America's Got Talent has provided viewers with much entertainment since it hit the screens in 2006. However, it's also showcased some performers who've really inspired us and left their mark, like the songstress Nightbirde.
This week it was the time for 18-year-old Victória Bueno from Brazil to step up and shine... and she did! As she stood gracefully center stage ready to perform, she relied on her interpreter, who also happened to be her dance teacher, to help explain the story of how she was born with no arms, and how she became a dancer.
Her mother took her to a dance studio at the age of 5. With the encouragement and dedication of her teacher -- who describes herself as family -- Bueno embraced dancing and learned to dance, even "en pointe" (on the tips of her toes). And as one of the judges, Howie Mandel, pointed out, that is no easy feat when you don't have arms to help provide balance.
The dance itself was unbelievably graceful and demonstrated enormous talent. However, more impressive was the glow on Bueno's face as she shared her talent for all to see. In fact, at the end of her performance, judge Simon Cowell stated: "The sign of a star is someone who perseveres and then, when they’re on stage, lights up the stage, and you have both of those things. When you were performing in here it was like complete silence because we were mesmerized."
For Bueno, she wanted to use her appearance on the show to pass on an inspiring message: "I am here to prove that everyone can strive for their dreams."
Bueno appeared on AGT: All Stars thanks to her first performance on Das Supertalent -- the German equivalent to AGT -- where she gained the impressive Golden Buzzer and finished in second place. Her performance allowed her to move on to the All Stars phase of the competition, which gathers top contestants from the talent show worldwide.
Although the dancer didn't gain the top votes from the show's fans, she certainly captured our hearts with her stunning joie de vivre.
