What happens when you don't fit the box the world tries to put you in? Raffaella Mulas, a PhD mathematician and passionate dancer, was invited to a TV show as a “nerd.” There was just one problem: she didn’t look like one. What followed was a jaw-dropping encounter with a producer determined to make her “ugly enough” to fit the label. But instead of shrinking to fit their idea of a nerd, Raffaella challenged their rigid expectations with logic, wit and Lindy Hop.In this brilliantly funny and deeply human talk for TEDxVUAmsterdam, she explores how stereotypes shape our choices, sabotage our confidence, and steal our authenticity. With stories that will make you laugh, wince, and think, she offers an empowering call to live beyond labels and maybe even dance your way out of them. Raffaella Mulas is an Assistant Professor (Universitair Docent) of Mathematics at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Beyond research and teaching, she is passionate about public engagement and has created outreach videos, organized science communication events, and published articles and interviews to make mathematics more accessible.She is also the co-author of Bear Networks, a mathematics book for children, as well as an upcoming mathematics book for researchers. Outside academia, she particularly enjoys swimming, swing dancing, and storytelling. She has performed at storytelling events across Europe, including at Mezrab and Theater Bellevue in Amsterdam, and venues in Barcelona, Zurich, and Basel. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx