Steven McRae’s Achilles Injury and Road to Recovery
The Royal Opera House was filled to the brim on the fateful night when Steven McRae, the Australian-born principal of the Royal Ballet, experienced a career-altering moment. As he sat across from me in the same venue five years later, he vividly recounted the sound of his Achilles tendon snapping during a performance of the classic ballet Manon. “DAH DUM,” he reenacts the sound with theatrical flair, reflecting on the moment that brought his dancing to an abrupt halt. Initially mistaking the injury for tripping over a wooden prop on stage, McRae soon found himself in excruciating pain, screaming as the audience and his colleagues listened in horror through the Tannoy system that broadcast his distress throughout the theatre.
Describing the Achilles injury as one of the worst a dancer can endure, McRae shared the challenges he faced during his year-long journey to walk properly again. Following a full Achilles reconstruction and two years of intensive rehabilitation, much of which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, McRae defied the odds to make a triumphant return to the stage. With a renewed passion for addressing the stigmas surrounding injuries and well-being in the dance world, he emphasized the arduous process of recovery and the importance of acknowledging the realities of physical setbacks in a demanding profession.
Struggles and Triumphs in Ballet
Throughout his career, McRae has embraced a variety of roles that showcase his versatility and artistry, from morphine-addicted princes to lovestruck teenagers and duplicitous noblemen. Reflecting on his evolution as a dancer, he highlighted the physical toll that performing rigorous ballet routines can take on the body. Recounting a recent injury that required a hamstring reconstruction, McRae emphasized the gradual approach he now takes to returning to the stage, acknowledging the need for patience and resilience in overcoming setbacks.
Despite the challenges he has faced, McRae’s commitment to his craft remains unwavering. As he prepares to reprise the role of the tap-dancing Mad Hatter in Christopher Wheeldon’s adaptation of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, he finds joy in exploring the intersection of classical and jazz styles with musicality and grace. Embracing the opportunity to experiment and push boundaries, McRae exemplifies the dedication and passion that define his artistic journey.
Advocating for Change in the Dance World
As McRae continues to navigate the demands of the ballet world, he is vocal about the need for systemic changes to support the physical and mental well-being of dancers. Addressing the issue of workload, he emphasizes the importance of structuring dance companies to prioritize the health and longevity of performers, rather than expecting them to sustain grueling schedules that can lead to burnout and injury.
Drawing attention to the stigma surrounding injuries and the pressure to maintain a certain physique in ballet, McRae advocates for a more holistic approach to wellness that values individual health and self-care. By sharing his own experiences and struggles, he seeks to challenge outdated norms and promote a culture of openness and support within the dance community.
In his upcoming film, “A Resilient Man,” McRae offers a candid look at his journey back to ballet following a career-threatening injury, shedding light on the physical and emotional challenges he has faced along the way. Through his storytelling and advocacy, McRae continues to inspire others to embrace their vulnerabilities, prioritize self-care, and advocate for positive change in the world of dance.