Performing, no matter what kind of performance you do, is a difficult task.
Especially when it comes to dance and acrobatics, you have to be especially strong and physically fit to participate. That is especially true for performers at high levels, including those who participate in the “Le Reve” show in Las Vegas. The dancers and acrobats perform amazing stunts to present a show that regularly wows audiences.
When Andrew Montgomery first saw the show, he was in awe.
As a performer and dancer himself, he knew that he wanted to participate. The level of dedication required to perform at such a high level is extreme. Montgomery had to put hours and hours of work into practicing and preparing for his audition, which he was hoping to nail. And in the end, he did. He was accepted as a performer in the show, and he was ready to take his career to new heights.
However, just four days after his audition, something terrible happened. While riding his motorcycle, another driver hit his vehicle. Andrew was rushed to the hospital, where his doctors eventually gave him some startling news. His best option to get healthy and back to normal? Amputation of his affected leg below the knee.
In a vlog that Andrew took during the ordeal, he told the camera that he wasn’t ready to let go of his leg.
Of course, this would be a traumatic experience for anyone, but as someone who relies on his legs so much for his professional career and passion, you can imagine that the information would be so much more devastating.
However, the casting director of the show gave him a call not long after. He had made the cut before, and she was willing to give him another chance to prove himself. After he did so well in the audition, she was confident that he would be able to get back on stage and perform in no time.
In a short period of about eight months, Andrew worked unbelievably hard to prepare himself for another audition. With a new prosthetic leg, he trained hard, having to relearn a lot of things that he had known how to do for years. However, with a new kind of limb, everything was a new sensation for him. Soon, he was able to lift weights, go to the gym, and even start dancing again. Though it wasn’t easy, he pushed past the pain and struggle to get back to the level of ability he had before the accident.
After all that training, Andrew went back to Le Reve for another audition.
And to his delight, he made it again. Despite having a prosthetic leg, Andrew was still able to compete with the other performers and eventually came out on top.
Although Andrew put in an amazing amount of work to get to where he is today, his hopes are that people don’t even notice there is an amputee in the show.
He doesn’t want to stick out. He’s not looking for extra recognition for his hard work – he’s just happy to be on stage fulfilling his dream and doing what he loves.
Andrew’s story serves as inspiration for those who have undergone a traumatic accident that has left them differently abled. Even though your life may be different after something like this happens, it doesn’t mean you can’t reach for your dreams, no matter how difficult they may be to achieve.
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