Plus-Sized Ballerina Featured in New Disney+ Film
Fans are excited about the new release of the Disney+ Short Circuits animated film Reflect, which features a plus-sized ballerina.
Disney+ is releasing a new short film called Reflect that focuses on body positivity, following the story of a dancer named Bianca who is uncomfortable with her reflection.
In the short, the main character, Bianca, a ballet dancer, overcomes her reflection, doubt, and fear by channeling her inner strength, grace, and power.
Disney have created their first ‘plus-size’ heroine in their new short film ‘Reflect’.
— The Women’s Organisation (@TheWomensOrg) October 31, 2022
Representation matters for ALL body types. 👏 pic.twitter.com/IhVvGQ6o0w
The film opens with Bianca dancing by herself in an empty studio. She is seen confidently dancing before her class starts. However, Bianca becomes instantly uncomfortable once her peers and ballet teacher enter the studio. The film goes on to show her journey of learning to love herself.
🥰🥰🥰
— MsieurJojo (@MsieurJojo) November 6, 2022
Reflect, Disney+ pic.twitter.com/sWSl5Aq5xz
This movie is part of Disney’s Short Circuits experimental films, a practical, innovative program where anyone can pitch an idea to Disney. If the studio finds their pitches impressive, people are selected to create their short films.
Reflect is directed by Hilary Bradfield, who spoke about the inspiration behind the short film in a recent interview. “Setting the story from a dancer’s perspective seemed just natural. It’s a part of the craft to be looking at your posture and checking things in the mirror, so it just seemed like a really good way to put her in that environment where she has to look at herself and she doesn’t want to,” explained Bradfield.
Hilary is not new to the Disney film scene, as she is credited on Encanto and Frozen 2. However, Bradfield wants this film to help people feel more positive about themselves, their looks, and the journey that got them there. “Sometimes you go to the dark place to get to the good place. And that just makes the good place that much more beautiful,” stated Hilary.
Disney fans are excited to see a film that finally shows the story of a relatable girl. Historically, Disney princesses have been animated as unrealistically thin and part of an unachievable beauty standard. Bianca in Reflect helps break that stereotype.
Reflect is currently streaming on Disney+. Click this link to watch the trailer on YouTube or view it below.
