Avery Roberts
"Life is no dress rehearsal," Avery Roberts reflects, her voice filled with the wisdom of someone who has learned to seize every moment. This mantra has guided Avery through a life marked by both extraordinary challenges and remarkable achievements.
Born with hip dysplasia, Avery's journey with Collagen 6-Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMD) began before she could even walk. "My mom had a normal pregnancy," Avery explains. "But when I was born, they realized that I had hip dysplasia." This early diagnosis set Avery on a path requiring strength, determination, and an unwavering spirit.
Early Life
Avery's childhood in New York was shaped by her gradual loss of mobility and the seven-year journey to receive an accurate diagnosis of CMD. Despite these challenges, Avery's early memories are filled with the joy of dance. "I grew up dancing," she shares. "I started dancing when I was age four."
This passion for movement would become a defining aspect of Avery's life, even as her condition progressed. "As I grew older, I got weaker," Avery says. "I used to have the ability to walk. Now I am a power wheelchair user, relying on it as my main source of mobility and independence."
But for Avery, her wheelchair isn't a limitation – it's a tool for expression and independence. Her determination to continue dancing despite her changing physical abilities speaks volumes about her character and resilience.
Threads of Wisdom
Throughout our conversation, Avery's insights reveal a wisdom beyond her years. Her experiences have taught her valuable lessons that she eagerly shares. One of the most powerful is her perspective on limitations. "You kind of define how it limits you," Avery says about her disability. This outlook encourages others to push beyond perceived boundaries and redefine what's possible.
Avery is a strong believer in continuous growth and learning. "Always just pursue, whether in the entertainment world or not, pursue your craft," she advises. "Keep taking classes, no matter how far into the industry you are. You can continue learning." This commitment to ongoing education and improvement has undoubtedly contributed to her success in the industry.
Building connections and expanding one's network is another key piece of wisdom Avery emphasizes. "Keep building your circle," she urges. "Keep meeting people, keep connecting with people. Keep taking that first step, you'll never know until you try." This approach has likely opened doors and created opportunities in her groundbreaking career.
Perhaps most poignantly, Avery stresses the importance of living in the present moment. "Stay in the present," she says. "Tell people you love them, express your gratitude towards them every chance you get because you don't know what tomorrow will bring." This reminder to appreciate the here and now and express love freely is a thread of wisdom that can enrich anyone's life.
Reflections
Avery's journey in the entertainment industry serves as a powerful testament to her determination. "I was fortunate enough to become the first wheelchair user to dance on the Radio City stage," she shares proudly. This groundbreaking performance, along with her participation in a nationally televised live production, has positioned Avery at the forefront of disability representation in dance.
"I'm grateful to be among the few people leading the way in the industry, in terms of disability inclusion," Avery reflects. "Hopefully every time I step onto a stage or a shoot, someone is changed for the better."
As she looks to the future, Avery remains committed to breaking down barriers and changing perceptions. Her story is a powerful reminder that disability doesn't define a person – it's merely one aspect of a rich and complex life.
"Disability is only relevant when it has to be relevant," Avery quotes her choreographer, encapsulating her approach to life and art. It's this perspective that allows Avery to shine not only as a dancer living with a disability, but simply as a dancer, an artist, and a trailblazer.
Avery Roberts' story is one of resilience, passion, and the power of perspective. Through her dance, her advocacy, and her everyday life, she continues to challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of what's possible. As she moves forward, guided by the wisdom she's gained and her support system, Avery is not just participating in the conversation about authentic disability inclusion & representation done right – she's leading it, one opportunity at a time.
