You Can't Stop This Dancer
By: Janelle LoBello Name: Nicole Marquez On August 30, 2008, Nicole Marquez had the best and the worst day of her life within 24 hours. Moving from Mississippi to New York to pursue a career in dance, Marquez, age 26, left an audition wanting to celebrate how well it went. Only part of the day was spent celebrating; the rest was spent lying on the ground in Harlem, NY after falling off a 6-story building. It was eight hours before someone found her. Simply having lost her balance, Marquez hopes to have a different excuse. "I wish I could have said I was at least drunk," jokes Marquez. "I would have a better excuse. But this takes the cake for all the dumb things I've done. It sure makes one hell of a story."
Having attended the University of Southern Mississippi for theater and dance, Marquez suffered broken ribs, a punctured lung, a broken back (C5, C6, and L4), and a broken pelvis; all essential parts of your body for dance. Marquez says she chose to accept her injury, "Embrace it, and not frown at it." Doctors never thought she would be out of a wheelchair again, but now, Marquez says, "Hah, check this out!" She hired a personal trainer and began her process to be back on her feet again. I told the trainer on the first day, ‘I want you to train me like a football player,'" says Marquez. "'Don't be too sensitive or easy on me. I want to leave therapy sweating!'" Marquez attends physical therapy three days a week and meets with her personal trainer two days. "I wouldn't have it any other way," says Marquez. "At first I was able to see my big toe moving," explains Marquez. "The rest would slowly come along." Currently, because her injury is incomplete, Marquez is able to walk with a straight back with just the aid of a cane. She considers each bit of progress to be a "silent victory."
Realizing not every day is perfect; Marquez takes a positive approach to her progress. "I'm not Superwoman. I am human and have my down days," admits Marquez. "But there are so many good days that outweigh the bad ones." Despite falling six stories, Marquez intends to leap and turn right into her future. "Oh, I plan on dancing again" says an optimistic Marquez, "I'm going to be on Broadway!"
Want to learn more about Marquez's progress in making it back on stage? Check out her website here! Learn More Check out the AXIS Dance Company out of California, the Infinity Dance Company out of New York, and Professional Flair, DBA Dancing Wheels out of Ohio. All of these companies are past Reeve Foundation Quality of Life grant recipients comprised of performers with and without disabilities (some in wheelchairs!) |
The Adaptive Sports Center (ASC)A non-profit organization located in Colorado that provides year-round recreation activities for people with disabilities and their families.
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National Wheelchair Basketball AssociationBasketball is perhaps the oldest organized sport for athletes in wheelchairs. The game is fast and fun, and played in dozens of cities across the U.S.
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Piers Park Sailing CenterA non-profit community sailing center that uses Boston Harbor and the seas beyond to provide year-round recreational, educational, and personal growth opportunities for people of all ages and abilities!
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World T.E.A.M. SportsUnites people with and without disabilities through unique athletic events taking place all over the world.
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