I've been a big fan of Pretty Big Movement for a while and have been following some of the dancers on social media. I finally got to connect with Zee via Instagram and was super pumped to be featuring her, and Pretty Big Movement to more people.
Dang I wish I had this woman's killer moves! (If you've ever seen me dance - which I do often- you'll see that rhythm is something I need to work on) Zee's confidence and #queenshit attitude is seriously infectious and I hope to connect in person or get some of the Pretty Big team to come hang with us at a Women's Movement Collaborative event sometime. Anyways, I just love what they are doing and I'm sure you will too!
Get to know Zee!
What do you do?
I dance. I am a Dance Captain for Pretty Big Movement.
Pretty BIG Movement LLC based in New York, NY is a full figured dance company specializing in various dance genres such as Hip-Hop, Jazz, African, Modern and so much more. Founder / CEO, Akira Armstrong, (clearly also a total WOMAN CRUSH too!) realized there wasn't a platform for women with voluptuous curves in mainstream media so she sought out to create the platform today known as Pretty BIG Movement.
While auditioning for Full-Figured Fashion Week, Akira found that she was surrounded by confident, plus size women who were beautiful, curvaceous, and shared the same passion in dance. She seized that moment and started Pretty BIG Movement. Check out this awesome video on Pretty Big Movement which also features today's WCW - Pretty Big Zee!
What else do you do?
I am an Educator (Grades 6-8).
How do you define the word 'strength'?
Strength to me is a person who is strong in several areas of their life (mentally, physically and emotionally). I think most of the strongest people have built their strength by learning from many experiences that life has thrown their way.
How did you discover your passion?
My mom always said she knew I would be a dancer. She said, every time music would play I would bounce up and down to the rhythm. She couldn't believe that as a child I was so on beat.
I didn't really discover dance though until I was around 9yrs old. Then I truly fell in love with it when I was 18yrs old.
How do you incorporate movement into your daily lifestyle?
Dance (my favorite type of movement) is a part of my everyday life.
I teach dance Monday- Friday to Grades 6th-8th for NYC Department of Education.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays I rehearse with the Pretty BIG Movement from 7:30 - 10:00 and on Saturdays I teach dance to kids between the ages of 7-12 at a non-profit organization.
What do you recommend for someone starting out?
If you are wanting to get into dancing, you need to get out and dance! Find a class offered in local studios or even at the closest gym. And then use your body and just let go. Have fun and forget about everything else.
Does movement increase your self-confidence? If yes, how?
Of course it does! When I am moving...and dancing... I have this amazing out of body experience.
I feel as if I can take over the world. I own it!
What advice do you wish you could have given your former self?
Girl you are AMAZING!!!!
Stop allowing things to discourage you. Hold your head high and give it your all. And always remember to stay true to yourself.
Be Happy. Be Free. Be You!
What motivates the crap out of you?
My Mom and my son motivate me to the fullest. Everyday that I wake up, I live for them. Family is so important to me.
