When I think of Sarah, I think of radiance.
Sarah has a story of radiance and resiliency, and she carries it with her with every leap, turn, and extension.
Sarah is a dancer. Her movements are as beautiful as her heart. She was also born with scoliosis.
Sarah danced for many years with her scoliosis remaining well managed. She wore a brace to help keep her back straight. Her family hoped it would be enough, but there came a point where her back hurt more and more as each week passed by.
You can see the curves in her spine, especially as she bends forward. If not corrected, it would worsen over time further limiting her movement and creating more pain.
Sarah did not lose hope. One pirouette after another, she kept looking forward to the day her spine would move in better alignment with her body.
When Sarah came to me for portraits, we wanted to capture both her beauty and resiliency. We wanted to capture both her strength as a dancer the challenges she was facing with her spine.
I love the princess-like feel of these portraits, and the way they bring her radiance to life. I also love the real but subtle way you can see how her shoulder blades are uneven because of the scoliosis.
Both represent the journey she has been on.
Because of incredible hard work and the advocacy of her parents and her family, Sarah was approved to have special corrective surgery designed to help young athletes maintain as much flexibility and strength as possible. Sarah knew she was not ready to release dance from her life.
Today is her “Spinaversary.” It has been 1 year since her surgery. She is dancing with more radiance and grace than you would’ve imagined even one short year ago.
Sarah, you are incredible. Thank you for the gift of capturing your strength and your beauty. You inspire me every time I look at these points. May your story inspire many others to follow their dreams wherever their hearts lead them.
xxoo
If you have kind words to share or if you want to love on Sarah, we would love to hear from you!
5 Comments
Dec 10, 2022, 8:59:27 AM
SHERI H PETERSEN - You are an amazing young woman, Sarah! It has been my privilege to watch you grow up and flourish. Love you tons!
Dec 10, 2022, 6:15:57 AM
Sandy Kukalis - Thank you your spotlight on my Sarah ☀️! She is a gift from God to me. Sarah, keep on shining sweetheart, you are the brightest star in our hearts! Love you❣️
Dec 10, 2022, 6:10:37 AM
Aunt Sandy - Sarah is my sunshine! To watch her grow into this beautiful young lady is a blessing to me. Thank you for this story to spotlight my dancing sunshine ☀️ ❣️
Dec 9, 2022, 9:21:31 AM
Pat - "love on Sarah".... When I saw that line I knew I needed to write something. I've been loving you since the first time I held you as a baby. I had the privilege to be your teacher and now to watch you grow into the person your are. Your light shines bright and I'm happy to have been in the glow. Love, Mrs Merrill ❤️❤️❤️
Dec 8, 2022, 11:52:23 PM
Rhonda Kendzicky - Sarah, You have become such a beautiful and talented dancer. I am incredibly proud of you!