Breaking Stereotypes: Big John Dances 100 Pounds Away!
April 24, 2013“I grew up in the hood. I was poor growing up and that’s what we did-we danced. It was our culture.”-John Drury (Big John)
Truck Driver “Big John” Drury, 42, has always loved to dance. Growing up in a poverty-stricken Cincinnati neighborhood, dancing was a welcomed escape and an art form for the young teen. Dancing momentarily helped him to forget the physical and emotional abuse he was experiencing at the hands of his father. And when he danced, the hunger pangs temporarily vanished. Dancing instilled confidence and self-discipline, it brought friendships and camaraderie. Dancing brought happiness. So Big John danced. He danced in break dancing and hip-hop competitions, in community events, and on sidewalks and streets. Dancing was his passion and it kept him out of trouble.
Dancing would also bring Big John the love of his life. Just a year after high school, his smooth moves on the dance floor of a local club captured the attention of the woman who would become his wife. They married in 1994 and soon started a family.
Just Trucking Along
At 6’ 7, "Big John” is a man that stands out in a crowd. His shaved head and tattoos compliment his individuality. He’s a force you can’t miss and when you come to know him, you don’t want to.
His large frame had carried the appropriate weight for most of his life. But as his family grew, his role as a husband and father became his priority and his work ethics took center stage. He was working 70 hours a week as a truck driver and the lifestyle of a trucker isn't exactly weight loss friendly. The countless hours spent driving, buttery, greasy truck stop restaurant food, quick fast food meals…John’s diet routinely consisted of one word: convenience.
The tedious hours he was spending behind the wheel was taking a toll on Big John’s health. Within 10 years, his weight had ballooned from 260 pounds to 400 pounds. He was on medications to control his blood pressure and cholesterol and now in the midst of fighting obesity and the many comorbidities. Exercising and taking care of his body took a back seat. Sure, he was loading and unloading heavy product... but outside the confines of work, John found every excuse as to why he could not make time to exercise. As do many of us. But, no matter what size he was, Big John always danced. He danced at weddings and get-togethers and whenever he could find a dance floor.
The Wake-up Call
At the funeral of a cousin who died of bone cancer, Big John's heart sunk when he looked at his cousin's young children. In the midst of his own grief, he thought of how the children would now be without their father and it scared him. He had two sons of his own. What would their life be like if something happened to him? And when a good friend and fellow trucker passed away due to complications of obesity, Big John knew that it was time for a change. His lifestyle needed an overhaul and he was intent on finally doing something about it.
No Excuses
Months after his friend passed away, Big John heard that a local radio station was hosting a "Biggest Loser" competition. He decided that there would be no more excuses for his continued weight gain and being the fierce competitor that he is, he was determined to become a contestant. He had a new attitude, a goal, and a deep desire to get healthy again. Accepted as a contestant, he was given a free three month gym membership that would prove to be life changing. He discovered Zumba at the gym and danced the pounds away three or four times a week. Confident and on a mission, he didn't mind being the only man in the class. He was dancing again.
He lost 54 pounds and finished in second place in the radio Biggest Loser contest. The free gym membership had expired, but Big John was just getting started. He had reignited his passion for dancing and in the process, found his calling. He became a certified dance fitness instructor and opened his own dance fitness company: Big John's Dance Fitness.
The Dancing Machine
If you live in his Ohio neighborhood, you just might catch a glimpse of the truck driver and his students dancing to popular hip-hop songs as he teaches a dance fitness class in his driveway or garage. He is bringing life, dance, and music to the neighborhood. But if Big John has it his way, and he will, you will soon be able to dance with him from the comfort of your home. He is producing a Big John's Dance Fitness DVD in hopes of reaching out and dancing with millions.
The Old Me Is Dead And Gone reads the tattoo on the side of Big John's head. And he means it. He is moving forward ...and fast. Choreographing his own moves, he has danced away 100 pounds and is inspiring the young and old alike. He is sharing his passion and living it. He was meant to change lives and save lives by giving back health and hope to the obese.
"I'm on this journey with my students. I am not there yet. I am not where I want to be. So when these people walk into my class, they look at the instructor and think...If this guy can do it, I can do it." he says. "Step out of your comfort zone...start to feel comfortable with being uncomfortable."
Big John is breaking stereotypes. He has danced his way out of his comfort zone and his dreams are coming true. He's been featured in news stories, on magazine covers, and is fast becoming a YouTube sensation and Internet celebrity. And there ain't no stopping him now!
There's another dream especially that he is determined to see through. He wants to meet Ellen DeGeneres. He thinks they could share a dance move or two.
*Editor's note: Life Reimagined- Click here to view "Big Wheels and Dancing Shoes" and hear Big John speak from the heart! View his dancing moves below!
-Let's help to get Big John on The Ellen DeGeneres Show! Please Like and Share!
Here's Big John in action!
