What happens when the very thing that defines you—your ability to move—is threatened by a disease you can't control? How do you keep performing ten dances a night on tour when your legs go numb? How do you keep showing up when your body won't cooperate?
Meet Courtney Platt: world-class dancer, actress, choreographer, and powerful voice for living fully with multiple sclerosis. Courtney started her dance career as a New York Knicks City dancer, was a top four finalist on So You Think You Can Dance, and has danced and choreographed for some of the biggest stages and screen productions of the last decade.
But at the height of her career, at only 23 years old while on tour with So You Think You Can Dance, Courtney's legs went completely numb from the waist down. Doctors found plaque on her spinal cord and lesions on her brain. The diagnosis: relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Instead of letting MS define her, Courtney transformed it into her mission—using her platform to advocate, educate, and inspire others living with autoimmune diseases. Today, she's not only a celebrated performer but a mother of three, a dance teacher, and a powerful reminder that resilience isn't about never falling—it's about refusing to stay down.
In this episode, Courtney shares:
Going numb from the waist down while performing 10 dances a night on tour
How she knew something was MS before doctors confirmed it
Dancing with completely numb legs because she refused to be taken off tour
The moment of clarity when diagnosis finally came—and the relief of knowing
Being pissed off and disappointed in her body after diagnosis
The frustration of wanting to push her baby out but needing a C-section
Learning to appreciate her body's gifts instead of taking movement for granted
Why giving yourself grace and compassion is essential
The guilt of needing rest when you're "supposed to" be hustling
Her husband's unwavering support: "Tell me you're not being lazy"
Why napping like a small child is non-negotiable now
Traveling with MS: Planning around energy levels and recovery time
The wheelchair at the airport and dealing with judgment from strangers
Teaching her kids about MS: the conversation she dreaded but handled beautifully
Why surrounding yourself with the right people is everything
Having a third baby through surrogacy—and why it was the right choice
Her body producing breast milk even though she didn't give birth to Gianna
The advice that made her angry: "Find a less stressful job"
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The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, psychological, financial, or legal advice
References:
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