Project Description
URBAN ATHLETEDEEP HEAT CHRISTA CALITZ
In 1996 my dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer and teacher was shattered. Due to a technical fault with the door, I fell out of a moving bus and was subsequently dragged underneath it.
As a result, I underwent surgery to affix the veins and nerves in my leg, and re-attach my foot, which was connected to my leg by one artery. Despite an orthopaedic surgeon’s assertion that I was never going to walk again and that I wouldn’t be able to keep my leg for much longer, I set out to prove him wrong.
In an effort to save my leg I spent a gruelling two-year period in and out of various hospitals for the reconstruction and rehabilitation process, constantly struggling with infections. I also started horse riding to assist in the recovery process. It was amazing how this intuitive creature adapted to my injured leg and the emotional and physical benefits I received from this type of therapy was immense.
I did not dance for 21 years. It was even too painful to watch dancing shows on TV. Once I became a mother, I did not mention my love for dancing but despite this my three year old daughter had a natural inclination towards it. We enrolled her in dance classes and watching her fuelled my passion to learn again.
I have now been dancing for two years and am getting stronger every day, I will not let my injury consume me. My ballet teacher, Nicole, says that she is incredibly proud of my progress “initially Christa was scared to jump, but she faced her fear and has been jumping ever since!”
I hope my story motivates others who have suffered and inspires them to persevere.
Keep Going Christa!
In 1996 my dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer and teacher was shattered. Due to a technical fault with the door, I fell out of a moving bus and was subsequently dragged underneath it.
As a result, I underwent surgery to affix the veins and nerves in my leg, and re-attach my foot, which was connected to my leg by one artery. Despite an orthopaedic surgeon’s assertion that I was never going to walk again and that I wouldn’t be able to keep my leg for much longer, I set out to prove him wrong.
In an effort to save my leg I spent a gruelling two-year period in and out of various hospitals for the reconstruction and rehabilitation process, constantly struggling with infections. I also started horse riding to assist in the recovery process. It was amazing how this intuitive creature adapted to my injured leg and the emotional and physical benefits I received from this type of therapy was immense.
I did not dance for 21 years. It was even too painful to watch dancing shows on TV. Once I became a mother, I did not mention my love for dancing but despite this my three year old daughter had a natural inclination towards it. We enrolled her in dance classes and watching her fuelled my passion to learn again.
I have now been dancing for two years and am getting stronger every day, I will not let my injury consume me. My ballet teacher, Nicole, says that she is incredibly proud of my progress “initially Christa was scared to jump, but she faced her fear and has been jumping ever since!”
I hope my story motivates others who have suffered and inspires them to persevere.
Keep Going Christa!