Watch Out for the Big Grrrls Dancers on Life After the Show and What Lizzo’s Comeback Means to Them
With Lizzo’s new album BITCH dropping today, we reached out to dancers from Emmy Award winning Amazon Prime series Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls to hear their stories. Where did life take them after the cameras stopped rolling? What are they building now? And what does it mean to watch Lizzo step back into the spotlight?
Their answers are honest, generous, and full of the same spirit that made the show so powerful. These dancers were given a stage, and they never gave it back.
Jayla Rose Sullivan
How did your dance career and life change after Watch Out for the Big Grrrls?
“When it comes to my life, as well as my dance career being a part of Watch Out For The Big Grrrls was an integral part of my journey. Professionally, I was able to be seen on a professional level, not only as a plus size dancer but also a transgender dancer. Lizzo showed me that I deserve to take up space in my most authentic way and gave me the platform to do it on a global scale. It made me fall back in love with dance when after so long, I felt like I didn’t belong in that space.”
What are you most excited about now?
“What excites me the most now is continuing to grow as a dancer, but most importantly as a strong transgender woman. I love the fact that I’m able to teach class to a variety of students and give them a safe space to know that they belong. When it comes to being a performer, I like proving myself wrong and continue pushing myself in my craft and skill set.”
What does Lizzo’s comeback mean to you, and what do you hope people take from her new music?
“To be honest, I’m looking forward to more songs that I can move to. But on a deeper level, I’m most excited about what the sound will be. We know how much she advocates and is a voice for so many people. In these difficult times, I think everyone needs a reason to smile, to laugh and to dance.”
Charity Holloway
“Watch Out for the Big Grrrls changed my life in ways that go beyond dance. Before the show, I don’t think I fully understood my own power or how much I had to offer. Lizzo challenged us to see ourselves as ‘that girl’ and to stop playing small. One of the biggest things I took away from that experience was confidence. She always reminded us that we were bad bitches, but the real work was believing it for ourselves. Since the show, I’ve continued to challenge myself to take up space, trust my voice, and walk in that confidence every day. That lesson has impacted every area of my life, not just dance.”
“Right now, what excites me most is being able to pour back into other people. I’ve learned that sometimes just seeing somebody who looks like you living boldly can change the way you see yourself. As a plus-size woman, I’ve had women and young girls come up to me and tell me that watching me dance inspired them, and that never gets old. If me showing up confidently can help somebody else feel more confident, take a chance on themselves, or stop holding back, that’s what it’s all about for me.”
“I’ve always loved that Lizzo makes anthems that make women feel good about themselves. Her music makes you want to be a little bolder, dance a little harder, and remember exactly who you are. Her comeback shows that no matter what life throws at you, you can keep moving forward and keep being yourself, and I’m rooting for her! I hope we all hear this new music and feel empowered to take up space, dance our ass off, and love ourselves a little louder.”
Asia Banks
“It felt like I jumped into a completely different life. One moment I was finishing my senior year of college, and the next I was living my life as a professional dancer; something beyond my wildest dreams! Opportunities like world tours, music videos, television appearances, and major performances are not always easily accessible for plus-size dancers, so being able to experience those things was incredibly meaningful.
As an ASU Honeybee, I was already familiar with performing and being on camera, but this was different; it was my actual career. I was grateful every day to wake up and do what I love for a living. The experience was physically demanding, and while traveling was exciting, it could also be exhausting. However, the greatest reward was knowing that our stories and performances touched so many people, whether they were in the audience or watching from home. Being part of something that inspired others made every challenge worthwhile.”
“Right now, I’m most excited about raising my nephew and continuing my education. I’ve had full custody of him since he was born, and at seven months old, he has already brought so much joy and purpose into my life. Watching him grow and being part of every milestone is incredibly rewarding.
I’m also currently pursuing my Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in Mental Health, and I plan to continue my education by specializing in Dance and Movement Therapy. I’m committed to combining my passion for dance with my purpose to help others heal and grow, and I’m excited to see where that journey takes me.”
“Lizzo’s comeback represents resilience, authenticity, and the courage to keep showing up as yourself, even when facing challenges and public scrutiny. Watching her continue to create, perform, and share her art reminds people that growth and perseverance are part of every journey.
What I hope people take from her new music is a sense of confidence, self-acceptance, and empowerment. Lizzo has always encouraged people to embrace who they are unapologetically, and I think her music continues to serve as a reminder that joy, self-love, and perseverance are powerful acts. No matter where someone is in their journey, I hope they feel inspired to keep moving forward and to celebrate themselves along the way.”
Moesha Perez
“My dance career and life changed for the better after WOFTBG. I was able to do what I love which is dance, choreography, meditation/self love, fashion (and more) and teaching them all to people that truly supported my work. I was able to grow my platform in the ways I once hoped for and to create the wide range of space for others to join in, share their stories and talents right with me. The continuous support, love and kindness from my supporters will always have my heart. I have been so blessed for the opportunities and the journey, and no matter where I go and how much success I aspire to attain one day… I will forever say thank you to Lizzo.”
“I am most excited to grow, to be myself, to be my best self, to continue to help others, to motivate, to help heal, to teach people through dance, meditation, fitness, to love, to support, to create safe spaces wherever I go, to live and to be happy in the ways I feel fits best. Happy Pride.”
“Lizzo’s comeback — get your pen and paper ready… take notes. Lizzo’s comeback, she is coming back to step on necks, she is not playing with no one in this season of life. She has been through ups and downs, mental hurdles, bullying, trauma and more. She had helped so many people around her just to get the worst end of the stick. This comeback is personal, because she is choosing herself in the process. She is doing what is best for her, what feels good to her and what she deserves to do to make her happy. I will respect her always, support her always and love her always. Thank you to those that support her too.”
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Bitch is out now. And if you're wondering what we'll be dancing to at DanceOn this weekend start with Sexy Ladies (feat. UCB). And we’ll be singing “Betcha won’t forget. Gotta represent. Big girl at the Met. Trying to break my confidence ain’t even make a dent” (That GRRRL) . This is an album made for movement and reclamation. Lizzo said it best when she won the Emmy for Outstanding Competition Program: "The stories they share are not that unique. They just don't get the platform." Consider this ours.
Follow Jayla Rose Sullivan, Charity Holloway, Asia Banks, and Moesha Perez on Instagram.