Initially, I skipped watching this since I assumed it would be the same formula of nasty competitors clawing their way to some grand prize.
But that's not what this is.
Initially 13 dancers--of a certain body type--are assembled to perform as concert back-up's for Lizzo's upcoming festival. There's room for 10 dancers, but there is no guarantee any will make the cut to perform as professionals in (likely) a high-priced venue.
What unfolds is a group of very supportive "amateur" (the individuals in the group not only run a gamut of ages but also experience; all have submitted audition tapes that clearly open the door to a venue to feature their talent). Lizzo has a message: Body image is an individual expression of who you are. Take it or leave it, but don't demean it. This sets the stage for a variety of individual challenges to each performer on where they are in their journey of accepting their bodies, ignoring the negative societal norms (as well as various injuries either physical of psychic) and join the celebration that is Lizzo.
The series literally soars in mood despite the difficult challenges of being a dancer in a professional setting. Hungry for acceptance and a stage to perform on, the cast embraces one another and sets the hurdles as each individual's internal challenges. These are athletes whose stamina is untested despite their obvious talents and internal demons. Never stooping to the negative, Lizzo's charm lifts everyone to do their best...even those of us watching. Our own prejudices melt away and we see these very appealing people work their tails "on" (as Lizzo frequently calls it).
It's a slickly and visually appealing production that moves perhaps a little too quickly to its culmination towards the final performance which I personally found thrilling. Hard work pays off. Self-acceptance is often a tricky to achieve, but watching these woman accomplish what they do is worth our time to watch. And Lizzo is the perfect person to lead all of us towards a joyful resolution.
But that's not what this is.
Initially 13 dancers--of a certain body type--are assembled to perform as concert back-up's for Lizzo's upcoming festival. There's room for 10 dancers, but there is no guarantee any will make the cut to perform as professionals in (likely) a high-priced venue.
What unfolds is a group of very supportive "amateur" (the individuals in the group not only run a gamut of ages but also experience; all have submitted audition tapes that clearly open the door to a venue to feature their talent). Lizzo has a message: Body image is an individual expression of who you are. Take it or leave it, but don't demean it. This sets the stage for a variety of individual challenges to each performer on where they are in their journey of accepting their bodies, ignoring the negative societal norms (as well as various injuries either physical of psychic) and join the celebration that is Lizzo.
The series literally soars in mood despite the difficult challenges of being a dancer in a professional setting. Hungry for acceptance and a stage to perform on, the cast embraces one another and sets the hurdles as each individual's internal challenges. These are athletes whose stamina is untested despite their obvious talents and internal demons. Never stooping to the negative, Lizzo's charm lifts everyone to do their best...even those of us watching. Our own prejudices melt away and we see these very appealing people work their tails "on" (as Lizzo frequently calls it).
It's a slickly and visually appealing production that moves perhaps a little too quickly to its culmination towards the final performance which I personally found thrilling. Hard work pays off. Self-acceptance is often a tricky to achieve, but watching these woman accomplish what they do is worth our time to watch. And Lizzo is the perfect person to lead all of us towards a joyful resolution.