A Brazilian ballerina who found her freedom and expression through dance has become a television and social media sensation, inspiring millions with her “never give up” attitude.
Vitória Bueno Boche, 19, was born in Santa Rita do Sapucaí in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, with no arms, a congenital defect diagnosed at birth.
Navigating the world using her shoulders and feet for dexterity is all she’s ever known. However, when her physiotherapist noticed how much the young girl enjoyed dancing, she made a suggestion that would change her life forever.
“She asked my mom to take me to Academia De Dança Ândrea Falsarella for a trial class,” Bueno explained to The Epoch Times. “I come from a very humble family. At the time my physiotherapist talked to my mother, she didn’t understand anything about dancing, but even so she supported me and believed in my potential.”
Recalling her trial class, Bueno said: “It was love at first sight. All of the people at the dance studio received me very well, and the director awarded me a scholarship.”
Soon Bueno found her confidence. Before long, she was dancing every day and her teachers supported her with any exercises that required a little more effort, and she worked on overcoming her challenges.
“Any exercise that I found difficult I insisted and did not give up,” said Bueno, who does everything, from brushing her teeth to to picking up things from the supermarket shelf, with her feet.
An expressive performer, Bueno dances with grace and poise, accentuating her steps with her eyes and bright smile. Taking to the stage for her dance academy’s annual shows, she began to shine.
The 19-year-old dancer and social media influencer, who has always had the support of her loving family and friends, has proved that nothing can hold her back.
Bueno has also received an outpouring of love from fans and followers.
“People’s reaction at first is surprise because they can’t imagine a ballerina without both arms dancing,” she told The Epoch Times, “so when I dance and show that we are all capable, regardless of difficulty, people are delighted.”
She has also had the chance to connect with some of her own biggest inspirations: ballerinas Ana Botafogo and Ingrid Silva. Silva is “a wonderful dancer who is also a reference for resilience and strength in ballet,” Bueno said. In addition, she has also had the honor of meeting Thiago Soares, the first Brazilian principal dancer at the Royal Ballet in London, England.
Although Bueno still faces accessibility challenges in her everyday life, her positive mental attitude gets her through it. She still performs in her dance academy’s annual shows, and at the time of writing, she is preparing for a dance competition that will take place in Brazil in June.
“The internet is making me cross borders!” she said.
Sharing her philosophy, Bueno said: “We know that the walk is often not easy at all, but we have the option to move forward or give up. Regardless of the difficulty, we have to make an effort, dedicate ourselves to always do our best. We can do anything but give up!”
