Check Out Erik’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erik.

Hi Erik, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started in musical theater following my older brothers foot steps it wasn’t until I was a junior in high school that I realized that I wanted to pursue dance, which is when I started taking dance classes such as ballet, contemporary, and jazz, prior to that I was simply doing just musical theater movement classes.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been far from smooth. Being a plus size person trying to exist in a world that has had a “typical” body type for as long as it’s been around came with many struggles. I’ve dealt with bullies in many different faces, sometimes the face was a peer, sometimes a teacher, sometimes it was my own face, and sometimes it was family. Lucky for me I am a bull headed taurus that must have his way, and once I see my goal you can’t stop me from going for it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m know for pushing back against the stereotype surrounding dancer’s bodies. I’ve built a large following on social media under my hashtag #DancersComeInAllSizes. I am proud that I have been able to work not only in social media spaces but also within the industry and on top of that I have been able to work as an ensemble dancer and not just a soloist. For a while I was doing mostly solo gigs but I set a goal for myself to work ensemble and show that I and other plus size bodies can blend and should be included in casting decisions. If you are casting dancers for a scene in a city, in the most realistic world the city would have plus size people walking down the street, so why can’t the plus size person join in on the dancing?

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
To stand in your morals and listen to your heart. There have been several opportunities presented to me that would compromise who I am and what I stand for and there were times I did consider taking the job because the money seemed great, but my heart told me that I would resent turning my back on myself and my message. Money will always find you if you are open to receiving it, but you have to make sure you are always walking in your truth to receive your blessings.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.erikcavanaugh.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ErikCavanaugh
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@erik_cavanaugh