PASADENA, Calif. - Marylandian -- In this inspiring interview, Joey reveals how he overcame adversity after hip replacement surgery and triumphantly returned to dance and "Slay on The Dancefloor!"

Check out this excerpt for his interview.

AM: Now let's shift to the main focus of our interview about how athletes overcome significant adversity to achieve success. Can you share your story of one of your greatest challenges or struggles?

JLD: I had hip replacement surgery on June 6th, 2016. Leading up to the surgery, I could barely walk and had developed a severe limp. It all started in 2011, but I kept pushing forward even though I knew I was injured. Unfortunately, the situation progressively worsened—from a slight skip to a hop, then a limp, and eventually to nearly dragging my right leg. The pain was excruciating because I had no cartilage in my right hip and was walking on it bone to bone.

More on Marylandian

• CCHR: Involuntary Commitment Is Eugenics Repackaged as "Mental Health Care"
• Q2 2025 Industry Impact Report Underscores Semiconductor Expansion, Talent Development and Sustainability Milestones
• 84 Ethiopian Churches Change Signboards to Shincheonji Church of Jesus
• BTXSGG Outlines Four-Pillar Framework to Enhance Digital Asset Security and Compliance
• NJTRX Positions for Next-Generation Asset Trading with U.S. Regulatory Framework

Here's the thing: Training as an athlete or professional dancer is deeply rooted in mental conditioning. To achieve my goal, I had to think, see, and feel the results. For me, that goal was getting my full range of motion back. It's been said, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."  Because I never focused on my disability. Instead, I stayed positive and celebrated what I was still capable of doing. I started each day with the end in mind—my goal was to regain my full range of motion. And thank God after my surgery and rehabilitating myself through dance, "I got it back!"

Now it's your turn to join professional dance coach LA Joey L. Dowdy in his electrifying new online mini dance course, "Slay on the Dancefloor-Read My Hips!" Learn to find your rhythm, master your moves, and gain the confidence like he did to strut your stuff like never before.  Check it out! Link here for more information: Best Online Dance Courses & Virtual Dance Groove Classes with Joey L. Dowdy