Take Care of Your Body... Finding Balance
My mother has always said to me, "Everything in moderation." I pretty sure this was in response to, "Can I have three gallons of ice cream?" but I believe what she said should apply to everything. I will be the first one to say that this is not as easy as it sounds. Finding balance and moderation in all things is exceedingly difficult, but as I grow older, I now recognize the importance of her wisdom. As previously mentioned, my inability to know my own body and to find balance within myself has made it impossible for me to continue dancing at a higher level. I have had a partial dislocation of both my right and left patella at least three times in the past 10 years, and as a result, will most likely have some form of rheumatoid arthritis sooner rather than later. I first dislocated my right patella at the age of 10, and was on crutches for almost three months. Now, you would think that I would learn from such an unpleasant experience, but I loved to dance, and would stop at nothing to get back to it. This went on for years, first with my right knee, and eventually with my left. The more it happened, the less time I would give for it heal, and finally at the age of 17 had to trade in my dancing shoes for a bathing suit and try to strengthen my body in zero gravity.
My mistake was that I did not listen to my body. I know now, what I did not know then, is that there are more important things than being on stage for that one performance. I know that this is very hard to believe when that performance feels like your entire life. I only hope that my story can inspire young dancers to actively seek a balance in their lives, both in their dance and health. Be sure that you find a school with teachers and instructors who know what they are talking about. Research and ask lots of questions. Most importantly, listen to your body. If something hurts, don't push through the pain. Stop and ask why it is causing discomfort. Figure out a way to help your body achieve what you want in a safe and healthy way. Drink lots of water and nourish your body with a complete and varied diet. Moderation is the key, but it is sometimes the hardest to find. If this site does nothing else, I hope that I can open at least one persons eyes just to become more aware. Awareness is the first step to change, and change can lead to endless possibilities. Smile, break legs, and Namaste.
My mistake was that I did not listen to my body. I know now, what I did not know then, is that there are more important things than being on stage for that one performance. I know that this is very hard to believe when that performance feels like your entire life. I only hope that my story can inspire young dancers to actively seek a balance in their lives, both in their dance and health. Be sure that you find a school with teachers and instructors who know what they are talking about. Research and ask lots of questions. Most importantly, listen to your body. If something hurts, don't push through the pain. Stop and ask why it is causing discomfort. Figure out a way to help your body achieve what you want in a safe and healthy way. Drink lots of water and nourish your body with a complete and varied diet. Moderation is the key, but it is sometimes the hardest to find. If this site does nothing else, I hope that I can open at least one persons eyes just to become more aware. Awareness is the first step to change, and change can lead to endless possibilities. Smile, break legs, and Namaste.