Life of a Dancer with an Injury
In the mind of a dance major, getting an injury that leaves you unable to dance for a period of time is the single worst thing that could possibly happen. My worst nightmare came true when I broke my foot a month and a half ago. After wallowing in self-pity at home for a week, I snapped myself out of it and forced myself to attend my daily classes, even though I was merely sitting on the side and watching in my cast and crutches.
While being injured, I had a lot of time to think during these classes. I soon realized that not only could I learn through the actual physical aspect of my classes, but I could also learn from observing the class and watching the other students move. While I’ve been out, my teachers have kindly found other ways to still engage me in their classes. For most, they have me participate in beginning warm-ups and exercises to still stretch and tone what I can on my body, but while sitting or laying down instead of standing. They also have me observe and learn from how the other students dance and then ask me to write papers on my observations, which helps me understand what I can personally improve on once I can start moving again. I’m thankful to be part of a dance department with staff that allows me to find other, innovative ways to continue with my dance education during a recovery.
-Chelsea Hamilton