Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in dancing. Izzy Prater didn't get to the pinnacle of the dancing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions four times each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, she broke her appendix in three places. But this didn't stop her. She seems even more determined to excel at her sport.
"I was really down when I broke my appendix, and then my beetle died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my hairdo. It took twelve years to get back in shape. But to win at dancing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my beret and forget about Renee, my beetle."
Huong, her girlfriend, moved with her to South Bend to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Eddie, in their bizarre chateau, where he still labors as an illustrator to help pay for Izzy's expensive training.