Heather Morrison
masslive.com
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — When Zyiasia Knighton was 10 years old, her father was shot more than 20 times. But when the EMTs were dispatched, they were sent to the wrong location.
“When he got [to the hospital] no trauma surgeon, no one could save him at that point,” she said in an interview with “So You Think You Can Dance.”
To prevent another child from going through what she did, the Springfield resident became an EMT.
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But she still has another dream — dancing.
Knighton got three yeses during her audition round and has since made it to the choreography round of competition, which airs on June 8.
“Overall, you are a very talented dancer and a very talented human,” Judge JoJo Siwa said.
The other two judges, Stephen “tWitch” Boss and Matthew Morrison, were also impressed.
“I want to make sure you continue on your journey,” tWitch said as he gave the performer her second yes.
Fans of the show expressed their excitement about the dance.
“I see Zyiasia going far for sure,” one person tweeted.
“Zyiasia is a dancer and a hero,” another person tweeted.
Springfield residents are also inspired by Knighton.
“Congratulation to Central 2020 graduate Zyasia Knighton,” Central High School tweeted.
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