Beating the odds

George Velasquez refuses to give up his dreams.

Velasquez, 55, who was born in New York City, attended Julliard and made his living in the theatre for several years, dancing in the off-Broadway show “A Chorus Line” and touring with the Andrea True Connection. He also started a Burlesque show in the Catskill Mountains for 15 years.

In 1988 he moved to Atlanta, Ga. and accepted a position as a dance instructor for Dance City Ballroom. But then on Aug. 1, 1994, George’s whole life changed. He was a victim of a hit-and-run accident that forced doctors to amputate his left leg below the knee. After months of anguish, pain, he found his way back to the dance studio and continued giving lessons, assisted by his prosthetic leg.

Due to recurring bone spurs and infections, George had to undergo additional surgeries that brought his leg to three inches from the hip. He also lost the tips of his toes on his right foot and parts of all his fingers as well. But George says life is like a game of poker. You play the hand that is dealt to you.

Even now, George continues to compete professionally. For more on his remarkable story, as well as video showcasing his participation in a recent competition, click on http://www.dancingoutofthedark.com/.