Roller Dancing Through Life: Journey of Shoshanna Gleich

Roller-dancer based in New York City, Shoshanna Gleich is a multidisciplinary artist, actress, filmmaker. She began performing as a child, training in figure skating, acting, painting, and filmmaking. Her short film Dinner at JoJo’s won Best Film at NYU Tisch and attracted attention from independent producers. Despite facing significant challenges, including trauma, homelessness, and mental health struggles, she has continued to create and perform with resilience and purpose. Most recently, she stars as The Cat in the Hat in Seussical with EPIC Players, blending her dance and artistic talents with advocacy for neurodiverse voices. She says, “Roller dancing does not erase my scars, but it turns them into choreography”. I spoke with Shoshanna about her extra ordinary journey, excerpts from the interview:

Tell us about your dance journey and studies.

From the moment I could walk, I was dancing. By four, I was choreographing living room performances for my family. At nine, I was captivated watching Peggy Fleming skate gracefully on TV. I told my stepdad how much I admired her, and he said something that stuck with me my whole life: “You can do that too. You can do anything you put your heart to.” That was the spark that ignited my dream to skate.

Soon, I was training at Sky Rink in NYC. I even auditioned for the Ice Capades at Madison Square Garden—though I was told I was too young, they still let me perform on the ice. That day became a milestone. I pursued summer skating camps and planned to train for the Olympics.

But I had other passions too—painting, acting, writing—and I eventually made the difficult choice to leave skating and become a more well-rounded artist. I studied at The Art Students League, The Neighborhood Playhouse, and began writing scripts in elementary school.

By the 1980s, I found myself dancing through NYC nightlife. When roller dancing hit the scene at The Roxy, I knew it was for me. I eventually got my first pair of skates (after lots of pleading), wore them everywhere, and was discovered by pro skater Lezley Ziering. Roller dance became my way of merging my love of movement, music, and performance.

What about film making?

At 17, I made my first short film, which aired on ABC and was shown internationally, even distributed to the U.S. Navy. I later studied film at USC and NYU Tisch. But my journey took a traumatic turn when I was sexually assaulted and sustained a traumatic brain injury.

Despite the physical and emotional toll, I kept creating—writing, directing, acting, and roller dancing. I made Dinner at JoJo’s, a short film that won Best Film at NYU and launched interest in my first feature. But PTSD and brain injury symptoms overwhelmed me, and I began turning down every opportunity.

Eventually, I became homeless due to chronic illness and environmental sensitivities. I continued creating characters like Super Fire Woman Roller Dancing Hero of the Heart and Water Woman, using performance to inspire healing and awareness, even when misunderstood.

In 2013, after a severe mental health crisis, I found my way toward healing. I started a public access TV show, Super Fire Woman and Her Sparks, highlighting neurodivergent talent. Then, in 2016, I discovered EPIC Players, a neurodiverse theater company. In 2018, I joined them as a performer.

With the support of my mentor, Maximilian Baudisch, I said “yes” to my first major stage role in Spring Awakening in 2024. That “yes” changed everything.

What inspired you to star in Seussical?

I was developing a dance song and my one-woman show when the Seussical audition came up. My mentor encouraged me to go for it, reminding me that continuing to perform would help grow my craft. When I was cast as The Cat in the Hat, we both knew this was more than a role—it was a stepping stone back into the light.

You have been a successful writer and director. What’s next?

After Seussical ends, I’ll complete my second dance song, The Enlightened Cycle, and create a music video to promote peace and Earth protection. I’ll also finish the script for my one-woman show, with the goal of turning my life story into a show, film, and book. I’m especially excited about returning to filmmaking, my first love. I’m also planning live performances as Super Fire Woman, all centered around joy, healing, and unity.

How does it feel to be starring in a musical and roller dancing again?

It’s miraculous. I never imagined I’d end up starring in an Off-Broadway musical, especially after everything I’ve faced. I once saw film as my path—but the divine plan had something richer in store. Being part of a theater company filled with neurodiverse artists has been deeply humbling and healing. I’m so grateful to EPIC and Aubrey Therrien for creating a space where I belong and thrive. Dancing has helped me heal and roller dancing have made me realise that each glid on wheels carries away a little pain, each spin unravels a knot in my heart, that’s the magic of roller dancing.

Sandip Soparrkar holds a doctorate in world mythology folklore from Pacific University USA, an honorary doctorate in performing arts from the National American University, He is a World Book Record holder, a well-known Ballroom dancer and a Bollywood choreographer who has been honored with three National Excellence awards, one National Achievement Award and Dada Saheb Phalke award by the Government of India. He can be contacted on sandipsoparrkar06@gmail.com