From the heart of Mississippi, my journey began as a dancer and actress. Even as a child, the stage called to me, performance was my compass. I dedicated myself to honing my skills, pushing boundaries, especially in dance. Dance was more than movement; it was my native tongue.
In 2002, I stepped into the theater and dance department at the University of Southern Mississippi, eager to refine my passion. Those years were a crucible of intense learning and growth, shaping me into the performer I yearned to be. Countless hours were spent perfecting my craft in the studio, my body sculpted into peak athletic form, ready for any challenge the dance world might present, perhaps even gracing the pages of a prestigious Dance Mag one day.
Dance Magazine Feature Story
Post-graduation, I strategically navigated internships and secured well-compensated positions. Each step was calculated, each dollar saved fueled my ambition. By 2008, the stage was set. New York City, Harlem to be precise, became my new horizon. With bags packed and dreams ablaze, I moved to the city, ready to transform aspiration into reality, envisioning my story resonating within the dance community and maybe even inspiring readers of a dance mag.
Life unfolded as beautifully as envisioned. I immersed myself in dance classes, relentlessly auditioning for Broadway productions and renowned companies. In the Heights and Pilobolus were the coveted pinnacles I aimed for. To sustain my artistic pursuits, I took on a role as a personal trainer. Everything aligned; life was a harmonious crescendo.
Then, August 30, 2008, became an indelible date, etching an unforeseen detour into my life’s choreography. A fall from the sixth story of my apartment building shattered my trajectory. The injuries were catastrophic, the odds of survival precarious. Amidst the sterile environment of the hospital, hushed medical pronouncements hinted at a future devoid of walking, let alone dancing. But that narrative was unacceptable. My journey had been too arduous, my dreams too deeply ingrained to surrender. Hearing those grim predictions, my inner voice roared, “Just watch me.” This resilience, I thought, is a story worth sharing, perhaps even within the pages of a dance mag, to inspire others facing adversity.
Resilience in Recovery Featured in Dance Magazine
Eight months became my world within the hospital walls. Intense physical therapy became my new dance, a grueling routine of relearning everything. Muscles had withered, demanding a painstaking rebuilding process. Simple tasks, once automatic, now required monumental effort – holding a spoon, brushing teeth, pulling on a T-shirt. Each small victory felt like a grand jeté in my personal ballet of recovery, a journey I hoped to one day recount in a dance mag to motivate fellow artists.
Reclaiming the ability to walk was an uphill battle. The mere act of lifting a foot could consume an hour of concentrated effort. Yet, unwavering determination fueled each attempt. Like any dedicated dancer, I embraced discipline and repetition. One step became two, then three, then four, a slow but steady progression. Finally, the hallway stretched before me, conquered step by step, and back again. Triumph! Though a wheelchair marked my hospital entry, I walked out on my own two feet, albeit with assistance and a wobble, but walking nonetheless. This milestone, I knew, was a powerful testament to the dancer’s spirit, a story deserving of a platform like a dance mag.
Incredibly, barely a month after discharge, an invitation arrived to perform in “Tunes, Tutus, and Turning Wheels,” a dance concert celebrating both disabled and able-bodied dancers. My capabilities were limited, but I was dancing, performing once more. The stage became a beacon of hope, illuminating the path forward. This performance, a symbol of overcoming, felt like the opening act to a new chapter, a story of resilience perfect for a dance mag feature.
Since then, I’ve embraced further performances, smaller in scale but immense in personal significance, each igniting a deeper hunger for more. Daily physical therapy is no longer required, yet periodic sessions remain essential. My body, I often describe, is like a finely tuned car, needing occasional “tune-ups” at the “shop” of physical therapy. This ongoing maintenance is a testament to the dedication required to maintain a dancer’s instrument, a commitment often highlighted in dance mags.
Eight years have passed on this long and winding road, and I can proudly declare: I am walking, I am living, and I am gradually rebuilding my dance repertoire. Perhaps I won’t reclaim my former peak, but that pales in comparison to the profound victory of being alive and continually progressing. Daily workouts – stretching, yoga, exercise – are integral, striving for enhanced movement and mobility. This journey of persistent self-improvement is the essence of a dancer’s life, a narrative often celebrated in the pages of a dance mag.
Continuing the Dance Journey: A Story for Dance Magazines
My dancer friend in California, Julie Turner, a constant source of inspiration, provides invaluable guidance through regular Skype sessions, essentially offering personalized dance classes. A workshop with AXIS Dance Company, a collective of disabled and able-bodied dancers, further enriched my path. Choreography and performance are becoming increasingly central once more. Dance hasn’t vanished from my life; it merely took an unexpected, albeit dramatic, detour. This enduring connection to dance, even after immense adversity, is a powerful message, precisely the kind dance mags aim to share.
Motivational speaking has emerged as a fulfilling new career. Here, I’m not embodying a character; I’m sharing my authentic self. My book, Falling Isn’t Failure, chronicles my journey through photographs, from hospital bed to present day. This raw and honest portrayal of recovery and resilience, I believe, holds resonance for the dance community and aligns with the inspirational content found in dance mags.
Given my continued presence in this world, I feel a profound responsibility to disseminate this message of hope and perseverance. Life inevitably throws obstacles, but the choice remains: succumb or rise. I stand as living proof that even after life-altering events, reclaiming happiness is within reach. This unwavering belief in the human spirit, especially the dancer’s spirit, is a story I hope resonates widely, perhaps even finding a home and wider audience within the pages of a dance mag.
All photos courtesy Nicole Marquez. Learn more at nicole-marquez.com.
