Playing piano with toes
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Liu Wei plays the piano with toes on the World Disabled Day in 2009. |
The fact that Liu Wei no longer possesses arms yet elegantly plays the piano may come as a surprise. But it doesn't surprise Liu. And after catching a Liu performance or even meeting him, any notion of surprise quickly fades, and instead his confidence and radiant smile win audiences over and reveal a complete triumph over the so-called disability.
Society may presume limitations of an armless individual, but throughout his 23 years Liu has refused to accept any.
"Nobody says you have to play the piano only by hand," he told the Global People magazine during an interview. "Whatever other people do with their hands, I do with my feet. It's just that."
Liu came to China's attention on a Dragon TV talent show, where he captivated viewers and incited a thunderous applause from the tangibly moved audience.
"We cannot believe he can play the piano so well with his feet," said the famous musician Gao Xiaosong.
Liu was born in 1987 and as a child dreamed of becoming a professional football player. An accident at age 10 took his arms, and Liu recalls feeling utterly empty at the thought of a life without his arms.
An empty life was a possibility, but Liu shook off his initial despair, yet he didn't do it alone. In the hospital he met a man who had lost his arms as well. The man was strong and had achieved a successful career. Liu credits the man with teaching him how to cope with the inevitable challenges and difficulties he would face.
Liu recovered under the care of his mother, who sent him back to school to finish his studies and face further challenges, such as writing by foot. He struggled, his feet bled, but Liu persisted, and persistence won. Now he writes with his feet, operates the computer, plays games, and even assembles and dismantles racing-car models.
Before setting his sights on playing the piano, Liu learned to swim, and soon found himself on a Beijing swim team for people with disabilities.
"I could not swim before I lost my arms. I learned a little in hospital when I was going through physical therapy," Liu said.
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