Everyone reacts differently to injury, trauma, and even to offers of help–especially dancers. Above all, make sure that you are helping and not hurting. Recognize when they might not want help.
Ask them what they need, what support you can provide, and how. It is important that you do not dismiss their pain or compare your experiences. Everyone’s experience with injury is different, and everyone reacts in different ways. It is also important that in reaching out, you are listening.
It is important to also take care of yourself, especially if engaging in someone else's trauma may trigger yours. Know your own boundaries and ask if there is anything you can do to support them within those boundaries.
Injury is isolating. In a field where you often push yourself to fit a physical expectation, being no longer able to achieve that expectation can bring up feelings of worthlessness and loneliness. A dancer is often seen as only as useful and employable as they are physically able, but this is untrue. A dancer’s value goes beyond their physical body. Even if someone is unable to dance, there are auxiliary ways to ensure that they still feel a part of the community and utilize other creative skills. Ask them to help run a rehearsal, or give creative input.
Sometimes the best way to help is to give someone a place to start. That's what The Green Room is for. Dancers are independent and self-motivated, but a little push in the right direction never hurts. Offer them an article, a contact, or even just a conversation.
Do you have a personal experience with injury or advice that you would like to share? Have a question you would like answered? The Green Room is built on the insights and feedback from dance community members and strives to constantly update our recovery guides and FAQ pages. Leave a line below to let us know a piece of advice that you would like to see added or what question you would like to see answered.