Meet Radio City's first Rockette with a visible disability | GMA Digital

[@spazticarwen]

I’m glad you acknowledged the existence of invisible disabilities by highlighting her as the first rocket with a visible one. It’s very easy to go into a circumstance and assume if you can’t see a difference everyone is able-bodied.

[@NadiaCianca]

When she said her dad wore his wedding ring on his right hand so that he could share in her joy when she got married 🥰🥺

[@kathleesi]

That was very interesting to me. In Germany, Austria, Russia, Poland and some other countries it is always worn on the right :D

[@k.a.r9876]

@@kathleesi this is what I was told when I was younger… don’t know how accurate it is. But I was told that we were it on our left hand because that’s the side our heart is on. But I personally don’t think it matters, just about the commitment the rings hold.

[@Phantombild1996]

@@k.a.r9876 as a German I can confirm. Engagement ring on the left, wedding ring on the right. :)

[@jasmineabrego8157]

@@Phantombild1996 Wow, that's really interesting! :)

[@ruzdaniellegarcia4774]

My heart melted when she said his dad switched his ring to his right

[@Harlowerayne]

Her Daddy is Supeman. Such as great man.

[@AforAwesome3604]

I’m just really surprised the rockettes hired her, since they have all these height ant weight regulations and they always get girls that are almost clones of each other ya know? So having this visible disability is a game changer for them, and it is really inspiring and awesome!

[@b2kzangelalwayz]

and skin tone requirements for the longest time

[@hunterchapman2316]

They actually don't have any weight or non disability requirements. They have height requirements are it's important for their Formation but if you are the right height and can do they moves you're eligible

[@elisabruxvoort2190]

actually I heard them talk how the height really isn't as much of a big deal-they arrange them in the formations so they all look the same height! Pretty neat!

[@hunterchapman2316]

@@elisabruxvoort2190 they do but for that to happen you have to be within a certain height I think it's like 5ft-5'11

[@TerranTaro]

@@elisabruxvoort2190 height is a big deal. You have to be between between 5'6″ and 5'10 ½" if you fall outside of that you will not be considered. They arrange by height but keep the lines uniform and too much of a height difference or a gap would ruin the look.

[@natg4984]

This is why both representation matters and supportive environment is important! I'm very happy that she had the love and support all children deserve growing up. And it makes me excited to think that her bright light will be, in a sense, a continuation on the bright lights shined upon her -- something for young children - both with and without disabilities - to reflect on. (hope that makes sense! lol) edit: also she's her mom's copy! that's so cute.

[@09crafty09]

When she was dancing as a teenager I almost couldn't tell she only had one hand. So talented, so expressive. She deserves to be on that team.

[@Benni777]

Please don’t say comments like this bc as a disabled person, I want you to see us as a person, and not see the disability. When u say stuff like this, u patronize and dehumanize us, and make us feel ashamed of our disability. This is a very ableist comment and very destructive to the disabled community.

[@DannyCoombs709]

@@Benni777 I agree, and thank you for educating because I’ve said that before to someone and since I’ve been schooled (not as nicely lol) I’ve learned to stop trying to look at what makes people “normal looking” or “passable” and celebrate talent and differences

[@leocervidae]

Disability or not she’s a great a dancer and extremely dedicated, that’s what matters. Now it just so happens she can be an inspiration to those who need it.

[@mariahgrimes207]

This lady is a shining star. So much more so for her drive and dedication. You'd never be able to tell she has a " difference" Inspiring and devoted to her passion. Live your dream girl! So proud of you and what you have accomplished ❤️

[@tephwilliams]

This whole story has me super happy and proud for what she’s achieved! It’s sad that there hasn’t been a Rockett with a disability before this, but I guess better late then never. Hopefully this will open the doors for other amazing dancers to peruse their dreams, and actually get cast based primarily on skill and not have as much focus and pressure be put on physical appearance.

[@midenightsparkle3]

Omg to cute that her dad switched where he wear his ring to match her.

[@melaniexoxo]

Shes clearly amazing, but lets also talk about those parents of hers....

[@specialty_k]

Mel I wanted to go there, but I wanted my comment to focus on her because the video should be an inspiration to others with disabilities. But there are so many parents out there that just take government checks and not allow their children to achieve their full potential. I have a friend who told me that her daughter was developmentally disabled (Gov check). I told her no she's not... she just sang the entire song on the radio. My friend's reply... she was diagnosed as... I don't have to tell you more because you can guess the rest of this issue. SMDH!

[@aussiefurbymogwaifan6621]

@@specialty_k disabled people don't like being seen as "inspirational" just because of their disability. That is called "inspiration porn", look it up, it was made famous by disability rights activist Stella Young

[@cookiecuteasapuppy1008]

She’s beautiful 💕💕💕💕.... she’s just like everyone else ... 💕💕💕💕

[@christinjones4542]

How cool is this girl…amazing

[@melissahyland457]

The Rockettes need to be paid more!

[@chloewareham-gordon8924]

All dancers need to be paid more! The Rockettes make nearly 4x more than I do in a smaller dance company

[@notamuggle8724]

Unfortunately, dancers aren’t paid much. Some professional dancers barely make a living wage:(

[@Jemelave]

What an amazing dad!

[@lindadickson783]

Congrats!!!!!! I’m so happy you were able to achieve your dream and live it.

[@markpereira1975]

I was born without my fingers on my left hand. You can look at my KZbin page or check me out on Facebook or you look me up online. I competed in bodybuilding for a long time. Nothing ever stopped me from doing everything I love to do with no fingers. It was difficult even trying to tie my shoes. I had to learn how to do everything my own way. I get everything this girl is saying I’ve been there done that got to keep moving forward no matter what you look like. No matter what disabilities you have you know the world is actually out there waiting for people like us to pop out of our shells and take over. People need to stop thinking about disabilities like as if a disability can actually stop you from doing anything. The only thing that stops people from doing things is their mind. That’s what stops you from doing something, not a disability. Someone like this girl, and myself who have disabilities we figured out a way to make it an ability you know what I’m saying? Fucking right motherfuckers! Have a good day and a Merry Motha Fuckin Christmas!

[@jessicafraunfelter8581]

Inspiring I had tears of joy

[@8100NL]

You are amazing and you did not allow that to stop you

[@jay-leevanderberg8174]

I am so happy that this is a victory and heck yes for it but I am also sad that this is considered a victory…. Like why would she not have been considered to be a rockette because she has a dissability, doesn’t have a hand, something that does not affect her ability to dance. It’s beyond me.

[@moumuooo.o2283]

Dancing uses hand especially when it comes to group dances but she is good though

[@chooseyourpoison5105]

Fair point. She gained her place because she is a brilliant dancer. She happens to have one hand, same as another dancer might have blue eyes or long arms or some other physical quirk that doesn't impact on their dancing.

[@nigerianprincess101]

The Rockettes are very strict about appearances because they want all of them to look exactly the same. They’re ver strict about height, even having a longer torso, having darker skin, can disqualify someone from being a rockette. They’re slowly being more inclusive, but I don’t think they’ll ever let go of their height requirement

[@jay-leevanderberg8174]

@@nigerianprincess101 gosh that’s stupid. We need more inclusivity

[@potato-phobia85yearsago27]

She was considered before it’s only kinda a victory because they wouldn’t really care it’s just she’s the first because if you are a visibly disabled rockete you have a visible disability (which are rare) and you have to be the best of the best

[@sydneyrettig6287]

Yayy so happy for her this is amazing

[@Shaz-v3w]

Omg the Story about her dad and the ring 😭😭😭 so sweet

[@AKASH1167]

Hats off milady!!!! Best Of Luck sister........

[@specialty_k]

She was a beautiful baby (pictures), she is beautiful now, and throughout the entire video I didn't see a disability. This young lady is determined and has achieved success. I'm very proud of her.

[@aussiefurbymogwaifan6621]

Saying you "don't see the disability" is ableist, because disabled people want you to see that there is no shame in being proudly disabled. The amount of ableism in the comments here is gross🤢 GMA should be ashamed of themselves for violating disabled people's rights, happens too often🤦🏼‍♀️

[@Jen-lc5yc]

@@aussiefurbymogwaifan6621 maybe she was just trying to say she wouldn't have noticed anything different had it not been mentioned in the interview?

[@aussiefurbymogwaifan6621]

@@Jen-lc5yc the ableists deleted my comment!

[@aussiefurbymogwaifan6621]

@@Jen-lc5yc but this is Stella Young's Ted talk on inspiration porn: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnyceJpna5l1qdk

[@itsme_hi13]

@@aussiefurbymogwaifan6621 I completely agree with you. You were stating a fact!! I called it out in a comment earlier today, and you should have seen this idiot in the replies 🙄. BUT what I will say is that I doubt people say this with malicious intent. I think that they genuinely think that what they’re doing is right, which is why I think it’s important that we do our best to educate them if we want to. We shouldn’t have to, but if we choose to, then we can change the narrative.

[@CK-dp6je]

God bless this young lady! Good for her!

[@СергійРудницький-я4п]

Молодець. Ця історія ще раз підтверджує, що якщо усердно та заповзято працювати над собою та над втіленням своєї цілі, то усе можливо. Якщо є талант то його не забереш.

[@robynwhite9226]

This is amazing!!

[@meursaultscourtroom8886]

Great Dad story!

[@carjhb]

Absolutely amazing! So glad I saw this!

[@annd.h.1336]

Amazing young lady

[@Baseballalejandro99]

That’s interesting but at least she performed last year but this year she can’t perform since the Christmas spectacular is canceled because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Hopefully her and her rockettes crew will perform next year when the show returns in 2021.

[@latsnojokelee6434]

That’s very nice of her father to switch hands for his wedding ring. But in medieval times in Europe the wedding rings were always on the right hand not left hand, and still in Europe some people wear their wedding rings on the right hand..

[@Sunflower_vally]

What's the problem with not following tradition? The father is doing something so nice and sweet so why give a fuck about a stupid wedding wring being on a certain hand or not?

[@jay-leevanderberg8174]

@@Sunflower_vally they were just stating a fun fact, not putting down what the dad did….

[@tdaetaunm]

In the United States, it is customary to wear the ring on your left hand. They are probably unaware of this history and culture difference in other parts of the world.

[@verycreativename1865]

@@Sunflower_vally you missed the point... in the usa wedding rings are usally worn on the left hand, but in some cultures its worn on the right like her father does. It was just a fun fact.

[@strangepineapples3375]

@@Sunflower_vally wow, somebody can't read the room

[@fallenmagic_]

What an inspiration

[@rubyburke6506]

The first thought was about a wedding ring? That would not even cross my mind

[@itsme_hi13]

okay. i want to make this clear. i also have a disability, and i love how GMA is using their platform to highlight diversity and disability representation! but i do want to talk about the tags. disabled people getting the same opportunities as regular people is not “overcoming” or “inspiration.” we are just living our lives. it’s a little bit ableist because our disabilities are not your inspiration. our disabilities are a part our lives. furthermore, i want to express the following to everyone: please stop saying that you “couldn’t tell” or “forgot” that she had a disability when she’s dancing. i know that you probably mean it as a compliment, but it’s kind of offensive because it means that you are choosing to overlook something that becomes a huge part of us. i wouldn’t be the same person without my disability. so, please. congratulate her all you want - my love goes out to her too, and i’m so happy about everything she’s accomplished! - but just remember that the disability matters too 🥰

[@fashiondiva6972]

What you’re trying to tell people comes across as highly contradictory. Here’s what folks hear: don’t look at our disabilities and give us credit for them or be inspired by our success because we achieved it despite having to do so while compensating for a disability because that’s offensive. Also, don’t you dare forget that we’re disabled and you need to remember we’re disabled and achieved great things while being disabled. If you can’t see the inherent contradiction in your statements then you should perhaps speak to someone about your own confusion. You see, I dealt with my own disabilities and also grew up with deaf parents. The way you think makes zero sense and comes across as rude and rather ridiculous. You want people to acknowledge your disability but not too much, and don’t say it in the wrong way or God forbid fail to say the magic words about it🙄I don’t think there is a way anyone could acknowledge disability or profile a person who happens to have one that wouldn’t offend your sensibilities based on your “ground rules” you outlined in your comment. The rest of the world can be relieved to know we don’t all feel this way and don’t sit around looking for reasons to be offended. Because that’s exactly what this comment said to me. Stop looking for reasons to be unhappy. There was nothing whatsoever offensive about the story or about those providing supportive feedback. I don’t care how many faux kissy face emojis you slap on the end of a comment; it was still straight up bitchy.

[@itsme_hi13]

@@fashiondiva6972 In my opinion, as someone with a visible physical disability, I still stand by what I said. Disabilities aren’t “inspiration” for able-bodied people. Disabilities are valid aspects of our lives. And if you actually read my comment, you’d notice that I said nothing about the story itself: just the tags that were underneath it. There is a major difference between the two. Another difference that you failed to comprehend is the difference between idolizing being “able-passing” and recognizing that our disabilities are a part of our lives. Telling someone “oh, I forgot that you have a disability” isn’t a compliment. I did see that a bit throughout the comments, and it’s offensive to a lot of the disabled community. If you don’t personally feel that way, congratulations, but it doesn’t invalidate my feelings or the feelings of thousands of others that I’ve marched with. Finally, there is a way to acknowledge the disability following my so-called “ground rules,” as you do eloquently put it. “Yes, this dancer has a disability. It means that she’s going to do something differently, but that’s okay because we want her here based on her talent.” The rest of the world can be shocked to know that this isn’t the standard way the disabled community is referred to as, and they can feel welcome to become allies for equality. Stop looking for reasons to silence people for voicing their opinions. I found some things that were slightly offensive in the tags and comments, but I don’t believe it was done with malicious intent. By gently correcting people and telling them how to do better, we achieve a more accepting world. What your comment told me is that you completely failed to see how these small details can slightly sour an otherwise wonderful story. I don’t care how many faux I-know-better-than-you-do-on-this-because-I’m-disabled-too’s you throw around wildly in your comment; it was still straight up ignorant and bitchy.

[@kaylimcginnis]

As someone with multiple disabilities I agree. Just because we achieve the bare minimum as a person without a disability (in this case getting a job and following your dreams) does not make us special in any way. I hate it when people say oh wow your really good at that for someone with a disability. In 99.9999999999999999999% of cases a person with a disability can do the exact same thing as a non-disabled person. It may require some adaptive materials it can still get done. Take me for example I have sever memory impairments so I put everything down on a calendar. Although most people use a calendar I rely on it for everything where as a person without memory issues may need it for dates far out I need it for stuff that I plan for that is out of my normal pattern. So if a friend asked to go get dinner that night, even though it is that night I put it in my calendar with 2-3 reminders. A disability doesn’t always mean things are harder if just means in most cases you go about doing things differently. I with people would understand that. All the time I get pity and I am so confused because here I am a deans list college student going for a double bachelors degree.

[@JD-kq1he]

For me - it’s hard because nowadays people are trying to fill a quota or to present “diverse” and that gives people opportunities they never would have gotten. I’m not saying she didn’t deserve it because hundreds of try outs derserved it but let’s be honest here - would someone like her have made it 10-15 years ago? No. So seeing things like this is heartwarming but at the same time - was it for the views? The company’s image/reputation? It’s hard because me being a black woman go through this and still face some flack when I’m hired!

[@Likewhoa300]

@@itsme_hi13 your reply to the tiny mind of @FashionDiva is #goals. This person is exactly what is disturbing and so misguided about ableist culture. Thank you @Holly Smith for speaking up about the wording and language used in this video and in the comments. I agree that there is a severe lack of understanding when it comes to able bodied people looking at people like Sydney and either congratulating them on their ability to blend into “normal” standards or be the inspiration and heroic symbol of society’s incredible move towards “inclusiveness”. Give me a break. It’s terribly insulting and needs to stop.

[@suungirl128]

out there somewhere is a little girl with a disability who is smiling ❤️

[@Cutetoot_]

One time I met her 😊

[@rmk6693]

This is very cool!! What a fun thing to be a Rockette!

[@ellavorisek5627]

Somehow I looked dead at the thumbnail, and still thought, "So what's her visible disability? Like, a hearing aid, or something? 'Cause that's still pretty invisible😒"😂 Anyways, this was a really beautiful story, and the parts about her dad legitimately almost made me cry. Wonderful story!

[@melvinhsu963]

Is this the official Good morning America KZbin channel? Where is Robin Robert’s ending intro? Or is the unofficial GMA KZbin channel?👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎

[@Charles-re4vd]

Believe in your abilities & then achieve your dreams ❤😅👁️👁️👍

[@lexlajodienda926]

What a Amazing Inspiration That She Has... Word is Bound...💯 Tru3talk, Tru3Story 💯..... I've Differently Learned Something That's Very Inspiration & Amazing Too My Eyes... & it's Too Value The Little Things in life... So Therefore Us Humans We Should Count are Blessings an Give Thanks Too Are Heavily Father for Blessings those that are lucky an able too move an walk freely .... Well happy Hoildays Folkz an LOVEIZLOVE 💘💯 from 🇺🇸 USA 🥃 NYC The Bronx

[@aussiefurbymogwaifan6621]

Disabled people will come after you if you call them "inspirational" just because of their disability🤢

[@sd.lulu.multipurpose5306]

This shows no matter what happens to you in life. If you believe in yourself. The brick walls that society puts in front of you is nothing. When you put you mind to it.

[@chooseyourpoison5105]

A better question is, why does that brick wall exist at all? She's shown that a disability is no barrier to being a good dancer. One of the best architects at my firm is in a wheelchair. My wife has a brilliant teacher colleague who happens to be deaf. Why does our society automatically assume that a person isn't capable of something just because they have a disability?

[@sd.lulu.multipurpose5306]

@@chooseyourpoison5105 I have autism and ADHD from when I was little and now anxiety due to being bullied because of these. But I’m smarter than a lot of abled body people because I had to spend twice as much energy and brain power and time to learn something.

[@mikeyd946]

This is just amazing! 🤩🤩🤩

[@Shaz-v3w]

Amazing!!!

[@tinkelsia3]

In my country we wear the wedding ring on the right hand anyways, so its not that strange :p

[@jannislewis13]

😍🎆

[@teetee1324]

Not me thinking she couldn’t see

[@potato-phobia85yearsago27]

Same lol

[@millicentdollhouse5252]

It’s weird to me that when she was a baby they were thinking about her marriage. Just bizarre.

[@kaylimcginnis]

I don’t think so, her parents were worried about her ability to fit in by wearing a wedding ring. I know some people who the wedding ring in the left ring finger is everything in the marriage. As a person with multiple disabilities growing up I saw my parents worry about basic stuff like that as well. Parents with a child who has a disability just want them to be accepted and seen for who they are (disability included because people often say oh well I don’t see a disability in you because of this or that or I forgot you even had one even when it is the elephant in the room) My parents worried about me academically and social skill wise but here I am now in college in a double bachelors degree program for elementary and special education with a solid group of friends who love me and embrace by disabilities because it makes our time together interesting.

[@juicyjessica2298]

Just finding this after watching the show last week. I noticed her 🥰 Wonderful job she did

[@aussiefurbymogwaifan6621]

The amount of inspiration porn in the comments🤮 Disabled people are *NOT* here to inspire the abled!

[@kaylimcginnis]

Exactly we are just like everyone else and no different. We may do things differently but we can do the same job in 99.99999999999999% of cases.

[@Likewhoa300]

Preach.

[@aussiefurbymogwaifan6621]

@@Likewhoa300 👊🏼

[@nonyabidness5708]

I’m an idiot… I read the title as a VISUAL disability. 🙄

[@potato-phobia85yearsago27]

Same lol

[@Likewhoa300]

I understand that people in the comments are trying to be kind but please know, disabled people are NOT here to be “inspiring” or heroic just by living their lives. I know it’s meant to be complimentary but saying she’s such an inspiration (and honestly the very nature of this story) is very demeaning. If you want to be an ally this is something to be more mindful of. That’s all. A great idea would be for GMA to profile lots of these women or lots of performers or artists from lots of different backgrounds and tell lots of stories instead of pointing at the one girl who happens to have a disability and saying how “special” she is.

[@almudenacarnero7934]

Alo esta peli es muy interesante muy genial muy luces muy fiesta muy. Ay unas. Cartelera uy dilo. Ok pasa la voz las voces. Ok. Got talen. Gh vip. Y. Good doztor. Uy foto. Novela. Ya te. Diré ay unas. Repite ok. Ay una de Rene una uy con uy. Ay ea es total. Ya. Verás lo. Que. Me desean de bueno. Lo. Que. Me. Diran. Te apuestas algo. Yo así. Me pasaba. Mys. Días en otras cosas así. Uy. Mys leches ay repite ok. Mujercitas y otra darán y mágica. Bueno lo.mio si. Vsle te deve instesar. Insisto. Uy me. Dices a si me donde uy como. Vives de mal ya uy como se vive. Con lo de los. Densas tienes. Bien la conciencia yo. Uy. No. Me. Gusta no. Te deja bien ay. Uy me lo pensaria. Ay exo no les dice. No. Uy tranki por. Comer ssi. Uy. Mys no. Dicen. Ni. Mu. Kien te servirá uy las máquinas ayudan vas mal. Uy no. Creas ya. Te. Diré. Lo. Cas co. Fan. Fan salud mental tiene otras kien por. Que. Na que. Vienen leches. Paso conexión. Corto. Cambio. Saletely. No. Tienen. No uy tranki hasta ay. Te leo te escribo continua. Ya te. Diré lo. Cas. Co. Fan a fan. NASA estell.

[@callibor3119]

As aspiring as it sounds, it is a wool over our eyes. Thousands are dying as we are seeing this. How many died over the decade?

[@flickrennels]

You clicked on it - so that’s what you’re seeing 🙄

[@pugsabi]

Millions and millions and many more will die in the future. In fact I predict that everyone and everything will eventually die. What's your point?