NEED TO KNOW
Whitney Way Thore is getting back to her roots.
In PEOPLE’s exclusive sneak peek at the Tuesday, Aug. 5, episode of My Big Fat Fabulous Life, the 41-year-old is equally excited and nervous to start dancing again, taking a big step as she participates in a ballet class.
Thore explains that she’s hoping to get back into ballet as she adjusts to her recent weight loss, becoming emotional about the healing powers of dance.
“Because I am now in a smaller body — which I know might be laughable to some people, but this is a smaller body for me — it feels weird sometimes,” she says. “I haven’t had to check to see if I can fit in a booth or a chair in like two years.”
“But it’s still disorienting,” she admits. “I want to be in my body. The only way I have found to accomplish that is through movement, through dance.”
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During the class, Sarah, the ballet instructor, praises Thore’s dancing and says she doesn’t understand why she’s so shy about her abilities because she looks great.
“Sarah is obviously an excellent ballet instructor. She knows ballet but she knows something else. It’s that dance is accessible to every person and every body,” Thore says in a confessional, getting choked up. “And you do not need permission.”
Thore has been dancing throughout her life, and she’s continued pursuing her love of the sport. Before filming My Big Fat Fabulous Life, she went viral for her dancing videos. The reality star still frequently shares photos and videos of herself dancing by herself and with others.
In January, she shared a video on Instagram celebrating taking her first ballet lesson in 22 years.
The new episode of My Big Fat Fabulous Life airs Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on TLC and will be available on discovery+ the same day.
