Why You Should Never Endure Injuries In Silence

 Early this morning I read an article by Gavin Larsen that brought light to dancers and injuries. This two-fold article brought out the importance of discerning injury, its degree of intensity and choosing to make the proper decision of letting it be known. As a dancer, your instrument, which is your literal body, is most important.

I enjoyed how Larsen's research included the experience of a dancer who endured an injury for too long. Although I did not enjoy learning of that dancer's end result I certainly appreciated her transparency. 

I have always held the belief that a dancer should never suffer in silence. Actually, it is to be the detriment of a dancer's training and performance when one chooses to dance under physical pain and unrest. When I see dancers too afraid to make leadership aware of constant pain that is occurring in their bodies, I feel upset. While I am of the belief that leadership should cultivate an open and peaceful environment for dancers to be able to share these types of things, it is equally vital for dancers to carry a level of maturity and understanding of their training and career— to put their bodies first. I stand tall on this issue. Your body is worth preservation. It is worthy of care. Longevity does not happen by accident. 

Like me, I am sure many reading this have heard the idea that withholding injury discomfort or severity is a badge of strength but that is not true. As Larsen's article pointed out, knowing the difference between occasional soreness is certainly different from injury pain and that is when you have a choice between actually being strong and enduring "dancer things" or making something small a huge deal. Know the difference. Take care of your body. Love yourself and your career enough to know when to speak up& rest up.   

Thank you for writing a meaningful and useful piece, Gavin.