In Their Own Words: Stephanie Santiago on dancing with scoliosis
In their own words, the artists of Ballet Manila share their thoughts and experiences on not merely surviving but flourishing in the very challenging world of dance. This series is a collection of personal anecdotes, as well as words of wisdom that can be heartwarming, funny or dramatic, but always inspiring regardless of what field one is pursuing.
My scoliosis is not an injury. I don’t want to call it a disability because it gives a negative word to it. I call it my special gift! It’s my quirk. It’s a super power. A lot of people go up to me and say, “Can you still dance with scoliosis?” And I’m like, “Yeah! It’s possible!”
It’s really possible. You just have to do more. You just have to take extra care. It’s something you have to find out for yourself because not everyone has the same curvature. Me, I have to be mindful especially when I balance. One side has to be more strong. It’s a lot of muscle memory. Especially when it comes to turns; that’s why I hate turning ‘coz it’s always a hit-or-miss. One shift and it throws you off already. So I need to know what I’m doing.
People would be shocked that I have it because I hide it pretty well. But that’s because of a lot of strengthening. That’s why I stand this way. That’s me supporting my back and giving myself a little extra help.
It’s going to be hard but if you really have the mindset of pushing through, you’re going to be fine. You just have to be careful and smart with what you’re doing but it’s really not impossible. A lot of dancers have it but you just don’t know because we are super conscious about it. Wendy Whelan (former principal dancer of New York City Ballet), she has one of the most severe scoliosis I know. But she’s amazing! If she can do it, that means I can do it too!
Stephanie, performing in an excerpt of Don Quixote in Ballet Manila’s The Silver Gala in Baguio City, does a lot of strengthening exercises to cope with her condition. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
