beauty

If you don't think Lizzy "looks like" a ballerina, wait 'til you watch her dance.

It is well-known that dancers are expected to be slim, especially in the world of classical ballet.

15-year-old Lizzy Howell, from Delaware in the United States, is busting that stereotype by sharing footage of herself dancing on social media. The teenager’s most recent video practising fouetté turns in ballet class has gone viral, having been viewed over 140,000 times on Instagram.

Howell has been dancing for 10 years and her talent is undeniable.

turning monday¿ #ballet#turn#balletdancer#dancer#foutte

A video posted by Lizzy ???????? (@lizzy.dances) on

In addition to her larger size, Howell also faces the challenge of living with anxiety and a condition called pseudo tumour cerebri, which means she has excess fluid around her brain.

Luckily, dance helps the teen deal with both her mental and physical health issues.

While Howell is not ashamed of being full-figured, she does not like being called a plus-sized dancer.

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“If I can do everything that anyone else can, why should I be in a separate category?” she told Buzzfeed.

The ballerina now has over 43,000 followers on Instagram and is now an ambassador for the Dancing For You campaign, which supports young dancers with special needs.

Welcome Lizzy Howell to Our Team ???? . . I have been dancing for 10 years now and I can tell you, the dance world is a rough place! Being an over weight dancer has come with it’s struggles. I have been told numerous times by teachers that I will get no where in the dance world if I do not lose this weight. Over the years, I have learned not to care what people think! If people want to tear you down, let them and show them that you can do it! This campaign means a lot to me as I have pseudo tumor cerebri, which is an excess of fluid around my brain. I have been in the hospital many times for this and I can tell you, it was rough missing dance. Not only do I suffer from pseudo tumor, but I have severe anxiety, which has caused me to go into depression. Dance has been a way to release this anxiety and make me happy. I will be going into my 8th production of the nutcracker, my 11th dance recital this year and, my 4th NYCDA convention. I haven’t given up and neither should you!

A photo posted by Dancing For You® (@theofficial_dancingforyou) on

“I have been told numerous times by teachers that I will get no where in the dance world if I do not lose this weight,” Howell told Dancing For You. “Over the years I have learned not to care what people think!”

“If people want to tear you down, let them and show them you can do it!”

Brava, Lizzy! We can all learn so much from your determination.

LISTEN: What it’s like being a touring ballerina, when you have a toddler at home.