Arts
With over 130, 000 Instagram followers Chelsie Hill is challenging the norms, shifting biases and changing perspectives on dance one follower at a time. Chelsie is a role-model, advocate, influencer and leader, smashing stereotypes and leading the dance community in this digital world. Not only is she a stunning dancer and natural and talented performer, but she manages to draw you in and connect with you through her performances, despite them being from screen to screen, with her confident, energetic and entertaining expressions, moves and personality. She exudes a contagious energy and passion for life in her videos while creating a positive supportive and encouraging community. We are honoured and privileged to welcome Ms. Chelsie Hill, the Founder of The Rollettes to our program today. Chelsie will share her story and highlight why her mission and vision for dance, aligned with our own views of embracing a new era of dance and dance education. GUEST: Community Leader, Trailblazer, Entrepreneur and Founder of the Rollettes Dance Team, Chelsie Hill has dedicated her life to dance and encouraging others to pursue their passions despite the physical obstacles they face and the tribulations of life. At the age of seventeen, Chelsie, was involved in a drunk driving accident which caused irreversible damage to her spinal cord and left her unable to walk. Chelsie decided she would not submit to her disability and chooses to live her life daily with a no-limits attitude. Cheslie found the Roulette dance team, in California. The Rollettes host an annual weekend long dance camp called the rollettes experience bringing together women wheelchair users of all ages, from all corners of the world, to connect and form bonds with their peers through dance. Since its launch, the Rollettes have gained visibility in the media with appearances on Ellen, Today Show, Hallmark Channel’s “Home and Family," Access Daily and KTLA to name a few. Chelsie has found a larger purpose as a voice for the disability community, shining a light on inclusion in entertainment, fashion and beauty. She is also a speaker and advocate for drunk and distracted driving, pushing through adversity and spinal cord injury awareness. Through social media Chelsie and the Rollettes™ have started an international movement called “Be Boundless” based on encouraging others to live their life independently mentally, physically and emotionally. Each year the Rollettes host an international women’s empowerment weekend for women and children with disabilities. Chelsie also runs a mentorship program with over 100 women in 3 different stages, each month navigating through different topics women with disabilities go through. INSTA/TWIT: @chelsiehill LINKEDIN: Chelsie Hill WEBISTE: www.rollettesdance.com Disclaimer: Any and all ideas and information presented in the following podcast are those of the presenter. The presenter is not an employee or representative of Dance Education Canada (DEC), and is participating in this podcast on a voluntary basis. The ideas and information they express do not necessarily represent the views of the DEC or its partners, employees or affiliates. The ideas and information expressed herein are for general educational purposes only. They should not necessarily be applied to specific individual situations. DEC recommends consulting an expert or professional regarding specific medical, legal or business concerns. DEC makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of this content. Please note that Canada's National Academy of Dance Education is now operating as Dance Education Canada.