DailyGood

For the last 27 years, DailyGood newsletters have offered a daily email that inspires you to respond to life with creativity and kindness. To join a community of 148,332 subscribers, subscribe here.

Nov 28, 2006

"Dream it. Believe in it. Receive it." --Anonymous

Teen Amputee Dances Her Dream

It was just a tiny misstep during a dance class routine. But it was enough to cause Nathalie Calderon’s right foot to spin backward 180 degrees. "My teacher nearly fainted," said Nathalie. But the determined Central Florida girl just asked for a screwdriver — and with a few twists, her foot was again righted. Nathalie, who was born without the lower part of a tibia in her right leg, wears a prosthetic, something she hadn't bothered to mention to her dance instructor. Now 15, Nathalie has won three scholarships this year for her dancing, has earned the respect of her peers and the adoration of audiences as she performs hip hop, tap and ballet.