Donna Russo is proud to be an Ambassador for the Abilities Expo for the last 4 years.
Donna was born with Turners Syndrome, a chromosomal disorder in which a female is born with only one X chromosome, and now has adult onset FSH Muscular Dystrophy, a condition that slowly robs the muscles of movement. The two conditions are unrelated. She is 4′ 5″tall, many women with Turners Syndrome are of small stature. Donna started dancing at the age of 10 with ballet and tap and later adding jazz, modern and acting classes.
She graduated from Mercyhurst University with a BA in Dance. Donna had her heart set on joining a ballet company, but she found out that for many companies she was considered too short. She was still determined to dance, and found a place in the dance world performing as elves, aliens, dolls and monsters in Television, Film and Music Videos. She was on the National Tour of Alvin and the Chipmunks and the Magic Camera as Alvin, performed in Lord of the Rings, Passions, Power Rangers and in many other roles.
In addition to dance, Donna was in the hospitality industry for 30 years, working her way up to an Entertainment Sales Manager position where she assisted music industry/television production clientele with accommodations. Donna received awards for sales and was voted “Top Dog” award recipient two years in a row by music industry professionals.
Donna has often been asked to speak to various groups, which has led her to becoming a motivational speaker.
She can be seen on You Tube in the video “I Won’t Give Up.” The video went viral. “I Won’t Give Up” was performed live at the Expo. Donna says, “It is very exciting to perform at the Expo with “I Won’t Give Up” and “Fall For You” both choreographed by Tam Warner. I love the connection with the other dancers and the audience.”
Currently Donna is the Star of the series Donna On The Go which features the dance “Fall For You”, from its live performance at the Expo to its professionally filmed version. The series was submitted for 8 Emmy awards this year. Donna herself was submitted as Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Series.
Donna On The Go can be viewed on the You Tube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHpQYW0ndh-bkyWOOYhrIdw and also on the Official Website : https://www.donna-on-the-go.com/
