“How’s your ankle?” the guard asked as I hobbled back from the stage.
My boyfriend and I had flown from South Florida to New Hampshire for Northlands Music and Arts Festival. The music lineup was a dream. Unfortunately, I arrived with a herniated disc.
“My ankle? My ankles feel great, actually! Thanks for asking! My back feels like shit, but you know what? I’m just going to focus on my ankles!”
I was in a lot of pain. I couldn’t stand up to dance or walk for more than a minute at a time. But despite that, something beautiful happened.
- ✨ People came together to help me.
- 🎶 I heard my favorite musicians.
- 💖 I stood (well, sat) in the middle of the musical universe, and magic rained down.
🧠 The Shift: Mind Over Matter (and Pain)
I had to dig deep to find new ways to express joy and gratitude despite the ever-present fuckedupedness.
I know I’m not the only one who has—or is—going through this. So I want to share some of the things that helped me keep dancing (metaphorically and literally), in hopes it might help another disabled dancer, lover of life, or freaky sparkle soul out there.
🔥 5 Ways to Raise the Vibe When You’re Injured at a Festival
1. ✨ Use a Prop
Can’t stand? No problem. Props make seated movement expressive and mesmerizing. Try:
- Dance ribbons
- Glow sticks or poi
- Scarves or fans
- LED toys or even… paper towels! (Yup, I did it. Don’t be afraid to get weird.)
2. 🧘♀️ Set an Intention
Pick a one-word mantra like: Joy, Gratitude, Love, Bliss, Healing.
Breathe it in. Breathe it out. Let that feeling radiate from your heart, through your fingertips, out the top of your head, down into your feet and into the Earth.
🌬️ Breathe it. Become it. Be it.
3. ✨ Add Sparkle
When I go to a local live music show—yes, even on a Monday—I dress like it’s New Year’s Eve. Sparkle inspires smiles. Shine, and you give others permission to do the same.
4. 😊 Smile
Seriously. Just look someone in the eye and smile. It’s the easiest way to shift the energy in a space.
5. 🦄 Dress in Costume (or bring your puppets – video below)
I came armed with two secret weapons:
- Care Bear Costume with Rainbow Leggings: Once I put it on, the costume took over. I radiated love and blessed the masses by blowing bubbles and shooting rainbows from my belly.
- Homemade Unicorn Ensemble: Golden horn, rainbow sparkle hair, metallic lashes, and a flowing skirt—this outfit did not allow tears. It demanded joy.
💖 Final Thoughts: Choose the Vibe
Even when we feel broken, we have a choice. What will you focus on?
I choose to be a blessing.
I choose to be thankful.
I choose joy.
💌 Got a Festival Hack of Your Own?
Drop it in the comments —I’d love to hear how you keep dancing through the pain. Together, we rise. ✨
#DisabilityAwareness #FestivalVibes #JoyIsMedicine #HealingThroughMusic #HealingThroughDance #DancingAnyway #CareBearStare #Northlands #UnicornModeActivated