Struggling with Dancing Dreams and Health Issues

I’m so sorry this is happening to you, but I’m happy to see how many people know what we’re going through. I had to leave college last year to go seek medical attention and I was diagnosed with EDS. Before that, I was a captain of my college team and dance was my favorite part about school. My mom told me that I should just stop dancing if it was causing me that much pain, but I don’t think I would want to be alive if I couldn’t be a part of this team. I’m back at school now and doing only what my body feels good doing, luckily I have the sweetest coach and she understands that me cutting back on how much I dance mean I can be on her team longer. I am here to talk if you need it ❤️ we can also discuss pain management strategies

i went through nearly the same thing around the same age, i’m so sorry this is happening to you. grieving your passion is such a hard and long process and i wish you so much peace and support along the way

Dang this post hit me so hard because I was in a very similar situation going into college. I danced my entire life, I was told by my doctor it was probably a bad idea to keep dancing with my joint issues (I'm trying to get genetic testing this year for eds) and that I should find another way to exercise. But I have kept going, and this year I will be artistic director for my ballet org on campus. It is harder than the average person to keep up with dance sometimes, but I understand that pull that the art has on you, you can't just stop. Especially since you are taking non-major courses, keep in mind that dance is fully for you now. You don't have to over-exert yourself, or have the highest extensions in class, or be the strongest jumper. I hope this fact will help you continue dancing without feeling like your losing a battle against your body. In addition, I would be super upfront with your dance teachers about what is going on. And stand up for the reasonable accomodations you need. I know teachers can be stubborn sometimes, so informing them before classes start usually helps establish a good relationship without any judgements from meeting/seeing you in class. Hope this helps and feel free to chat week with me!

Yeah I don’t have anything good to tell you either. I’m 18, walk with platform crutches, have had 5 surgeries. It hasn’t gotten better for me, only worse. Sorry and good luck