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Mary Verdi-FletcherBallerina in a wheelchair
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Mary Verdi-Fletcher: A Ballerina on Wheels
- A Childhood Love for Dance
- Discovering Her Talent
- The Birth of Dancing Wheels Company
- A Company that Defies Limits
- A Recognized Success
- Living Her Dream
Mary Verdi-Fletcher: A Ballerina on Wheels
Mary Verdi-Fletcher was born with a spinal injury, making it seem impossible for her to move without a wheelchair, let alone dance. However, from a young age, Mary dreamed of becoming a dancer, particularly a ballet dancer. Despite the challenges she faced, Mary continued to dream and find ways to dance.
A Childhood Love for Dance
Both of Mary's parents were passionate about dance, and she grew up loving the atmosphere of dance studios. Even though it seemed unlikely, Mary would quietly sit in on rehearsals and imagine herself gracefully dancing across the stage. Even when no one was watching, she would wheel around her house, dancing on her wheelchair.
Discovering Her Talent
Surprisingly, Mary's wheelchair didn't hinder her ability to dance. She possessed grace, rhythm, and artistry. As she started performing her own routines at small events, people who appreciated and understood dance didn't see her wheelchair, but rather a young and beautiful dancer. It was during this time that Mary met her future husband, Bob Fletcher, who saw her for the talented dancer she was.
The Birth of Dancing Wheels Company
After getting married, Mary revealed to Bob that dance, particularly ballet, had always been her biggest dream. Bob, determined to make her dream a reality, opened their own business. However, they struggled financially, so they began seeking sponsors for their unique and daring project – a ballet on wheelchairs. This was the beginning of the Dancing Wheels Company.
A Company that Defies Limits
The concept of the Dancing Wheels Company was to have both able-bodied and wheelchair-bound individuals dancing together on stage, creating breathtaking performances that showcased their passion and skill. The company also established a dance school, where anyone interested in dance, regardless of their physical abilities, could learn and embrace the art form. Not everyone may perform on stage, but everyone can learn to dance and break free from the labels and limitations imposed on them.
A Recognized Success
Over the years, the ballet gained recognition and gathered a growing audience. Today, Mary and Bob's company no longer struggles to find sponsors. Many consider it an honor to be part of such a prestigious project. Remarkably, Mary and her husband not only allowed people with disabilities to express themselves through dance, but also showed the world that wheelchair users are capable of extraordinary things.
Living Her Dream
Despite her own health challenges, Mary is happy with her project. She has fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a ballerina and has also given the gift of ballet to those whose nature had seemingly denied them that opportunity. Mary believes that dance is a state of the soul and that it doesn't matter whether you are sitting in a wheelchair or standing on your own two feet. She knows that life is all about movement, and it is only through movement that one can achieve great things.
