The Unlikely Ballerina: A Daring Adventure with Cerebral Palsy

Denise Lance’s parents were told that their daughter would never walk, never talk, and never write her name. Calvin and Jean Lance never believed their bright-eyed little girl had severe cognitive disabilities, though her physical and speech impairments from cerebral palsy were obvious. They enabled Denise to live a typical, happy childhood, learning and playing alongside her peers without disabilities.

Not only did Denise walk, she danced in the school talent show. Not only did she talk, she spoke to her entire elementary school, and was elected to student council. Not only did she write her name, she wrote a column in the high school paper.

Her world expanded to new heights when she got a computer. Thoughts passed from her mind, down to her big toes, to the computer keyboard, and onto the computer screen. Her intellect was no longer limited by the confines of physical limitations.

This is a story of unprecedented parental devotion, creativity, and gut-following. It is a story of dedicated teachers and genuine friends who looked beyond cerebral palsy and saw a witty, smart, passionate soul that deserved to soar. This is Denise’s funny, tearful, true account of living a typical life through unconventional means.