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.
Showstopper Magazine: What does it mean to you to “live without limits”?
Robin Olive: I believe everyone has it within themselves to live out their dreams in this life, whatever they may be. I strongly believe that no matter what, you should never give up on yourself or your dreams. You are the writer and creator of your own life story. This is your life to live just the way you want to. Don’t let anyone break your soul!
Showstopper Magazine: How did your dance journey start?
Robin: I have been dancing since I can remember. I’ve always loved dancing. Dance is the great love of my life. So grateful that my parents were able to put me in classes since I was 3 years old and understood how much it meant to me. Even when I had a tragic accident with a lawnmower at 4 years old that took my right baby toe, I was obsessed with when I could get back into dance classes. So I started back, not long after, when I was walking again. I had some mild struggles with my balance as I was growing because of the injury, but I never let it detour me. I am a student of movement. I love ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, breakdancing, martial arts, and all movement arts.
Showstopper Magazine: You founded the non-profit dance crew Straight Up Abilities. Can you tell us what inspired that project and the dancers you work with?
Robin: In 2008, I was at a point in my entertainment career where I was looking for some stability. I was mostly auditioning and gigging at the time. I came across an ad in the Backstage West Magazine here in Los Angeles. Bethune Infinite Dreams was looking for trained dancers to teach dance to students with disabilities. I thought that would be a great part-time job that would help me learn my craft even better. I had no idea that it would spark a light in me and turn into the grand venture I am on now. I learned so much about dancing through the eyes of students with disabilities that I had limited views on prior.
Zina Bethune was a pioneer in working with disabled dancers. She founded Bethune Infinite Dreams in 1981. She was a Hollywood actress, and dancer with many credits who had also suffered from hip dysplasia at an early age. I owe much to Zina for teaching me and showing me another side to myself. When Zina passed in 2012, I knew that I could keep her program and these classes going. They are so important to so many students and families that often feel a little left out in this fast-moving world. In 2016 Straight Up Abilities was born to continue Zina’s legacy and also push the needle of what people may expect from dancers with disabilities into the future. We currently teach around 500 students a week in California. We added classes in Las Vegas this year and coming soon to cities all over the United States.
Read more: Meet the rest of our “Life Without Limits” features.
Showstopper Magazine: Straight Up Abilities has competed in some impressive places from America’s Got Talent to the Special Olympics. What are some of your favorite performances?
Robin: This year we danced in a flash mob film shoot for Insomniac Events at the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas with the one and only Matt Steffanina. We were able to perform with The Royal Ballet in Summer 2019 at the Music Center in DTLA. As a dancer my whole life, that is truly remarkable to me. We’ve performed at Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California. And this Summer [2023], many of our AllStar dance team members competed in the Boundless Talent Showcase at The Rollettes Experience in Los Angeles. There was a time when there weren’t very many opportunities for students like mine. It’s nice to see the world changing and becoming kinder and more inclusive all around.
Showstopper Magazine: You have said that dance is an activity that connects “your mind, your body, and your soul.” How do you think Straight Up Abilities represents that?
Robin: Balance of all things is the key to a happy and successful life. In dance, technique is important, and so is your emotion and your timing. Whatever your strengths may be let them shine through. And as you grow, continue to work on the balance of your mind, body, and soul.
Straight Up!
Showstopper Magazine: Straight Up Abilities has a pretty great motto: “We love P.I.E.” Where does this come from?
Robin: We teach in schools all over Southern California and beyond, and one of our missions is to create more Patience, Inclusion, and Empathy in our schools and in our communities. I created a character named Ruby The Heart Gem, and she helps us teach those lessons in a fun palatable way for all to understand. Who doesn’t like P.I.E.?
Showstopper Magazine: The COVID-19 Pandemic forced you to shut your studio and go digital. What made those Zoom classes so important then and what made you decide to continue offering virtual classes?
Robin: Obviously, it was a very uncertain time, and immediately, I felt like there was something I could do to keep our students and families engaged in something positive each day. In the beginning few months, we did a Daily Shine class 12-12:30 every day. We were able to gain students from all over the country and as far as Guatemala. It shined a light on a need that wasn’t really on our radar before. We have many students that are young adults that are primarily at home that crave interaction with other dancers like them daily. So we have continued our Daily Shine program Mondays through Fridays all year long. We also offer acting, sign language, and workout classes. Join Us!
Showstopper Magazine: What do you think makes dance a limitless activity?
Robin: Just from my own observation, I have seen dancers at all levels and abilities be able to command a stage. Dance is a personal journey. We are all born dancers. Some dancers have amazing technique but maybe lack in stage presence. Some dancers have an exceptional amount of stage presence but lack in technique or even ability. Everyone’s journey is different and should be free to explore without feeling the weight of others’ expectations on you.
Showstopper Magazine: What advice would you give to someone trying to overcome their limits or break barriers?
Robin: I say follow your heart to your dreams. You will undoubtedly hear people say you won’t succeed, and people will try to steer you in a different direction, or say even more negative things; don’t listen. If you are following your heart you are already succeeding. It hurts my heart to see someone be discounted strictly by their appearance and/or disability. We should never assume what anyone can or cannot do. Take it as a challenge and push through! The skies are the limit!
Keep up with Robin: @placidfluidity, @straightupabilities
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