When dancer Paige Fraser was diagnosed with Scoliosis at age 12, she was terrified she would lose the “passion, expression, and freedom” that dance gave her. Doctors told her that she needed surgery because of the intensity of her curvature. "I was so confused by what was happening. Why me I asked my parents. I remember crying a lot. I did not know what was going to happen to my dreams".

 

At the Ailey School, Paige had a ballet teacher who also had Scoliosis. "She helped me to feel less of an outcast and gave me tips on how to gain stability and strength in my core and spine". 

 

Thirteen years after being diagnosed with scoliosis, Ms. Fraser can proudly state that she has accomplished the career in dance of which she always dreamed. “[My limitations] get very frustrating at times, but I have to constantly remind myself that I am built differently and some things will always feel different. If I want to succeed, I need to do things

differently. I do a lot of Pilates exercises every morning to maintain strength in my core and pelvis. I am constantly thinking of my posture and how I work in dance classes to maintain consistency in my dancing on stage. And with the help of my wonderful chiropractor, Alex Eingorn, I have been able to maintain my curvature and keep dancing.”

 

Paige hopes to bring awareness to Scoliosis throughout the world and inspire other dancers with it. "There are a few dancers who actually kept going when they were told they have Scoliosis. I chose not to quit". 

 

 

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