Annabelle talks about her experiences in the competitive Irish dance world. As a teen, she already had body image issues that were made worse in dance class, and she began focusing heavily on her appearance. We chat about wearing booty shorts, associating weight with skill, and disordered eating. Annabelle shares how she struggled with perfectionism, and how she felt that becoming the hardest working dancer would give her more respect. We discuss the toxic environment that can come with Irish dance (or any sport), and how Annabelle is breaking that cycle by creating a more positive teaching environment. Next, Annabelle tells us about her major transition out of competition and into new styles of dance. She talks about jumping off the deep end, starting over in a new city, and dealing with identity issues. While this transition certainly came with obstacles, Annabelle is much happier now and feels that she's truly in the right place. She explains that once she stopped comparing herself and doing things to please others, she was able to actually do what she enjoys and find her own path.

Find Annabelle on Instagram @annabellebugaydance and Facebook @Annabelle Bugay Dance and Music. Follow the podcast @everybodyspodcast and go to www.buymeacoffee.com/everybodysstory to donate. And be sure to like, rate, review, and share!