Dancer with Down Syndrome Blows Judges Away, Watch Moment Audience Gives Him Standing Ovation
In 2017, CBS News released a tragic report about how the nation of Iceland has all but eradicated Down syndrome in the country by aborting the unborn children who test positive for it.
Advocates for people with the genetic disorder are stepping up and showing the world that such individuals lead happy, fulfilling lives and have the right to live like everyone else. No doubt they’re already cheering for a 21-year-old British talent show competitor named Andrew.
Andrew has Down Syndrome and appeared on the first episode of “The Greatest Dancer,” a new show on England’s BBC One. The BBC explained that the program, which is produced by Simon Cowell’s entertainment company, differentiates itself from the pack by focusing on ordinary people.
Or, in Andrew’s case, someone truly extraordinary. His audition began as he and his mother entered the waiting-room space.
“Show time!” he exclaimed as his mother tied his dancing shoes. “It’s all about me now, Mum.”
In a prerecorded segment, his mother explained to the judges that Andrew’s interest in dance started when he was 11 years old from watching televised talent competitions much like the one he was about to participate in. He would practice them in the family’s small living room.
“It just made him feel joyful,” she explained. “And that’s what started him on his love of dance.”
“Dance has helped Andrew’s confidence enormously,” she added. “His self-esteem has rocketed.”
The Evening Express pointed out that a unique element of “The Greatest Dancer” is how the performers go through their routines on a seemingly ordinary studio stage. But if 75 percent of the audience votes in their favor, lights flash and the walls peel away to reveal the cheering crowd.
Andrew started dancing to Justin Timberlake’s 2016 hit “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” and his performance was … Well, go on and watch it for yourself, won’t you?
Needless to say, Andrew got the audience’s approval in no time. Judge Cheryl Tweedy even broke into tears afterward.
“That was amazing and to watch you and see your excitement and see how much you thrive from an audience is such a special moment,” she said. “You clearly need to be doing this more because it does something for your soul, you’re in your element.”
Perhaps the most touching part of the performance had nothing to do with dancing. As Andrew took the stage, a previously unintroduced woman tapped the shoulder of a young man next to her who also has Down syndrome and said, “Tom, Tom, there’s Andrew!”
His face lit up as he got to see his best friend take the stage and entertain an adoring audience.
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