Meet Megan of Dance From Home

Actor Lifestyle

Aug 31

AH! I feel so honored to have gotten the opportunity to connect with Megan. Amidst the craziness of living in the age of Covid-19, Megan has stepped up and is using her social media presence for GOOD. I won't give anything away, but her hashtags and tagline are, in my opinion, what is going to cause a revolution in regards to the "Broadway Body" stigma. She is authentically bold, passionate, and inclusive- what more could one ask for in an instructor. I am so excited to take one of her classes soon, and I really hope you take the leap (lol) too!

What advice would you give to someone who is nervous to join a dance class because they have been told they don't "look like a dancer" or "dont belong in an ensemble because of their size"?

I would tell them to take a Dance From Home Class LOL. But seriously, I would tell them not to let that one insignificant opinion ruin their connection to their mind and body. Your size does not determine your talent or ability to take a dance class. I would also suggest to start small and allow your mind space to heal from those hurtful comments. Find the right teacher who can help you feel as authentic and move in ways your body enjoys. Maybe it’s one Dance Cardio Zoom class a week with the camera off, maybe that turns into Contemporary or Musical Theatre the next week, maybe that then turns into turning the camera on! You get the idea. Small steps. That’s why I love dancing and teaching from-home. You are already in a safe space, no mirrors, and putting less pressure on yourself!

As far as ensemble dancers who are seeking to perform professionally I think that’s a really tough question to answer. I’m sure you have read my thoughts in some of my Instagram posts...I often lean into one half of my brain that wants to wholeheartedly say “f*ck it take me as I am”, and then the other half of my brain that still believes I have to “look a certain way” to get cast in shows now, to then work my way to the top of the industry, to then start to REALLY implement change. I truly don’t have an answer for you. What I will say is that it’s important to start having these conversations. That’s a big reason as to why I started the hashtag #TheNewChorusGirl. I knew I couldn’t be the only person feeling the pressures of the industry. I think the more we talk about standing in our power and having diversity in all bodies on stage, the bigger impact we will have in the future. Overall, I think it will always come down to being as authentic as you can and owning what makes you YOU. I personally hope to make an impact in this industry so future generations of dancers will not have to experience what we go through now. I don’t know what that will look like, but I am excited for the challenge and change.

What inspires you to share the gift of movement everyday?

My DFH Community motivates me. They are a wonderful group of people who love to move their bodies because it feels good and makes them happy. We find movement therapeutic. It is one gift that we can give to ourselves, and for me, give to others each day. Dance is meant to be FUN, the stakes aren’t that high, and that’s what Dance From Home is all about!▪︎

I love your tag line, "Daily at-home movement for everyBODY"! Where did the inspiration for that come from?

Thank you! I wanted something that felt welcoming for everyone. I knew I wanted to be as far away from anything language that reflected having or creating a “dancers body” through our classes so I sought out phrases that felt good and inclusive and landed on this :)