As we reported a few days ago, Richard "Steelo" Vazquez, of the LXD, Groovaloos, and Killa4nia just performed with the Groovaloos on Dancing with the Stars. In one of the greatest comeback/recovery stories of this year, after spending 6 months in the hospital, and many more in physical therapy, he's dancing for the first time publicly. Even if it's a while to go before he returns to full form, it definitely is one of the greatest feel-good stories of the year. Best of luck to him and his family as he continues to recover.
Click here, here, and here for past BBDC coverage of Steelo's recovery, and the remarkable response by the dance community to help him and his family. If you are interested in in donating financially, please click here.
Skip to 2:55 for the Groovaloos performance, and just try to stop yourself from either cheering/bursting into tears of joy when he gets on stage. I dare you. No shame if you do.
It was just about a year ago that Steelo suffered the brain aneurysm that could have sidelined his career. But aided with prodigious amounts of physical therapy, love, and support (including donations from fans), he is recovered enough to appear with Groovaloos on the May 1 Dancing with the Stars results show, airing on ABC at 9pm ET/PT.
More Steelo news: there is now a website for the documentary about his life and recovery: 444movie.com. Here's the trailer for the documentary. Thanks for the tips, Greg!
The dance community came out to support Steelo's recovery and his family at the recent Steelo 444 fundraiser (read about it here). This new video provides an update on Steelo -- as you can see, he's made major progress since the aneurysm that sidelined his dancing career. The video also includes members of Beat Freaks and Groovaloos at this holiday party.
Here's hoping for continued progress for Steelo in the new year! While the fundraiser was a great success, additional contributions will be helpful in supporting Steelo until he's fully recovered. For more information (and for information about the video of the Steelo 444 event once it's available) go to Steelo444.com. Thanks for the tip, Joanie and Greg!
Tickets are now on sale for the December 6 dance fundraiser in Los Angeles to help fellow dancer Richard 'Steelo'
Vazquez. Among the performers: JabbaWockeeZ, Team iLuminate, Super Cr3w, Beat Freaks,
The LXD, the Groovaloos, Twitch (So You Think You Can Dance), Flomaster
of Footwork Fanatix, and Killafornia. Full info on the event, buying tickets and making donations at Steelo444.com.
As we reported earlier, the event is held to help out Steelo, an exceptional dancer who suffered a brain aneurysm and must now undergo major rehabilitation to restore basic living functions. All proceeds go to raise funds to help with medical costs and support of Steelo's child. Here's a sample of Steelo's earlier work with Groovaloos (who will be performing that night) -- Steelo is wearing a Puerto Rican flag shirt. Do yourself and Steelo a favor -- buy a ticket. If you can't go, please make a donation!
On December 6, 2011, members of the dance community are holding a major fundraiser to help fellow dancer Richard 'Steelo' Vazquez. Among the performers: JabbaWockeeZ, Super Cr3w, Beat Freaks, The LXD, the Groovaloos, Twitch (So You Think You Can Dance), Flomaster of Footwork Fanatix, and Killafornia. Tickets go on sale November 4; full information at Steelo444.com. (Thanks for the tip, Greg).
From the website: Steelo Vazquez has been a major part of the L.A. dance community -- a member of Killafornia, Footwork Fanatix, and The Groovaloos and a lead character on The LXD. He regularly gave back to the community through dance at benefits and fundraisers and has mentored youth at weekly Groove Nights hosted by The Groovaloos. In addition, he worked with Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna and Gwen Stefani. On June 19, 2011, Steelo suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm and had to undergo emergency surgery. During the operation he suffered a 2nd rupture. By the end of numerous surgeries, Steelo had suffered four ruptures and lost his ability to walk and speak. Today, Steelo remains in an extensive rehabilitation program where doctors are helping him relearn basic functions.
The goal of the fundraiser is to raise enough funds that will allow Penelope to assist Steelo with his recovery, focus on raising their little boy, Elijah and help her with the increasing medical costs. Any excess of donations beyond their needs will go into a trust account to help another family in need in our dance community. So -- buy tickets!! I cannot be there but will definitely contribute.
Tonight, The Choreographers Carnival will be held in Los Angeles (where else?). Expected performers include the Groovaloos, Super Cr3w, Fanny Pak, Mia Michaels, Wade Robson, Beat Freaks, Shane Sparks, Phlex, Eddie Garcia, Andre Fuentes, and more. For ticket information, call (310) 770-7445 or click here.
