Editor’s note: In the Spring 2024 “Life Without Limits” issue of Showstopper Magazine, we reached out to seven people who showcased what it means to live “without limits” and found ways to break physical, creative, and social boundaries that stood in the way of their love of dance. Portions of these interviews appear in print, but we wanted to share their full stories with you here.
Tap dancer Evan Ruggiero has made a career not only of dance, performing, teaching, and judging around the country, he is also a musician and motivational speaker who shares his experiences as a cancer survivor and amputee to show others that passion and determination are what drive art while promoting inclusive arts.
Showstopper Magazine: What does it mean to you to “live without limits”?
Evan Ruggiero: Being able to live without limits means having the freedom and ability to accomplish all of your goals without any obstacles standing in your way.
Showstopper Magazine: You started dancing at a young age and followed tap dance into college and later your career. What drives your passion for tap?
Evan: I’m a musician. I’ve always been a musician. Tap dancing is a very percussive art form. It’s also very very expressive and emotional. As an artist, you’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to the rhythmic flow. You can tap fast, or you can tap slow. It can be groovy, or it can be mellow. You never have to feel like you’re repeating yourself when you’re tap dancing.
Showstopper Magazine: You had your right leg amputated due to Osteosarcoma. Can you tell us that story?
Evan: When I was 19, I was suddenly diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, bone cancer. After 7 months of surgery, my doctors had to amputate my right leg above the knee. Right before I had my leg amputated, I told my doctor, “I promise you, I’ll tap dance again.” I endured a total of 13 surgeries and went through 16 months of chemotherapy.
Read more: Meet the rest of our “Life Without Limits” features.
Showstopper Magazine: How was dance part of your recovery process?
Evan: My love for theater and dance, specifically tap dancing, is what kept me going. Just the thought of being able to dance again during the recovery process kept me motivated and wanting to make it happen. I held close the goal of one day performing on stage, and I made it a reality.
Showstopper Magazine: You adapted your style of tap dance to having only three taps instead of four. What were some of the challenges in that? When did it all click?
Evan: I really just allowed muscle memory to kick in. I was able to see what I still remembered and what I would have to modify. Most of the sounds I make now not only come from being a dancer for so many years but come from being a drummer as well. Tap dancing and drumming go together. Without one, the other would cease to exist.
Showstopper Magazine: Since then you have gone on to teach, work with cancer research foundations, and promote diversity and inclusion in the arts. Can you tell us about that work? What does it mean to you?
Evan: I’m very grateful for the work I’ve been able to do around the world. Some of that includes speaking and performing for U.S. and foreign Presidents. I’ve been an advocate for cancer research with an emphasis on clinical trials. Inclusion in the arts is very important to me because as a disabled actor and dancer, there shouldn’t have to be a limit on what work I’m able to do. I can do it all!
Showstopper Magazine: What advice would you give to someone trying to overcome their limits or break barriers?
Evan: Stay the course. Set your goals and hit them. Wake up each morning with a plan of action and get that plan done. Be confident, and humble. It’s ok to fail. Without failure, you can’t learn from your mistakes.
Keep up with Evan: @lord_pegleg
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