12YO from US turns to dance after her father was shot, leaving him paralysed


Jacqueline Smith (right) reads a citation from State Representative Donna Bullock honouring Shabaaz while Suri (second from left), stands alongside Wheeler (left) and Smith-Davis (centre). Photo: TNS

The young dancer had only learned the move a few days before, but no one would know looking at the photo. The 12-year-old is leaping effortlessly, three feet off the ground. Her arms are crossed over her chest in a “Wakanda” (from the movie Black Panther) salute, her long braids in full flight behind her.

One foot is tucked tightly underneath her while the other is pointed firmly toward the sky.

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Disability , Dance

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