I have learned to tune out other people’s opinions of me most of the time, but every once in a while there is something said that sticks with me. Although it’s natural to care about what other people think I am trying not to! At the end of the day what people think of me is none of my business. I love me and that’s what matters!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amandalacount.com
- Instagram: @amandalacount
- Facebook: Amanda LaCount
- Other: Tik Tok: @amanda_lacount
Image Credits
Photo in the brown pants mesh top is done by Lee Gumbs
Photos that are the purple top, orange corduroy jacket smiling, pink bikini, done by Alissa Rose
