IN Peters Township August/September 2018 | Page 71

Brianna studies various styles of dance, and dances
competitively as part of a team. “My favorite style of dance
is lyrical, because I can tell a story through dancing in my
chair,” she explains. “I have a sparkly hot-pink wheelchair
that I use all of the time.”
On the Ultimate Dance Complex Competition Team
there are over 60 “able-bodied” dancers. “Not one girl treats
Brianna differently,” says her mom. “They don’t see her
chair; they see a dancer. These girls truly are kind-hearted
dancers.”
“Being able to dance shows everyone that even though
I’m in a wheelchair, it doesn’t mean I can’t dance,” adds
Brianna. “Even though I’m in a chair, it doesn’t make me
different from other people. I can do anything anyone else
can.”
“Actress and dancer Chelsie Hill’s quote is ‘Dance is
dance, whether you’re walking or rolling,’ and I love that
quote because it’s true,” she continues. “I can dance. I just
do it in my wheelchair.”
Brianna is continually inspired by the Rollettes—a
wheelchair dance team in Los Angeles. She was able to
travel to California last August to meet and dance with
them. She will be going again this year to take more classes
and to continue to learn from the team.
“We are beyond proud of Brianna for following her heart
and breaking barriers,” say her parents. “Getting on stage in
her chair is so incredibly brave.”
Dance motivates Brianna to keep improving her strength,
not only to become a better dance, but the best version of
herself she can be. “I love dancing because I get to show my
talent,” she explains. “I love being on stage, and I like to wear
pretty costumes and do my hair and makeup.”
Brianna plans to continue studying and competing
when it comes to dance, and one day wants to become a
fashion designer. “One very important thing I’ve learned
is that to pursue your dreams, you have to step out of your
comfort zone, and that would be the best advice I could give
anyone,” she says. “Whatever you do, don’t be afraid to try
new things and to let yourself succeed in doing those things,
no matter your situation.”   ■
Members of Ultimate Dance Complex’s Competition Team.
PETERS TOWNSHIP
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