Sprain Has Sprung

So yesterday in the spirit of all things Zmed, (Adrian Zmed that is) I sprained my ankle doing a full out pony during the 50’s section of his show.  I know my friend Sarah will like this, despite the outcome of me hurting myself.  She always loves a full out pony. 

For those of you who stopped watching television after 1987, Adrian Zmed is star of stage and screen with such hits as T.J. Hooker with William Shatner, and Dance Fever featuring spandex and mohawks.  Mr. Zmed is probably best known for his role as pseudo-Danny in the movie Grease 2, and for my music theatre junkies, he’s on the original cast album of Children of Eden, and has performed the role of Danny in Grease more then anyone else…ever.  All joking aside, he’s a lovely, humble and funny guy, and we are lucky to have him on our ship.  We are basically eye candy during his show and perform in about 60% of it.  In approximately 2% of that 60, I “dance”.  (Please note the use of quotes as I never have nor will ever claim to be a dancer.  Whenever a passenger says “Hey!  It’s one of the dancers!”  I quickly correct them and say that I am a singer.  Some may see this as diva-ish, but I cannot even attempt to do what our talented and very underpaid dancers do, so it’s out of respect I make sure people know my movement abilities are limited.) 

So there I was in my poodle skirt and 10 pound blonde wig trying to impress my Dance Captain with my pony and wham!  My ankle became jello-like and flopped into a position even Gumby himself wouldn’t attempt.  I have never sprained or broken anything, so this feeling of pain and shock was new to me.  I carried on, (like the true professional that I am contrary to what my Cruise Director thinks) and finished the show with little more than a wince. Mind over matter kicked in and I did the second show reassuring myself I was fine with every step. 

Today is a new day, and my ankle is a tad swollen and sore.  A ship has most of the amenities that are on land, but one thing that doesn’t change is the doctor’s office hours.  Obviously we do shows in the evening when the office is closed, so last night my medical attention was a bag of ice and a post-show beer provided by my husband.  I have to say they both helped.  The ice kept my beer cold, and the beer kept my mind at ease.  It’s amazing how often performers hurt themselves, some permanently, and so many push through the pain to perform another day.  Last night put some things into perspective.  I always remind myself I’m lucky to have the job I have, but with the quick twist of an ankle it can quickly cease.  I’ve seen dancers go down with bad knees, strained shoulders, broken legs and worse.  We put ourselves through years of training and dedication to have it taken away with one count of eight.  Singers lose their voices with overuse, abuse and illness potentially losing their voices permanently.  It’s not your average office job.  Our bodies are our bread and butter.  Our survival counts on our ability to push ourselves physically and mentally, over and over again for the audiences’ enjoyment.  I hope the audience enjoyed it.  A good amount of people showed their support by walking out or falling asleep, but I don’t take it personally.  A situation like this just makes me realize how fragile it all is, and how quickly something can be taken away or put at risk.

So I’m off to the doctors this afternoon for a misdiagnosis of Norovirus, but with the help of my Chiropractor from home via email, I have been assured that ice, rest and a lower heel on my shoe is my best road to recovery.

Lesson learned.  Don’t drink and jive.