How I Saved My Dance Career

In the fall of 2013, my life took an unexpected turn. It was my very first day at Point Park University, where I had embarked on a dual dance degree program to receive classical training in both Ballet and Modern dance. Little did I know that this seemingly ordinary day would become a pivotal moment in my life.

Our first day of dance classes at Point Park was dedicated to placement assessments. For hours, we immersed ourselves in technique classes, each step and movement scrutinized to determine our class levels for the upcoming year. It was business as usual for a passionate dancer like me, until the last 15 minutes changed everything.

In those final moments, I sustained a severe foot injury. The following day, my world came crashing down when the doctor delivered a harsh verdict: “This might be the end of your dance career.” Medical imaging revealed a dislocated great toe and partially torn tendons. For the next 48 hours, I allowed myself to wallow in self-pity.

Just the year before, I had turned down my dream job because I had realized I wasn’t meant for the hustle and bustle of New York City. And now, on my first day at one of the world’s top dance conservatories, on a scholarship no less, I was being told that I might never dance again. However, I decided that I wouldn’t let someone else dictate my future. The doctor had said “might,” and I defiantly responded with a resounding “no.” If I wanted a miracle, I needed to give my body the tools to make it happen.

I understood that my body needed comprehensive support for optimal healing, and I identified four pillars of health to focus on: Structure, Emotions, Environment, and Nutrition.

Structure Pillar

• I incorporated stretching and strengthening exercises into my routine.
• Chiropractic care played a significant role in my recovery.
• Prioritizing restorative sleep was crucial.
• I continued working out to maintain overall health and fitness.

Emotional Pillar

• Affirmations became a cornerstone of my mindset transformation. I understood that my mental state played a crucial role in the healing process. Some of my affirmations included:
  • “I am worthy of a miracle.”
  • “My body knows how to quickly heal itself.”
  • “I give myself permission to heal.”
  • “I am willing to see things differently.”
  • “My body is getting stronger each day.”

Environmental Pillar

• I became meticulous about avoiding potential toxins. This included leaving rooms with candles or air fresheners, using only clean laundry detergent, and switching to plant-based toothpaste. You can learn more about this in my Ditch The Poison Protocol
• I reevaluated everything in my environment that could impact my health and made sure it supported my body at a cellular level.

Nutritional Pillar

• I eliminated inflammatory foods from my diet, including gluten, dairy, sugar, and gmo-corn.
• Additionally, I maintained a consistent routine with my supplementation, often taking supplements multiple times throughout the day. My body’s inability to process synthetic substances (due to having MTHFR) necessitated this approach.
• I also used a wide range of essential oils daily to support my healing journey. I created my own “Roller Pain Bomb” using essential oils known for their healing properties. I transformed essential oils into roll-on blends for quick and easy application. I also encapsulated Vitality oils in vegetable capsules and took them several times a day. I supplemented my diet with Young Living supplements others to provide the necessary nutrients for recovery.
  • Roller Pain Bomb: Valor, Deep Relief, Copaiba, Marjoram, Black Pepper, Lemongrass, Myrrh, Clove, and Palo Santo – Now I would also include CBD Muscle Rub
  • Internal Pain Bomb: Copaiba, Marjoram, Black Pepper, Lemongrass, Clove and Frankincense
  • Full Supplements: NingXia Red, Sulfurzyme, MegaCal, Agilease, Powergize, BLM, and Mineral Essence
• Other Supplements I used
  • Arnica
  • Saligesic
  • Nevaton Forte
  • Boswellia Complex
  • Cardio-Plus GF
  • Ligaplex I
  • Calcium Lactate
  • Olprima EPA/DHA
  • Tumeric Forte
  • E-Z Mg

I know this is a lot of information to digest, but I was preparing for a miracle.

Throughout this journey, I fiercely protected my mental space from negativity. I avoided negative influences that could shift my mindset away from creating my miracle. Negative thoughts were already swirling in my mind – doubts like “Could I do this?” and “Will I ever dance again?” – and I couldn’t afford to let someone else’s skepticism intrude. This is the foundation of where my Daily Acts of Self Love come from!

The body possesses an incredible capacity to heal and create miracles if you provide it with the right tools. Consistency is key. Create a daily routine and an action plan that makes it achievable.

This injury could have spelled the end of my dance career. Instead, I chose to defy that reality and reshape it into what I wanted it to be. The mind is a powerful muscle; use it to fuel your body with the nutrients it needs. These tools are at your fingertips, and there’s an abundance of knowledge available. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. We are all on a journey of learning and healing together.