So You Think You Can Dance and the Breast Cancer Connection

July 25, 2009 by Barbara Jacoby
Filed under Breast Cancer, Creating Happiness

“So You Think You Can Dance” choreographer Tyce DiOrio created an unbelievably moving dance routine for this week’s episode centered on a woman with breast cancer. The number was performed by Ade (pronounced Ah-day) and Melissa who danced so beautifully that everyone, including all of the judges, was moved to tears.

As was discussed collectively in comments from judges Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, Mia Michaels, and Ellen DeGeneres, just about everyone knows a woman who has been affected by breast cancer. So many of these women fight the fight to survive and keep trying to assure their loved ones that they will make it and that they should not worry about them. And as I sat and watched, I was so moved that I missed so much of the dance and the commentary that I had to wait and watch the piece over again. Thank heavens that I had recorded the show and although a number of friends had asked me whether I had watched the show, I explained that I hadn’t been able to do so and they alerted me that something very special had occurred and that they wanted to know what I thought about it once I had a chance to see it. But no one told me exactly what to expect.

I suppose that I was especially touched because I had just returned from a visit to my doctor earlier in the day for a pre-op exam and a trip to the lab for tests in advance of my fourth surgery in connection with my own breast cancer. The surgery is scheduled for Thursday, July 30th which is the two-year anniversary of the first day that I walked into my doctor’s office after having discovered a mass in my breast. It was after the discovery of cancer again just a little more than 4 months after my first surgery that my husband inspired me to write a weekly blog and to create this website where my main goal has been for others to come and write and share so that those who are fighting cancer, those who have become survivors and those who are the loved ones of both survivors and those who lost their battles know that we are here to help them and to let them know that we are all in this together.

I am so impressed that Tyce DiOrio was able to bring the world of dance together with the message of the devastation of breast cancer and the effect that it has on everyone who becomes a part of this story. The portrayal of the support that is provided by family and friends and caregivers to the cancer patient is one that cannot be overemphasized. There are absolutely no words that can ever be spoken or written to tell our supporters what they mean to us. I know from my own experiences that without my husband, my journey down this path may not have had such a successful outcome. So thank you to all of those involved who moved this story to the forefront through dance and to all of those of you who have written with your support and for those who have been inspired by the sharing of our individual stories. Standing together, we can truly all make a difference.

I’ve added the video for those who would love to watch it again. After you watch it, I would love to know how it touched you.

I would love your comment on how this beautiful dance touched you.

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Tags: Aday, Ade Obayomi, Ade so you think you can dance, Breast Cancer, breast cancer awareness, breast cancer support, breast cancer surgery, choreographer, choreographer Mia Michaels, choreographer Tyce DiOrio, dance for breast cancer, Ellen, Ellen DeGeneres, Mary Murphy, Melissa and Ade, Melissa Sandvig, Melissa so you think you can dance, Mia Michaels, Nigel Lythgoe, So You Think You Can Dance, So You Think You Can Dance breast cancer dance, SYTYCD, tribute to breast cancer, Tyce DiOrio

nauri

Mom is a two time breast cancer survivor – 1989 and 2007. I saw so many elements in that dance that portrayed her struggle and courage; so many that portrayed Dad’s strength and support.

It is now August 4th. I hope all went well for you on July 30th, Barbara!
http://talkinwithteenie.blogspot.com Tina

I did not see this on tv, but I thank you for sharing such a beautiful dance with us. My mother is a breast cancer survivor and I pray regularly that she will not have a recurrence of the disease. I am sending a link of your blog to her as I believe that she would love to connect with others that have gone through or are going through the fight.
Anna Shepard

Hello Barbara,

First off – My prayers are with you. If you feel the need (or want) to e-mail about it feel free. I’m not the brightest bulb in the box but I AM a pretty decent sounding board. And know of the recurrence – although each person is different.

I saw the dance and thought it was wonderful to get the message out there. While I don’t “get” interpretive dance I was amazed at Ade’s strength and the sheer beauty of the dance. I think it was the song that moved me most (“Woman’s Work” performed by Maxwell) and of course the judges comments had me crying like a baby. That song always moves me to tears and I have played it every day this year since starting my second bout with chemo. Somehow the tears cleanse the soul?!!

I think all survivors muster their strength from the depths of our souls just to get up every morning and blaze through each day as if nothing is wrong (even though we may be slower than we used to in some cases – myself) and do what we have to in order to survive. It isn’t easy but we do it all the same.
Others outside the arena don’t understand as much(some do). They think if you look OK you are OK – you just don’t have hair – so what’s the big deal. They don’t know the constant tornado of emotions that can take over without so much as a moments notice and every so often when you have a “moment” they wonder “what are you crying about?”

I’m getting off topic. Yes, it was a beautiful dance coupled with a very moving song and the judges comments were very heartfelt.
Thank you for putting it out here for everyone to see.
Take care my sister and keep us updated.
May God be with you on the 30th.
Anna
Donna Cobb

I recently found out during a routine mammogram i had breast cancer. Immediately even though they caught it early i opted to remove both boobs. Last month on the 3rd. My milking days are over and there is so much of life left to be celebrated and enjoyed. I’m a bit of a loner but i can attest to the fact that the love of ur family and friends during such difficult times can make all the difference in the world. Thank you for ur compassion allowed me to open up myself.
Mandi

Watching the dance, I had so many different emotions. They did an amazing job portraying a cancer patient, and the bond between the patient and her partner. Nobody knows what it feels like to be a cancer patient except for the patient. But going through the cancer process with the patient is an honor and a privilege. It’s a journey that you take together. The more support and encouragement the patient gets, the easier it is for them to focus on healing in a positive way. It’s hard to know what to say or do as a supporter. But just being there no matter how awkward it can feel, is the best way to handle it. I watched my mother go through the most painful battle of her life. It wasn’t pretty. She has always been the picture of strentgh and stubbornness. As I watched her struggle and fight with the strength of a warrior, there was never any doubt that she would make it through. She was very positive and knew that she would beat the cancer. She survived two battles of breast cancer and has been cancer free for 10 years. Not everybody is so lucky. My mother in law passed away in August from Leukemia and lung cancer. And though she fought with all of her heart and was very positive to the end, she did not make it through. I will never forget how well she handled every step of the way. With grace and dignity. She did try so hard to make sure we all knew she would be OK no matter what. Her job was to try to put us all at ease. I only hope that I can handle whatever comes my way with as much grace as my mother in law. And as much strength as my mom. As I watched the dance, I was just overwhelmed with the strength and the courage of EACH cancer patient. Though I will never truly know what it feels like unless it happens to me. I applaud every cancer patient. It’s a hard battle that I wish nobody had to fight. Barbara you are a very strong, courageous survivor that encourages more people than you will ever know. And kudos to your husband for inspiring you to write this blog. You will touch many lives through your words. Thanks for sharing and may God bless the rest of your journey this week.

Much love,
Mandi
michelle rock

hey barbara, i read your blog today and agree how touching this performance was. at first i wasn’t sure what it was about b/c i missed the description but it was so moving that i had to find out more.

my best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer at 33, only 3yrs ago. i quickly shared this piece with her and she sat there with her son to watch and cried.

i want to share her blog with you b/c it is as touching and inspiring and very funny with her humor. she had never written much before until her diagnosis and somehow has touched the hearts of many across the US, just as you have.

or you may already know her, who knows.

thank you for your blog and have a blessed day.

christina’s blog page :http://uniboobclub.blogspot.com/

love
michelle
kaylynne50

I thought the dance was beautiful, but I am seeking the “back story”……who was the woman this dance was choreographed in memory of?

Good luck to you on the 30th, I hope you recover beautifully…..
Barbara Jacoby

Thank you so much for your response and for the good wishes. The only thing that I noted was that Tyce indicated that the inspiration was a friend who had breast cancer but that is all that he said.
Barbara Jacoby

Thank you so much for sharing your friend’s blog with us. I truly believe that as long as we are stick together and help each other, we can truly make a difference. Best wishes to Christina as she continues to be a survivor.
Barbara Jacoby

I thank you so much for sharing your perspective in such a clear and understanding way. You were so able to express what it is like for those who are the support system for every cancer fighter. I really believe that it is so much harder for the loved ones to deal with cancer than for the actual patient. The patient is getting all of the best medical care and treatments possible but the supporters have to supply the most important element in a person’s recovery and that is the love and the care that can only come from the heart. And because that love and caring can’t be measured, those love ones will never know what a difference that they make. I hope that you realize what a difference you made for your mother and your mother-in-law. You are one very special person and an inspiration to all of us.
Barbara Jacoby

Thank you so very much for sharing. Yours is a story of great courage and strength and you are a true inspiration for others who are trying to make the best decisions for themselves. What a wonderful way to embrace life!
Barbara Jacoby

Thank you so much for providing your perspective on how survivors cope with the day to day of cancer. You really expressed it so very well. The more that people share their thoughts and stories in open arenas like this, the more help it is to those who are also working so hard to continue their personal fights. It is always helpful to know that there is support available from others who have gone through the same things and therefore understand things in a way that others cannot. It helps to not feel so alone. I really appreciate your sharing here.
Barbara Jacoby

Thank you so much for commenting and for sharing with your mother. You are right that we all do appreciate connecting with those who have gone through the fight as well as all of the most wonderful supporters like you who help us more than you will ever know.
Barbara Jacoby

Wasn’t that dance something else? I am so glad that you were able to relate to many of its elements. All went perfectly with the surgery, thank you for asking. In fact, since my work is a desk job, I actually returned yesterday and worked the full 10-hour day and felt just fine.