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Sometimes the only option one has is to find a direction and pave one’s own way toward success. Many people walk the safe route, but only a few dare to walk the path less taken. Brittany O’Connor, an artist and mentor, is a perfect role model for young artists and dancers with her brilliant knowledge of the dance industry and bravado of doing it all by herself.
Being the eldest of seven siblings, Brittany always felt like a leader and had the built-in qualities to mentor young people. She went through many struggles in her life, like her health issues and dancing career choice. These choices were looked down upon, and she was told she couldn’t make it because of her diagnosis as a hypochondriac. Brittany needed to ensure she persevered and succeeded in making her life an example for young people to keep looking for answers and never settle for less.
Although a talented dancer, she started ballet training very late in her career. She was 14 when she entered a ballet class and worked hard to grasp the classical dance style. She stayed late after classes to work on her dance routines and eventually became an excellent ballerina. Despite people saying she was late to the game and couldn’t dance because of her health, she persevered and succeeded.
Many doctors had diagnosed her as a hypochondriac since childhood. She suffered from weak kidneys, ovarian cysts, bone fractures, and strep throat – only to be met with constant use of antibiotics. It wasn’t until 15 years and numerous doctors later that Brittany discovered her auto-immune disease – stage 4 Hashimoto, hypothyroid, and thyroid atrophy. Her will to fight gave her all the answers she sought and paved the way toward a healthier and happier lifestyle.
Brittany has learned to fight since birth; her father and mother are fighters in their own world. Her father is a veteran and quadriplegic due to injury. He was also told he couldn’t live normally or have more children – but he did. Similarly, her mother is a wall street woman working daily in a cutthroat financial environment. People around her never encouraged her, but she broke the glass ceiling and emerged triumphant. Being a daughter to people like this is enough motivation to do something more with your life.
Being an intelligent woman, Brittany was always encouraged to focus on academics. But her heart was always into dancing and art. Not heeding any criticism, she powered through it and, for half a decade, has been performing as a lead principal dancer for Andrea Bocelli’s world tour. She also mentors other young artists and dancers through the Youth American Grand Prix. Moreover, she helps people live freely by eradicating slavery from India through her non-profit initiative, Voices 4 Freedom.
Brittany posts regularly on her social media account. To follow her, click here.
