Michelle's Story

Iconic Australian choreographer Meryl Tankard, in her filmmaking debut, creates an inspirational portrait of dancer Michelle Ryan whose passion and courage has enabled her to overcome life-shattering personal adversity.

At the peak of her career, Michelle Ryan was one of Australia's leading artists, dancing under the direction of Meryl Tankard at the Australian Dance Theatre. From there she toured the world until she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Betrayed by her body she lost her career, mobility and marriage. Despite her damaged confidence and physical impairment, in a chance moment, she is drawn back to dance, eventually becoming artistic director at the Restless Dance Theatre, an Adelaide-based company working with young people with disabilities.

"Michelle's Story" is an uplifting story that offers insight into the world of dance and disability and the liberating power of art.