Susan Rubin

“You’ve got to be superhuman.” I’ve been told this countless times after my classes. For many it appears that I was born with energy that never runs out… that I could NEVER understand what it feels  like to live with pain.  I NEED to tell you you’re wrong.  There was a time that I couldn’t possibly DREAM about stepping foot in ONE of my classes. Why? It was a physical impossibility.

Seven years ago I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.  It happened right after I gave birth to my littlest miracle… excruciating pain like I have never known.  To the point where I slept on a lawn chair that was put in my bedroom because I could not get in or out of bed.  I used crutches to walk, and tried getting a wheel chair because daily tasks like walking to the kitchen (no, I don’t live in a mansion) were too difficult.  I couldn’t take my baby out of the crib, or change her diaper myself…I was crippled.   I thought this was my destiny - that I would never lead a normal life again, let alone dance again!

The purpose of this story, is to assure you that no matter what YOU are going through, you should always know there is hope.  HOPE to be BETTER, and DO BETTER.  Don’t be afraid to go after your DREAMS, no matter how far-fetched they seem.  Seven years ago walking down the hall never seemed possible… the fact that I’m dancing like I do is nothing short of a miracle for me.  My ‘job’ involves EVERYTHING I’ve ever been passionate about.  I AM FORTUNATE that I am on medication that helps me… but it certainly has NOT CURED me.  I do often DANCE with/through pain.  Sometimes I’m frustrated that I can’t move the way I KNOW I’m able to… but I BET YOU NEVER KNEW.

NEVER let anything get in the way of YOUR DREAM.  Stand tall, Be Strong, and CONQUER your fears head on.  You may end up somewhere you never believed was possible… inspiring others on your way…

You have to START somewhere.  You may not be able to come into class and DANCE the way you WANT to right away… but you CAN take this class, and you CAN dance!  IF I CAN DO IT, SO CAN YOU!!!!