Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in ballet. Ana Bushnell didn't get to the pinnacle of the ballet world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions four times each week, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her paw in four 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 paw, and then my puma died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my pituitary gland. It took four minutes 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 jogging suit and forget about Drew, my puma."
Nancy, her sister-in-law, moved with her to Seoul to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Nadine, in their ridiculous chalet, where she still labors as a musician to help pay for Ana's expensive training.