The circus is a place of awe, wonder, and often the extraordinary. The circus has long been a realm where the unusual and unique shine, captivating the audience with acts that go beyond the norms of everyday life. Among the many attractions that have graced the circus stage, the “bearded woman” is an iconic figure that attracts curious onlookers from all walks of life. Meet Dakota Cook, a woman who embraced her extraordinary journey made her way into the circus as the “Bearded Lady” and redefined the boundaries of self-acceptance.
It’s a well-known fact that society often dictates what is considered “normal” or “beautiful,” putting enormous pressure on individuals to conform to these standards. For many, this conformity means adhering to a set of predetermined ideals, including traditional notions of beauty. But what happens when one person decides to challenge these norms and embrace their unique identity?
Dakota’s story begins
Dakota Cooke’s extraordinary journey began at the age of 13 when she first noticed her facial hair appearing as she hit puberty. At first, they started out as light and fluffy hairs, but over time they darkened and grew longer. Recalling these early days, Dakota says, “When I hit puberty at 13, I think I got a little extra. It started with peach fuzz on my face that started to get longer and darker.”
Her stepfather took her to get her first beard wax at a salon after a family friend tipped off her parents. “A family friend pointed it out at the time, so my stepdad took me to the doctors for tests and then took me to the hair salon where I got my first ever wax,” Dakota recalled. “It was super uncomfortable and I was just learning how to shave my legs at the time.
Largely due to her birth generation, Dakota has always been self-conscious about her beard. She continued: “I grew up in a time when women with beards were so stigmatized that women in salons would tell me how girls shouldn’t grow beards.”
Dakota’s life settled on a shaving regimen. Dakota continued: “I think it stuck with me because, for the next ten years, I kind of went into this shame spiral where I tried to hide my face in photos and went to waxing sessions every week.”
She dropped the razor!
@dakotasbeard This Really is Me #greatestshowman #beardedlady #thisisme #bodypositivity #bodypos #effyourbeautystandards ♬ This Is Me (Alan Walker Relift) [From “The Greatest Showman”] – Keala Settle & The Greatest Showman Ensemble
When Dakota started working after high school, she struggled. She felt like she had to shave twice a day because of societal standards. just to blend in at work. “When I was working in one of my first jobs in retail, I ended up shaving my face twice a day.” remarked the bearded woman. “Once in the morning and again during my break due to extremely noticeable hair. In addition, it was unacceptable for me to be anything other than a stereotypical woman, because I worked in the make-up department.’
Finally, in 2015, Dakota got into a discussion with a friend during a party. She heard from her friend how much she enjoyed working in the circus. Dakota replied: “I was at a party with my 35-year-old friend Sunshine.” “And she told me all these amazing stories about what it was like to work in the circus, and I loved the idea of ​​it all.
Dakota expressed her hope to Sunshine that he has the courage to simply grow a beard and join her in the circus. Her companion said, “Why not?” in response.
A bearded woman performs in circuses these days.
Dakota needed some time to get used to the look and learn not to let it bother her. At first she was uncomfortable growing a beard after years of shaving. But eventually, she got used to the beard and the look.
“Growing a beard was pretty uncomfortable at first,” Dakota recalled. “It took a lot of work to avoid re-trimming and shaving. When someone tried to photograph me for the first time after I grew an inch, I remember getting really weird looks. At first, I was really anxious about that view, but in the end, I just decided to stop caring.”
Dakota is currently confidently employed in the circus.
Support and acceptance
Throughout her journey, Dakota was fortunate to have the unwavering support of her family and friends. They embraced her uniqueness and celebrated her journey to self-acceptance. Dakota fondly recalls, “My family and friends have been very supportive in my journey of self-acceptance and even bought me a ‘n***a with a beard’ sign, which I love.”
A message of empowerment
Dakota Cooke’s remarkable journey serves as a powerful message of empowerment and self-acceptance. Her decision to embrace her beard and pursue a career as a “Bearded Lady” in the circus defies societal expectations and redefines the boundaries of beauty and normalcy.
In a world that often places enormous pressure on individuals to conform to pre-defined standards, Dakota’s story reminds us that true beauty lies in embracing one’s own unique identity. Her journey serves as an inspiration to all who seek self-acceptance and the courage to live life on their own terms.
Dakota Cook’s journey of self-acceptance and empowerment continues to inspire and uplift those who come across her remarkable story. It stands as a beacon of authenticity, reminding us that embracing our unique qualities and living life on our own terms is a powerful form of self-expression. Her transformation from a young woman burdened by social norms to a confident circus performer shows the strength of the human spirit and the importance of breaking free from the constraints of conformity.
Dakota’s legacy extends far beyond the circus tent. It reminds us that true beauty goes beyond superficial appearances and lies in the authenticity of one’s character. Her story encourages individuals to celebrate their individuality, appreciate their uniqueness, and most importantly, have the courage to be themselves.
In a world that often tries to dictate what is normal and beautiful, Dakota Cook’s journey is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and the beauty of embracing your true self. Her narrative encourages us to break free from the shackles of conformity and live life authentically, just as she did under the mesmerizing lights of the circus.
Dakota’s resilience, confidence, and extraordinary journey send a loud message to all: be proud of who you are, embrace your uniqueness, and let your true self shine. Ultimately, it is the courage to be authentic that truly defines our beauty and strength. Dakota Cook’s story reminds us that, like her, we can all be the stars of our own extraordinary circus acts, captivating the world with our individuality and unapologetic spirit.