My name's Gabrielo "Bustamove" Bustamente, and dancin's my game.

I'm seventeen; live in Nashville, Tennessee, with mi familia (mami, papi, abuela, abuelo, little sis, Isabella; she's nearly ten), and just love life.

I am disabled, but that doesn't define me.  I am a person first, a person who happens to have a disability.  I was born with arthrogryposis, which left me dependent on crutches for mobility; that's really never stopped me from doing what I enjoy.

I'm a dancer.  Break dancing.  I've been doing this for several years now; think I've gotten pretty good.  Dancing's my passion, my reason for existing.  If I couldn't dance, I don't know what I'd do. 

If I am not dancing, I have other interests to keep me busy.  I play outfield on our school's baseball team.  I play guitar, sing, draw, chill out with friends, play games on the computer.  Anything to keep me from becoming stale.

Since seeing Lazylegz on "America's Got Talent" last year (he didn't make it to the final round, unfortunately), I've been inspired.  I want to become as good as he is, as well known.  Lazylegz was born with the same condition I have, and like me, he dances on crutches.  Some of the moves he does is nothing short of incredible. If I could dance halfway as good as he does, I'd have it made in the shade!

I've written to Lazylegz, told him about myself, how I want to become a dancer like him.  He wrote me back, sent me an autographed picture, and told me if he's ever in town, to look him up.  Now how cool is that??

Since last year, people have been treatin' me different.  They no longer stare, make rude comments, which I appreciate.  They are more'n willing to embrace me, help me when I need it. 

I'm even working now on the weekends; work at a gas station/convenience store.  The pay is lousy, the hours are long, but it's worth it to make my way in this world.  The money feels good; I'm able to pay my bills, take care of my own affairs.

I am thinkin' of tryin' out for "America's Got Talent" when it comes back to Nashville next month.  I missed the first audition; had a ragin' Cajun case of stomach flu.  I pray I make it!!  Show the world that I'm just as good as they say I am! :)

Well, I gotta go:  study hall fixin' to end.  Writin' this at school; if I want to make it to my next class on time, I'd better bust on outta here.  Will write again soon; until later, this is Gabrielo Bustamente bustin' out of here!  Toodles!

~Gabe (call me "Bustamove"!). :)