NEW YORK – The Radio City Rockettes have dazzled the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade crowd since 1957. Born without her left hand, Sydney Mesher makes history as their first dancer in 91 years with a visible disability, and boldly lives her dreams.

“I was born without my left hand, and I’m the only one in line who had a disability at the time. And I’m very grateful to be here and show that artists from all different backgrounds can be represented as Radio City Rockettes.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 20: (L-R) Rockette Sydney Mesher, Ginna Claire Mason and Rockette JoJo Carmichael and Rockettes members attend Hallmark Media’s star-studded kickoff of ‘Countdown To Christmas’ with a special screening of “A Holiday Spect

The 27-year-old is reshaping the perception of the word disability.

“I really want to help pave the way for a new representation of dancers, for the media, for all things, so that people can see that disabilities are nothing to feel sorry for. Having a disability is power.”

Dance has always been her outlet. She told Fox 5 that her parents jokingly said she “came out of the womb dancing,” adding, “It’s very natural to me.”

Children growing up with disabilities can be cruel.

“I’ve experienced bullying, but I’ve experienced it for things other than my hand, I would say, and I think I know that all those things that I’ve experienced have made me stronger. They’ve made me feel better about myself I had to get some weight on Skin. And I’m grateful to be here, and I wouldn’t be here now if I hadn’t gone through those experiences.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 25: The Radio City Rockettes rehearse during Day 1 of the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade rehearsals at Macy’s Herald Square on November 25, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by John Nacion/Getty Images)

She commands the stage with such grace that her disability goes unnoticed.

“I’ve worked hard all my life so that I could be comfortable and confident in my training, so that when I get on stage and no matter what people notice, whether it’s my hair color or my hand, they’re impressed by what I do with my body.”

It takes confidence, drive and speed to be a famous Radio City Rockette. The fastest change is 78 seconds. Sydney says the Radio City Team has been very accommodating.

“The Radio City team made me feel very comfortable, from prop adjustments to costume adjustments, specifically regarding my shoes.

TODAY — Pictured: The Radio City Rockettes on Monday, November 5, 2024 — (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images)

Her shoes have a harness that keeps the buckle intact, making it easy for her to get in and out of them quickly. Even her gloves, which she wears for several songs during the show, have been modified.

“The glove for my left hand basically looks like a sock. It’s like a long, tight glove.”

Equipped with a grip, so that she can easily pick up her block in the “Rag Dolls” number, just like the other ladies.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 25: The Radio City Rockettes rehearse during talent and large group rehearsals for the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade at Macy’s Herald Square on November 25, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty

Growing up, Sydney’s parents surrounded her with people with disabilities and showed her that anything was possible. Now she’s paying it forward in the fifth season as Rockette.

“It’s honestly one of the most humbling things I could ever do: helping people find their own self-confidence and find their security… It makes me stronger.”