Dancer with Down Syndrome Recalls Her Feelings on Participating in SYTYCD

The name Phoebe Kochis might not ring any bells to most people, but fans of "So You Think You Can Dance" now know exactly who she is and what she is capable of.

Ever since she was a little girl, Phoebe wanted to be a dancer and practiced for the past 16 years for a chance to prove herself. Luckily, she found that opportunity.

During an audition for the show, Phoebe, who has Down Syndrome, blew the judges and the audience away with her confidence and grace on stage.

BEATING THE ODDS

According to her mother, Jeanie Kochis, upon giving birth to Phoebe the doctors warned her not to get her hopes up and not to expect much from her daughter.

Jeanie shared that doctors didn't believe she would be able to be normal and do normal things such as riding a bike, but the feisty child danced her way into greatness.

Phoebe hoped that her performance would inspire other children with disabilities to pursue their dreams

After watching an episode of "So You Think You Can Dance," Phoebe told her mother that she was going to be on the show, and sure enough, she managed to get a shot.

A SURPRISE GIFT FROM NIGEL LYTHGOE

Her performance was truly inspiring, and although she received a standing ovation from the judges, Nigel Lythgoe, who is also an executive producer of the show, was very honest with her.

He said:

"Techniquewise, stacked up against the other dancers that are going to be in the Academy would prove really, really difficult for you."

However, the judge invited Phoebe to go to the Academy week as his guest. His words had a deep impact on the 19-year-old, who started crying tears of joy.

Phoebe confessed she was very excited for receiving the golden ticket, and hoped that her performance would inspire other children with disabilities to pursue their dreams, or as she said, "reach for the stars."

A DREAM COME TRUE

Anyone has the right to dream and to succeed, all it takes is will power. Like Phoebe, 21-year-old John Cronin, who also has Down Syndrome, was able to follow his dreams.

After years of wearing the craziest and oddest socks he could find, Cronin decided to start his company, John's Crazy Socks, in 2016. It was an immediate success and in just one year Cronin made a profit of $1.7 million.