Rich Livesay is not your average Ballet Western Reserve student.
Livesay, 26, has hemiparesis paralysis on the left side of his body as a result of a traumatic injury in 1987.
"Our car was hit by a semi, and basically I had brain damage," Livesay said. "And what happened was, I had died twice in the helicopter, and they told me I'd never walk or talk again."
Let alone dance.
He began daily classes in 2006 as part of his recuperative therapy. Livesay said he constantly challenges himself to better his dance abilities.
"How do I perform at that next level, given my disability," he said.
He's recently taken on a new role as a choreographer. Ballet Western Reserve chose him as one of their student choreographers for its upcoming benefit showcase.
"He had very clear ideas that he wanted certain kinds of movement, who he wanted to work with," said Karen Westerfield, modern dance instructor.
Westerfield is working with Livesay as his mentor for the project.
"The progress from the time that he has been here is amazing," she said. "He works incredibly hard. He's here every night of the week, I think. The students will tell you he works as hard, if not harder, than any of them. And I think his commitment has paid off for him."
Livesay will perform his routine with two fellow students. And he hopes his story will inspire others to push past their physical boundaries.
"I'd like to see other people have that opportunity that I had," Livesay said. "Recently, I started my own ballet company, Job's Ballet Company, and I'm hoping to explore that more in the future."
Livesay's project will debut 7 p.m. March 6 as part of Ballet Western Reserve's Building Art Showcase. For more information on the benefit event, call 330-744-1934.
