While watching one of my favourite shows, a contestant came on the show that was particularly inspiring.
So this guy comes onto World of Dance - this incredibly talented individual comes onto this show almost as a last hurrah. He was able to fulfill his dreams and became one of the only dancers in Cirque du Soleil.
A massive feat!
Though because of the physical demands of the dancing and pushing his limits, in addition to the physical strain of performing so many hours and days in a row, his hips have given up.
He found out, in his 20s, that he requires a double-hip replacement.
This daunting surgery, for him, means that he has no idea how his body will function after the surgery. He is likely to lose some mobility and flexibility (as the average hip would not be at his current level) and he may have complications. There is no knowing exactly how his body will respond or adjust.
So, BEFORE his surgery, after he had to quit Cirque, he wanted to dance on one more platform to show the world the talent that he currently has.
Remember - he needs this surgery. His hips are so damaged that it is an absolute requirement for him. So he must be in horrifying pain.
Yet he gets up on that stage and flies! His dancing is beautiful and his acrobatics are mesmerizing. You absolutely cannot tell that he is in any kind of pain or strain.
It made me wonder.
Seeing him in Cirque and seeing him on World of Dance, on a professional stage and then on television, I would venture to say there would not be many people judging his decision to continue dancing until his surgery, even though dancing is what caused his injuries.
But what about the journey there?
If he was dancing in a company, in a studio, or on a small stage, how much increased judgement would there be? How many family and friends did he lose because they criticized him for dancing? How many times did he hear the phrase "but you do not look like you're in pain!" or "you did this to yourself!" or "I am not going to support you continuing to abuse your body" ?
He stood on that stage with power and grace. He also mentioned that he kind of did this to himself, but he would do it all over again to live his dream (worthy of resect on both counts - owning it while also standing up for his decision). It was obvious he had received criticism in the past.
It is so often, now, that anyone who endures pain or illness is criticized for everything. How they treat their ailment, what they eat, how they eat, who they see, what they do, how much activity they engage in, what kind of activities, how they present themselves online, and especially if there is a decision to power through and do something that isn't necessarily good for their pain.
This man was inspiring. He lived out his dream and was able to work on one of the most prestigious performing groups this day and age. Unfortunately, this opportunity has resulted in a severe, unforgiving injury that now requires surgery.
I admire him.
I admire his strength and courage to face the criticism with his head held high. I admire his tenacity to give himself one final platform to showcase his current talent. I admire him for saying out loud that he knows his performing put him in this position but that it was worth it and would do it again. I admire him for putting a smile on his face and showing no fear, no pain, no sign of strain (other than a bit of a limp after the performance) when he MUST be in pain.
I admire him for doing what I cannot.
I believe he is 21.
I have NO doubt he will be back on that stage with his new hips... just a little worse for wear. A little different. His determination, however, will get him back to an admirable level, no doubt!
