The ability to express oneself through dance is something many take for granted. From an early age, dance is often seen as a universal language, bringing people together, pushing creative boundaries, and allowing performers to tell stories through movement. However, for many dancers with disabilities, breaking into the industry has been a challenge. Chelsie Hill is determined to change that.
A natural performer, Chelsie started dancing when she was three years old, entering competitions by the age of five. Dance wasn’t just a hobby for her, it was her passion, her future. That future took an unexpected turn when, as a high school student, she was involved in a car accident that left her paralyzed from her waist down. But she refused to let her circumstances dictate the rest of her life.“Even after my injury, I still wanted to dance. I just wanted to dance to feel normal again, to be with my friends. So for me, it meant just feeling like myself again,” Chelsie shared.
“Dance was always my passion and I knew this was what I wanted to do in life”
Photo by Alisha Jucevic
The idea behind Rollettes took shape in 2012 when Chelsie realized she wasn’t the only woman seeking a place where wheelchair dancers could express themselves and support one another. Chelsie connected with other women through social media. “I simply asked, ‘Do you want to dance?’ And they did.”
What started as a small group of passionate dancers soon grew into something far greater. Over the years, Rollettes has expanded into an international network that provides mentorship, dance education, and social events designed to uplift and empower women with disabilities. Through initiatives like the Rollettes Experience, the community welcomes people that come in from 14 different countries almost every year, offering a space where women can connect, learn, and celebrate their abilities together.
While Rollettes has paved the way for dancers with disabilities, barriers in the dance industry remain. Many dance studios nowadays lack proper ramps, forcing wheelchair dancers to rely on others just to get inside. Once in, uneven floors make movement difficult, disrupting choreography and limiting their ability to dance freely.
“A lot of studios aren’t accessible, and dancers don’t always feel welcome. I remember going to classes and feeling like an outcast.”
Chelsie points out that there is still a lack of structured training for wheelchair dancers. “There’s great training for ballroom dancing in a wheelchair, but other styles — hip-hop, jazz, ballet — don’t have the same level of structure. I’ve been doing this for 14 years, and I’ve realized that wheelchair dance has its own technique, just like any other style.”
Chelsie trained consistently, refining her technique and adapting choreography to suit her wheelchair. “And I trained for years until I was actually shown on social media on these big studios’ Instagrams. I didn't just roll into a room and was filmed on camera, like, lots of people today. I trained for years, and I went every single week, multiple times a week to certain studios and certain classes and certain choreographers.”
Over time, perceptions began to shift. Rollettes became the first wheelchair dance team to perform on World of Dance , and Chelsie was featured on Ellen . Yet, one of the biggest milestones came in 2024 when Chelsie performed at the Paris Paralympics.
Photo by Alisha Jucevic
"I remember rolling onto the stage and realizing what had just happened. My goal for the past few years had been to perform at the Paralympics in Paris, and it came true," Chelsie says.
Looking forward, Chelsie envisions an even bigger stage for dancers with disabilities. “I want to see wheelchair dancers on bigger stages — Super Bowl, world tours, backup dancing for the mainstream artists. Not just at the Paralympics, but at the Olympics.”
While visibility has improved, there is still work to be done. Social media has helped showcase dancers with disabilities, but real inclusion goes beyond being seen in a viral video. It means access to training, professional opportunities, and equal representation.
Chelsie believes that the key to changing perceptions lies in fostering connections. “One of the biggest things people can do is talk to dancers with disabilities, ask questions, and get involved. We are a group that anyone can become a part of at any time. Disability isn’t something separate from the rest of the world — it’s a reality that can happen to anyone. I think the able-bodied community needs to talk to us more, become our friends and our allies.”
She also encourages more people with disabilities to step into dance spaces, even if it feels intimidating at first. “It's going to take some time to feel like you get it, but I will say don't give up. If this is something you want to do, professional or for fun or a hobby, just do it. I think lots of people will be very surprised at how much fun it is to dance, and their whole world will open up in a different way.”
Don't give up. If this is something you want to do, just do it.
Photo by Alisha Jucevic
For those who want to start dancing, her advice is simple: “Pick one choreographer that you love, that you've been watching, that you feel, you know, that you could adapt their choreography and just go.”
Chlesie invites aspiring dancers to attend Rollettes Experience , where they’ll find not just training, but a supportive community. It’s not just about learning steps — it’s about finding your people, feeling empowered, and knowing you’re not alone.
Through Rollettes, Chelsie Hill is proving that dance has no boundaries. With every performance, workshop, and event, she is challenging outdated perceptions and paving the way for future generations of dancers with disabilities. Chelsie is helping to reshape the dance industry. Her work is far from over, but she’s already made a lasting impact.
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