Jade
Chelsie Hill is not just a dancer—she’s a force of nature redefining what’s possible in performance, leadership, and representation. At 17, a spinal cord injury might have ended her dance career, but instead, it ignited a new chapter—one where she would not only return to the stage but reinvent the art form itself. Today, she stands as a professional dancer, entrepreneur, and pioneering advocate for disability inclusion, using her platform to break barriers and expand the definition of what it means to move, lead, and inspire.
As the founder and CEO of Rollettes, an internationally celebrated wheelchair dance team and empowerment collective, Chelsie has built a movement that fuses artistry with advocacy. From electrifying performances to global outreach, the Rollettes have become a symbol of creativity without limits. Her influence has made history, becoming the first wheelchair user to grace the cover of Women’s Health, performing at the Paris Paralympics opening ceremony, and starring in Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” music video. Each milestone is a testament to her belief that talent knows no boundaries.
Chelsie’s vision extends beyond performance. This year, she hosted the Rollettes Experience at the Sheraton Gateway LAX, a four-day, in-person celebration that gathered hundreds of women and girls with disabilities for an unforgettable program of workshops, panels, performances, and community connection. Recognised as one of the largest events of its kind in the world, the Rollettes Experience is a living example of Chelsie’s mission to build inclusive spaces where leadership, joy, and self-expression are within everyone’s reach.
Her leadership doesn’t stop there. Through the Boundless Babe Society, she mentors and empowers women to embrace their unique strengths, while her Boundless Talent Showcase shines a spotlight on performers of all abilities, proving that the stage belongs to everyone. With high-profile collaborations with brands like Reebok, Disney, Dove, Target, and Aerie, Chelsie continues to elevate representation in mainstream media while opening doors for others to follow.
StarCentral Magazine recently interviewed her, uncovering the passion and resilience that fuel her remarkable journey, and here’s what went down:
You’ve redefined what it means to be a dancer and a leader in the disability space. What was the turning point after your injury that made you decide not just to return to dance, but to create something as impactful as the Rollettes?
I always dreamed of seeing a ballroom full of girls in wheelchairs dancing together. Back in 2012, I reached out to 6 girls I followed online, and they were also wheelchair users. I invited them to my hometown to dance, connect, and just feel a sense of normal. We started this idea of a wheelchair dance team, and for a few years, it grew here and there, but then the real turning point came in 2018, when I put the invitation out on social media for the first time and opened it up for anyone to join. That year, I found myself on stage at our first public Rollettes Experience, looking out at 115 women and children in wheelchairs from 14 different countries. I’ll never forget those early years after my injury, feeling so alone and wondering if anyone else felt the same way. That thought stuck with me: “If I’m feeling this isolated, I can’t be the only one.” Returning to dance was about reclaiming my own joy, but creating the Rollettes was about making sure no other woman or girl with a disability ever felt left out or unseen. I wanted to build a space where we could celebrate one another, break boundaries, and show the world just how powerful our community truly is.
The Rollettes Experience has grown into one of the largest gatherings of women and girls with disabilities globally. What makes this year’s event particularly special, and what do you hope attendees take away from it?
This year’s Rollettes Experience feels especially meaningful because we’ve really listened to our community and added new workshops, panels, and mentorship opportunities that reflect what people are asking for. We’re bringing together women and girls from all over the world, and there’s just something magical about being in a room where everyone feels seen and celebrated. My biggest hope is that everyone leaves feeling more confident, connected, and inspired to chase their dreams, knowing they have an entire sisterhood cheering them on.
From performing at the Paris Paralympics to starring in a Lady Gaga video, your creative achievements are extraordinary. How do you choose the projects that align with your values and vision?
For me, it always comes down to intention and impact. I ask myself if the project will help shift perspectives, open doors, or empower others in the disability community. If it feels authentic and aligns with my mission of representation and inclusion, I’m all in, and I always try to bring some of the Rollettes dancers with me. I want every project I take on to leave people feeling like they belong and that their stories matter, whether it’s on a world stage or in a viral video!
Representation in media is still evolving. What does it mean to you to be the first wheelchair user on the cover of Women’s Health, and how can the industry continue to push for authentic inclusion?
Being the first wheelchair user on the cover of Women’s Health was honestly surreal and incredibly emotional. Especially doing the shoot 4 months postpartum. It meant being seen not just for my disability, but for my strength, resilience, and motherhood. For the industry to keep moving forward, we need more authentic stories, more people with disabilities in front of and behind the camera, and a willingness to challenge old narratives. True inclusion happens when we’re not just invited in, but given the space to lead and shape the conversation!
The Boundless Babe Society and Boundless Talent Showcase are creating space for people to be seen, heard, and celebrated. What inspired you to expand beyond dance and into mentorship and talent advocacy?
I realized early on that while dance is powerful, it’s really just the beginning. After hosting the Rollettes Experience for a few years, I noticed that so many attendees wanted more community and connection beyond just that one weekend together. That’s why I started the Boundless Babe Society in 2020, a virtual mentorship program for women and teens with disabilities, designed to offer support, encouragement, and genuine friendship all year round.
The Boundless Talent Showcase, on the other hand, is its own special event. It was created to give people of all disabilities, all genders, and all ages a real stage and platform to share their unique talents, whether that’s dance, music, art, or something else entirely. Our goal is for managers, agents, and the wider industry to see just how much talent exists in our community. With the help of incredible producers like Conner Lundius, our Rollettes team captain, and Joe Loera, we’re able to put on a show that truly celebrates every kind of achievement and gives everyone a chance to be seen and heard.
You’ve worked with major brands like Dove, Disney, and Aerie. What does meaningful collaboration look like for you when it comes to disability inclusion and representation?
Meaningful collaboration goes beyond just checking a box or featuring someone in a campaign. It’s about bringing people with disabilities into the creative process, listening to our lived experiences, and ensuring our voices are represented in the final product. When brands are willing to learn, adapt, and truly invest in authentic inclusion, that’s when real change happens, and that’s the kind of partnership I’m always looking for!
What challenges do you still face as a performer and entrepreneur navigating the entertainment and business industries, and how do you stay grounded through it all?
There are still a lot of barriers, whether it’s accessibility issues, misconceptions about disability, or just the extra hustle it takes to get noticed in spaces that aren’t always built for us. What keeps me grounded is my community, my family, and my daughter. I try to prioritize self-care, time with loved ones, and remembering why I started. At the end of the day, seeing the impact the Rollettes have on others is what fuels me to keep pushing forward.
Looking ahead, what’s next for you and the Rollettes? Are there any new platforms, partnerships, or goals you’re especially excited about in 2025 and beyond?
I’m so excited for what’s ahead! We just finished Rollettes Experience and Boundless Talent Showcase 2025, and we are excited to expand our reach and connect with even more women and girls globally. We’re also exploring new partnerships that will help us amplify our message and create more opportunities for our community. My goal is to keep breaking barriers, telling our stories, and making sure every woman and girl with a disability knows she belongs and can dream as big as she wants!
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