“Why walk when you can dance”
Many of the featured dancers in Marley Takes The Stage are people who I have never met, but I am inspired by their dance journey. Others, like Olivia, have a more personal connection. I have known Olivia’s mom for many years and was so happy when she agreed to share her story with me and the dance community.
Olivia was born with Congenital Heart Defects. At just 36 hours old, a nurse noticed that she had a heart murmur and it was presenting itself more and more. Shortly after her diagnosis of Truncus Arteriosusand Coarctation of the Aorta, she was having her first surgery. By the young age of 14, Olivia has already had four heart surgeries, and will face more within her lifetime. She is a heart warrior each and everyday.
Though Olivia has heart struggles to face each and every day, she still pursues her passion for dance. She trains at All that and Jazz Dance Studio in Dumfries, VA where she is a member of their competition team. She shared “Being a part of the team requires a lot of hours and practice, and there are times that I get tired faster than others, but it holds as my happy place.”
During our photo session, Olivia showed me the scar on her chest from her many open heart surgeries, and you can see them in her photos as well. She told me, “I have to be comfortable in my skin as my scar shows when I’m wearing a leotard in class or performing on stage.” Olivia’s most recent surgery was just over a year ago. She had to take a few months off from dance and competing to fully recover. But as soon as she was allowed, she jumped back into training.
Find Olivia in your own copy of Marley Takes The Stage and take a look at all of the the amazing characters and featured dancers.
If you know someone who should be featured in #danceknowsnoboundaries please send me an email at danceknowsnoboundaries@gmail.com.
