Of physical therapy, ballet sport science, K-pop, books and other joys that make Stephanie Santiago ready for ballet
Ballet dancers are often referred to as performing athletes. They must have the strength and stamina to withstand the demands of their profession and yet also possess grace and poise to make it seem like what they do on stage is easy. In this series, Ballet Manila’s ballerinas and danseurs share how they stay in tip-top shape, following a fitness, diet and wellness regimen suited to their specific needs.
Stephanie dances with Rodney Catubay in Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s Le Corsaire. Photo by Erickson Dela Cruz
By Jv Ramos
How one dancer stays fit is very different from another, and Ballet Manila company artist Stephanie Santiago’s story underscores just this. Diagnosed with scoliosis at nine, which led to chronic back pains after her growth spurt as a teenager, this ballerina knew that she would have to do things differently if she wanted to keep dancing professionally.
I feel lighter and more in control of my body,” says Stephanie Santiago who started on a ballet sport science program last November.
Her regimen usually includes Pilates and physical therapy sessions. Lately, with things being more hectic at Ballet Manila, she spends her one and only day off at her physical therapist, Arlene Mackinlay, a former physiologist of the Hong Kong Ballet. “She helps my body recover and gives me exercises to become even more stronger,” shares Stephanie.
“Because any wrong move could hurt my back, I’m extra careful,” she points out. “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 because it’s always a hit-or-miss. One shift and it throws you off already, so I need to know what I’m doing.”
Stephanie – who portrayed the Amazona Queen in Gerardo Francisco Jr.’s Ibong Adarna last year and most recently, was a Bedouin and part of the Naila Waltz in Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s Le Corsaire – started doing ballet sport science under coach Robert Osorio last November. “I decided to take it because I’ve always wanted to be stronger and more confident in my dancing and also to make my body look and feel the best.”
But she is conscious about not overdoing it. “Ms. Arlene said (it’s okay) as long as I work smart. If I feel pain or overloading, I should take it slow. But I also know that my body needs to be extra strong to fight the curvature and imbalance of my spine.”
Stephanie trusts the process of both her BSS coach and her physical therapist. “I listen to them and my body. It really helped me in Corsaire. Naila Waltz was more manageable and less tiring than usual. I worked on everything! Legs, back, arms, and most importantly the core. I need a strong core to help me stand up straight and to give me extra endurance to keep my back as straight as I can. I’m pushing even more in BSS and PT so I can become stronger and I can have a healthier, stronger, and injury-free body for the rest of the season.”
Ballet Manila company member Stephanie Santiago says she doesn’t diet or deprive herself of food because she knows eating is a gift, too. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
Assessing what BSS has done for her, Stephanie says, “I feel and look so much better and stronger. I feel lighter and more in control of my body, making technique approach much easier.”
The ballerina also has tried-and-tested activities that help her body to recuperate, including recovery yoga, massages, and even wearing compression boots. “Compression boots have been a lifesaver,” she attests. “I know it’s a simple thing, but staying fit or taking care of your body is about taking note of things that work for you. I discovered how helpful Pilates was when I hurt my back due to an extra workout. It was recommended to manage my back pain, and when I did it, I really noticed the change in my body, so I just kept doing it.”
Among the other things that click for Stephanie is not denying herself of food she wants to eat or drinks she likes such as coffee and milk tea. “I know my body. I know that it needs the energy to function. I actually take in even more when I’m preparing for a major role. Aside from the energy, the food and coffee prepare me to socialize with people. I can be really introverted at times, so having caffeine and sugar in my system helps.”
Stephanie reasons, “I love to eat. I don't diet or deprive myself of food, because I know that eating is a gift too. There are so many people I know who have eating disorders, so I don't stop myself. Being able to eat well also reminds me that I have to stay active. The only restriction I do is eat less when I know that I didn’t work that much that day.”
And what things help Stephanie take care of her mental health? “After a bad day at the studio, I tend to resort to things that have nothing to do with ballet, so I could escape the heartaches and body aches a bit.” Here, she mentions watching the variety show which features her favorite K-pop band Seventeen, hanging out with her dogs, and even eating a cookie from Mo’s.
Despite the challenges of having scoliosis, Stephanie is thriving in ballet. Photo by MarBi Photography
“Everyone knows that I’m not too okay when I begin munching on a Mo’s cookie. I know it’s a small thing again, but it does help me feel better. Other things that have helped me cope too is watching men’s volleyball and reading. I'm a big reader. I read like crazy because it's a great way to escape!”
In fact, back in the days when she wasn’t satisfied where she was as a dancer, she would easily go through three novels quickly in order to forget all about her situation. “Do I read self-help books? I really think that the Bible is the best self-help book out there – that whenever you read a passage from it, it somehow applies to your life no matter what stage you're in. So if I'm anxious or feel depressed or feel the need for motivation, I go back to my favorite verses!”
Stephanie is a big believer in work-life balance. “When work's done, I leave it there. I respect bunheads, but that's not for me. I need to have a life outside ballet to do well in it. For me, having fun out there makes me a better dancer!”
Stephanie admits though that her busy ballet schedule these days has made things quite tricky. “The most work-life balance I’ve been doing is spending time with family and loved ones as much as I can. Reading a good book, taking naps, eating (since we dance and train a lot), and playing with my dogs.”
But she emphasizes having a healthy mind and body has a lot to do with the environment one is in. “Ever since I started dancing, I already knew that it would involve a lot of struggling. What I realized later on is that your struggles only become worth it when you’re with the right people,” she states. “I’m very glad to be with Ballet Manila. Here, I am reminded that you don't have to be perfect all the time, that you can always be better tomorrow. Here, I feel that we all face the same struggles, and that the people around me are genuinely supportive of me.”
Outside of ballet, Stephanie enjoys watching K-pop concerts, reading books and hanging out with her dogs (pictured with her is Koda).
