A Little Note to John Waters: A Hairspray Appreciation Post

 I immediately felt seen.

I was in 8th grade when I discovered the musical and movie, Hairspray. At that point in my short time here,  I’ve never experienced that before. Ever. 

It was the first time in my puberty driven life where I thought love was possible for me. I was a fat dancer. I could sing. I could act. I also crushed on talented skinny guys left and right. And I definitely fan-girl screamed when the Link Larkins of the world did their infatuating thing. 

Hairspray gave me a new perspective: It really is what’s inside that matters. You could be the most talented and objectively beautiful person in the world, but if you’re ugly on the inside, what does it matter? 

The original movie gave me permission to be the beautiful weirdo I am. It made me feel welcomed and embraced. The musical pushed me to be better. It pushed me to think about what is just, what is important, and most of all it pushed me to believe in myself, because I’m a beautiful person. I always have been. 

When I started teaching dance, I immediately wanted to make all of my students feel as great about themselves as Tracy Turnblad made me feel. I wanted to give back what John Waters’ story gave to me - the voice in my head that says “you are worthy.” Thank you, John. 

That’s why I taught for over 10 years. That’s why I infuse a focus of individual worthiness into the projects I direct and choreograph. That’s why I wrote my children’s book, Bella the Buck-Toothed Ballerina, to reach not just the dancer dreamers out there, but all of the little dreamers who need to hear that voice say “you are worthy.” Go. Follow your wildest dreams.