Dearest all,

Been a while since updating, as I was waiting for something like news to share! Rehab has been my main focus. While it feels like forever since I danced/moved freely, it's only been three months since the incident. The 3 month anniversary being on my birthday...

Thank you all for your messages by the way, I had a lovely day, with my daughter singing me happy birthday for the first time. TOO CUTE.

I'm making great progress considering the injuries sustained, thanks to movement being my ‘metier’. I can use my Pilates knowledge for home practice and I’m so thankful I have that. I can feel when I have done too much, when I have to rest and when I can push further, thanks to my years working in dance. The arrival of Spring corresponds to my ability to do more and more everyday things, like carry my daughter, walk her to nursery, change and wash her. Clean the house, drive the car and sit long enough to enjoy meals with friends. Normal things that I used to take for granted.

This weekend feels like a milestone worth celebrating, as I went on my first proper bike ride since the accident. Only 10k as I didn't want to overdo it on the first try. Fresh, clean air and sunshine with family is the best medicine.

I would like to use these updates as more of a blog, sharing more about what I'm up to during recovery, to keep you all in the loop as a way for you to know how much I appreciate your support. I tend to think of updating when I’m feeling upbeat, but that’s not an honest picture… There were dark times too: wondering why this happened, feeling defeated, fatigued and lacking in any kind of confidence and drive. Missing my work, my friends, students, colleagues. But I am in less physical pain now, and slowly easing back into the things I love to do (plus the trauma release work) has shifted something inside and I’m feeling more ready to look forward, to what comes after rehab.

My adductor and rib injuries mean I cannot dance yet. Getting back to where I was and building up stamina will take more time and patience. The limp is no longer so pronounced but my walk is still not in good alignment as my hips are in anterior tilt rather than neutral, either due to the adductor or the trauma, or both, and that means low back pain if I do too much. Learning a lot about the body and coping mechanisms after trauma, how every body is so different and how mental states can help or hinder recovery. Training wise, I am waiting until I am more physically OK to train and travel. I’m itching to branch out into other forms of movement to further my skill set but for now… Patience.

This month I have an Xray to check on progress and I will post the news here.

For now, thank you for continuing to share, donate and support. I feel so fortunate to have such a strong community of dancers, friends and family there for me.

Love

Sam