Thanks to some recent articles from Dance Magazine and Dance Spirit there’s more awareness and discussion about mental health in the dance community than ever before. Now more high profile people in the dance world are beginning to open up about their personal struggles in an effort to facilitate openness and encourage others who may be in a similar place.
Take Mari Madrid (yep, from Keone & Mari). Their performance from the cut on NBC World of Dance was a powerful piece with an important meaning. Before they performed, the couple talked about what went into the piece, and how their seemingly perfect marriage faces the same struggles as others.
Around the time the show aired, Mari took to their blog to share more about her personal past with depression and anxiety.
“If you’ve been following the show, you’ve seen a peek into a very important piece for Keone and I, and will know that it comes from a place of darkness. A place of deep vulnerability not only for our relationship together, but for both of us individually as well. We talked many times while planning to use this concept for the show, and had long conversations about how much we’d share about this particular piece and where it comes from. We decided to share more than less, with the aim to assure people who are on the outside looking in, that even if life looks amazing on its shell, it can be very difficult and painful behind closed doors. And that’s okay.”
She also shared words of encouragement.
“To anyone dealing with depression and not thinking that it’s worth it to keep going, to deal with the burden of living. Don’t. Give. Up. Don’t be opposed to reaching outside to get help and to keep searching for the right help. For what is going to be effective for you. And if you love someone who struggles with mental health, don’t give up. Continue to love them, to search for how to support them through these waters.”
Thankfully more and more people sharing their experience will only help others, and we can’t thank Mari enough for her openness and passion.
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