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 Carol regularly conducts dance and arts workshops and master classes. She speaks to arts, academic and corporate audiences on a variety of topics, including leadership, motivation, and team building.

Read about Carol Crawford Smith

Carol has recently contributed to the book “Mental Sharpening Stones: Manage the Cognitive Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis” by Jeffrey N. Gingold. In her chapter, “The Dance of Life: Transformation to Maintaining Strength, Balance, and Focus,” she shares stories of her life as a world dancer and community leader, along with strategies and perspectives on how to maintain cognitive strength through her example of teaching dance and sharing her passion and love for the art form and life.

For more information and to order “Mental Sharpening Stones, click here (opens in a new window).

 

Interview with Carol Crawford Smith

As a dancer, Carol Crawford Smith has always been known for her beauty and grace. Her professional experience in dance-theater includes a ten-year career as a soloist with the internationally renowned Dance Theatre of HarlemWhen she was diagnosed with MS, not only was she unable to dance, but she was barely able to maneuver around her home.

In spite of these obstacles, Carol still maintains a positive outlook on life and doesn’t let her diagnosis bring her down. Carol recently took some time to share with us her story of courage and hope.

 

The Montel Williams MS Foundation:  What precipitated your diagnosis?

Carol Crawford Smith: In the Fall of 1999, I began experiencing extreme
fatigue. That January, I was heavy in production as a director, choreographer, and dancer and demonstrated a combination while teaching a class and my legs collapsed.

Friends said it sounded nerve related so I saw a neurologist. I was diagnosed with probable MS. After that everything got progressively worse.

By June my joints would lock and I had trouble walking, and by October I was using a walker. I received a definitive diagnosis in December 2000.

MWMSF:  What was your initial reaction?

CCS:  This is not happening. Am I going to die? I started to think that it
would simply go away.

When I realized that it was not going away, I accepted it as an experience that I would have to go through. It was part of my journey
in my life course.

I never feel any fear or anger about it. I am very faithful about always being strong and doing my absolute best.

MWMSF: Since your diagnosis, you continue to provide dance instruction at The Center of Dance in Blacksburg, Virginia. Why is it so important for you to continue having dance in your life?

CCS: I don’t think about it. I was born to be a dancer. Even if I’m not
physically dancing, I dance in my heart, in my mind and in my spirit.

I have learned a new way to take those steps, to engage in those movements. Dancing is part of my life calling.

MWMSF: You were recently featured on The Montel Williams Show and on Extreme Makeover Home Edition (EMHE). How difficult was it for you to make such a private issue so public?

CCS: It was a big question. A friend of mine encouraged me to submit my story to EMHE because my studio was in poor condition.

I was hesitant because I am a private person but I had to let my pride down and did it. Since coming forward with my story, I have received positive feedback from others who have been inspired by my spirit and determination to keep going.

This made it easier for me to share my story with The Montel Williams Show.

MWMSF: Your diagnosis has led to many changes in your lifestyle. How have you managed to maintain such a positive spirit?

CCS: I am determined to not let it get me down, to flatten me and make me feel hopeless. I still have so much that I can give to others. That part of me is very strong.

I never ever felt like giving up. I learned to say no and be
more selective in what I do. I don’t feel obligated to do everything I am asked to do.

I am also a very strong Christian and it keeps me going. Because of
my faith there is nothing that I can’t work through.

MWMSF: What advice do you have for those who are struggling to accept their diagnosis?

CCS: Never let anyone, including your self, stick a thorn on your condition. Every day say something positive to yourself out loud. Remind yourself that you are a strong person who is redeemed.

Think of your diagnosis as an experience – part of your journey – not a death sentence. When you ache or can’t move, close your eyes and think about yourself moving, walking and being happy.

See yourself dancing or doing whatever it is that you love. I see myself dancing all the time. Because I see myself this way it exists for me and will always exist for me.