So let's talk about the recent firestorm involving Joe Bullard, the longtime announcer for Florida A&M's band. If you missed it, here's the gist: during a halftime show, Bullard made comments about the weight of Alabama State's dancers. The backlash was swift and severe, leading to a public apology from both Bullard and FAMU's president.
First off, let's be clear: body-shaming has no place in sports commentary. Ever. These dancers are athletes who train rigorously and perform under immense pressure. To reduce their talent and hard work to a discussion about their bodies is not just inappropriate—it's damaging.
What struck me most was how the HBCU community rallied in defense of these performers. The president of Alabama State didn't just issue a generic apology; he specifically defended the dancers, emphasizing that talent and dedication aren't determined by dress size. That's the energy we need more of in these situations.
But here's what really gets me thinking: why are we still having this conversation in 2025? We've seen time and again how harmful weight-based comments can be, particularly for performers who already face immense pressure to conform to certain physical standards. The fact that this happened during an HBCU event—spaces that have historically celebrated diverse expressions of Black excellence—makes it even more disappointing.
Bullard's apology mentioned his words "crossed a line," and that's putting it mildly. Commentary during performances should elevate the artistry, not tear down the artists. The focus should always be on the incredible skill, precision, and storytelling these dancers bring to the field.
The silver lining here? The immediate response shows we're moving in the right direction. When institutions and communities quickly condemn body-shaming and defend their performers, it sends a powerful message about what we value.
As dance lovers and supporters of the arts, we have to keep pushing for environments where performers of all shapes and sizes can thrive without fear of commentary about their bodies. The magic happens when artists feel safe enough to bring their full, authentic selves to the stage.
What do you think about the role of commentators in performance spaces? Sound off in the comments—let's keep this conversation going.
