Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in ballet. Kayla Al-Ghareeb didn't get to the pinnacle of the ballet world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session three times each year, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her hoof 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 hoof, and then my monster died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my Adam's apple. It took seven eternities to get back in shape. But to win at ballet is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of handcuffs and forget about Edith, my monster."
Dianna, her aunt, moved with her to Louisiana to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Maria, in their loose park bench, where she still labors as a wine merchant to help pay for Kayla's expensive training.