Ally Love recalls traumatic car accident that led to her journey as dancer on 'Today' with Hoda Kotb

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: ‘Today’ contributor and peloton instructor Ally Love recently opened up about her traumatic car accident that helped her become a dancer during an appearance on ‘Making Space’ with Hoda Kotb.

Love revealed that at the tender age of 9, she found herself in a battle for her life after being struck by a car.

The Peloton instructor and model opened up about this harrowing experience during the December 13 episode of the podcast ‘Making Space with Hoda Kotb’.

Love also delved into the transformative impact that her faith and pivotal childhood moments had on shaping her into a dancer and a driven businesswoman.

In particular, she shared poignant insights into a traumatic car accident that became a defining moment, fundamentally altering her perspective on life.

‘Today’ contributor Ally Love recalls traumatic car accident

Ally Love reminisced about her childhood, recalling the tradition of weekend gatherings hosted by her family.

During one such occasion when she was just 9 years old, the familiar jingle of an ice cream truck reached her ears.

Love vividly recounted the moment, describing how she carefully looked both ways before crossing the street to indulge in a sweet treat.

However, as she walked, a car that had been parked behind the truck suddenly pulled into the street, tragically striking her.

Love told Hoda Kotb, “I flew up in the air, (my) body landed on the top of the car and then I rolled to the side of the road. I broke my left femur, scarred up my body, (and) cracked all my teeth. I was passed out.”

In the aftermath of the accident, Love's mother and the entire family rushed to her side to assess the situation before the arrival of an ambulance that would transport her to the hospital.

The severity of the incident became apparent as Love lost a significant amount of blood, prompting her doctor to engage in a crucial conversation with her mother about the deteriorating condition of the young girl.

Following the challenging conversation with the doctor, Love's mother presented her with two stark options, "You can let go and go on... or you can fight and you pray and fight for your life."

Growing up in a religious household, Love, after this emotional exchange, found herself staring out the window, engaging in a heartfelt conversation with God.

She said, “I just remember making a deal with God and saying, If you’re real, I’m going to live. That’s the only way.”

Love further emphasized that since that critical moment, she has been continuously "praying and fighting" for her life.

She said, “I had this little bit of a fearlessness to get out in the world.”

After being struck by a car, Love found herself unable to walk, leading to a year of homeschooling.

She revealed, “For one year, I had on a cast ... that would go around my waist all the way down my leg. So, I couldn’t go anywhere. I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t play with kids, nothing. So, I was in the house.”

How did Ally Love fall in love with dancing?

After the accident, Love had her cast removed and eagerly joined a dance program.

She recalled adding, “I fell in love with dance. I was like, I’m going to be a dancer. I’m going to get on stage and I’m going to do this. And I did. I went to middle school for dance and then (for) high school (I) had to audition for New World School of the Arts.”

Despite initially finding herself on the waitlist due to a mishap, Love received the long-awaited call confirming her acceptance to the school.

This marked a turning point for Love as she went on to become a dancer for the New York Knicks.

Reflecting on this transformative journey, she remarked, "(It) forever changed my life. I got a bachelor’s in fine arts, and I started dancing. I just fell in love with it.”