Conversations with Kyle Dutcher

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Dutcher.

Hi Kyle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started going to the skating rink at a young age, but I didn’t really focus on it much back then. It was more of a casual outing. Everything changed in my late 20s when my oldest daughter had her birthday party at a skating rink. She fell in love with it, and when I got custody of her, we began skating together every weekend.

During those family sessions, I noticed other adults and teenagers showing off impressive tricks and moves. Inspired, I would lace up my skates and practice on the side, trying out different techniques without the pressure of being in the spotlight. This comfort helped me improve, and I eventually got invited to adult skating sessions, where my skills really started to flourish around age 26.

After a couple of years of dedicated practice, I became quite fast and began to notice that the smoother my moves were, the more appealing they looked to others. I started to blend different skating styles, adding my own flair to create a unique approach. Fast forward a year, and I was a regular at the rink, where my skating caught the attention of Dallas Austin. He reached out, and I ended up flying to LA to appear in an Apple commercial for the first iPod.

That opportunity led to me being cast as a roller skater in the movie *ATL*, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. After a quiet period, things picked up again in early 2019 when I went viral on social media for one of my signature skating moves. Overnight, my follower count skyrocketed to over 50,000, and now I have amassed over 2 million followers across various platforms.

These days, I travel for skating events and advocate for the neurodivergent community, sharing my experiences living with Tourette Syndrome through fireside chats focused on embracing neurodiversity.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My earlier years were marked by challenges, including experiences with racial discrimination. Being white in predominantly Black spaces, I sometimes would face hostility. I remember skating at the rinks when I would be pushed or shoved, with people telling me to “move, white boy.” I tried to stay cool and brush it off, but one day it escalated into a fight. That incident, however, led to a surprising sense of brotherhood. A group of guys stepped in to support me, walking me to my car and assuring me that they’d make sure I wouldn’t be bothered again. From that point on, I felt accepted in the Atlanta rinks.

Living with Tourette Syndrome has also posed significant challenges. I experience both vocal tics and involuntary movements, including tremors that can cause my head to shake. My vocal tics often sound like I’m clearing my throat or coughing, which sometimes leads people to think I’m sick. This stigma has made social interactions difficult, as I often receive strange stares or frowns. When my head shakes, it can look like I’m nodding “yes” or “no,” which people misinterpret. As a result, I tend to be shy and often wait for others to speak to me, fearing misunderstandings. I frequently avoid eye contact to prevent giving the wrong impression, which can further isolate me.

Additionally, I struggle with social anxiety. My mind races as I analyze my surroundings, and I occasionally face cognitive challenges that hinder my ability to retain information if fast moving spaces. This constant mental activity makes it difficult to navigate social environments, leading me to miss out on opportunities because I’m not as outgoing in large crowds. Ironically, while my talent attracts attention, performing can be overwhelming for me, making skating my therapy, a source of relaxation that inadvertently entertains others.

Fortunately, I have a supportive business manager and friend who is a neuro-inclusion practitioner. They’ve helped me push past my inhibitions and opened many opportunities. Currently, I’m facing a new challenge as I prepare to appear on a television show for a major network. Navigating this requires specific accommodations to help me communicate my thoughts clearly. I realize that succeeding in this new stage will require strong support, as it truly takes a village to help me achieve the success I’ve been fortunate enough to experience.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a soul skater, often referred to as a rhythm skater. This style emphasizes feeling the music and expressing it through movement in a rhythmic and soulful manner. My specialty lies in creating an illusion with my skating that makes it appear as though I’m floating or gliding. Achieving this effect requires excellent muscle control and muscle memory, as skating slowly demands precise coordination of different body parts.

What truly sets me apart is how I remain grounded despite the influence I have on others and the opportunities I’ve helped fellow skaters access, from local competitions to performances at the Super Bowl and various tours and residencies.

Additionally, I use my platform to advocate for marginalized communities, bringing together a diverse group of people united by their love for roller skating. This commitment to inclusivity and support is a cornerstone of my identity as a skater.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Navigating life with Tourette’s syndrome can be challenging, but I often see it as my superpower. Many individuals with Tourette’s also experience OCD, which can lead to perfectionism. This quality is reflected in my roller skating style, where my hyper-focus enables me to excel in various activities. For instance, during my time as a competitive swimmer, I was often told I swam with the grace of a ballerina. I also played soccer at the collegiate level, practicing with college teams, but ultimately chose not to pursue it.

The number 15 in my social media handle, Push1515, is a nod to my soccer jersey number. While I may be smaller in stature, I have run a tree service company in the Atlanta area for over 20 years, specializing in grading with precision—I can grade as smoothly as I skate.

My hyper-focus and attention to detail extend to other interests, too. I enjoy shooting pool and have competed in tournaments. Although I wouldn’t consider myself a singer, I can hold a tune and play several musical instruments. I also love drawing and engaging in outdoor activities, including attending Renaissance festivals. Despite my quiet and reserved demeanor in public, there’s a lot more to me than meets the eye.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pushglide.com
• Instagram: @push1515
• Facebook: @therealpush
• Twitter: TWITTER: @push1515
• Youtube: @therealpush1515