Selma Blair’s Unwavering Spirit: Navigating MS Challenges on Dancing With The Stars with Sasha Farber
In a powerful display of resilience and determination, actress Selma Blair has captivated audiences worldwide with her inspiring journey on Dancing With The Stars. Partnered with professional dancer Sasha Farber, Blair, who lives with multiple sclerosis (MS), has openly shared the unique challenges she faces, transforming a demanding competition into a platform for profound advocacy and hope. Their partnership has not only produced memorable performances but has also offered an intimate look into how chronic illness can impact daily life, even amidst the glitz and glamour of live television.
A recent interview shed light on the extraordinary commitment Blair brings to the dance floor, revealing a remarkable incident that underscores her fierce dedication. Sasha Farber recounted how the Legally Blonde actress, 50, once texted him from the airport to report a fainting spell, yet insisted on coming to rehearsal. “I’m like, ‘Take the day off, just chill,’” Sasha told Entertainment Tonight during a weekend interview. “She’s like, ‘Nope!’” This exchange speaks volumes about Blair’s resolve. Despite Sasha’s concern and the clear need for rest, she chose to push through, eventually spending a full five hours rehearsing, far exceeding their initial two-hour plan. This level of tenacity has become a hallmark of her participation, showcasing her refusal to let MS define her capabilities.
Understanding Selma’s Experience with MS: Fainting Spells and the Role of Scout
Selma’s candid explanation of her fainting spells provides crucial insight into living with MS. “The thing is, I pass out a lot,” Blair says. “It’s part of the reason I have Scout [her service dog] and it doesn’t mean I lose consciousness [or] it’s a whole ambulance experience, it’s something that I lose my vision, gravity pulls me down and I’m very disoriented and gone for a spell. He’s kind of there to also catch me, you know, make the ground a little closer with his back.” This description highlights the often invisible symptoms of multiple sclerosis—conditions that can profoundly disrupt daily life without always leading to a dramatic medical emergency. For Selma, these spells involve visual impairment, severe disorientation, and a sensation of being pulled down by gravity, rather than a complete loss of consciousness. It’s a debilitating experience that requires immediate support and adaptation.
Her service dog, Scout, plays an indispensable role in managing these episodes. Scout isn’t just a pet; he’s a trained medical alert dog who can sense an impending spell and provide physical support. His presence allows Selma to navigate her life with a greater sense of security and independence. This aspect of her story resonates deeply with many in the disability community, underscoring the critical importance of service animals and the thoughtful design of accessible support systems. Scout’s ability to “make the ground a little closer” during a fall is a poignant example of the practical, life-saving assistance these animals provide, allowing individuals like Selma to pursue their passions, even those as physically demanding as ballroom dancing.
Adapting to MS: The “Eyes Closed” Technique in Rehearsals
Selma’s candid admission about her MS journey on the popular ABC show has been met with widespread admiration. As she continues to face multiple sclerosis head-on, her resilience shines. She revealed that sometimes she closes her eyes to complete daily tasks, a coping mechanism that helps her manage disorientation and other MS symptoms. Sasha, with his empathetic and innovative approach, recognized the potential of this technique and ingeniously incorporated it into their dance rehearsals. “When she wants to feel comfortable, she closes her eyes,” he noted. “So, I figured let’s give this a go. Let’s blindfold her for the whole dance and see. Take away her vision so we would enhance the feel of the message from the brain.”
This adaptation is a testament to the unique partnership between Selma and Sasha. By removing the visual input, Sasha aimed to heighten Selma’s other senses, allowing her to connect more deeply with the music, her partner, and her own body’s movements. Selma herself confirmed the efficacy of this method: “I do find that I shut my eyes and it makes me center a lot more. So I can kinda calm down,” she told the outlet. She explained further, “I was doing it before in life, just the way I would approach things would really raise my nervous system. I can get really quickly kinda frantic because I get overwhelmed, or maybe that’s just my personality or sort of attention span with some things.” This strategy not only aids her performance but also serves as a powerful metaphor for adapting to life’s unpredictable challenges, finding strength in vulnerability, and enhancing internal focus.
Beyond the Glare: The Profound Impact of Selma’s DWTS Journey
Beyond raising her already high profile, the beautiful mom of one says she’s grateful for other unexpected benefits of joining the 31st season of ‘DWTS.’ Her participation transcends personal achievement; it has become a beacon of hope for countless individuals. “It’s been so heartening to see what I think this can do for a lot of people that move or present differently and think they can’t do things,” the Cruel Intentionsstar said. This statement encapsulates the broader societal impact of her journey. By openly embracing her challenges and demonstrating her capacity for grace and strength, Selma Blair is redefining what it means to live with a chronic illness, challenging preconceived notions about disability and ability.
For individuals with multiple sclerosis, a chronic neurological condition that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, symptoms can vary widely but often include fatigue, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, coordination problems, and visual disturbances. These symptoms can make even simple movements difficult, let alone the intricate and demanding routines of ballroom dancing. Yet, Selma has embraced the challenge, demonstrating that adaptation and perseverance can unlock incredible potential. Her willingness to be vulnerable on a national stage has opened up vital conversations about accessibility, inclusion, and the human spirit’s boundless capacity for growth.
One of the most profound personal benefits Selma has experienced through dance is improved breathing. “It’s such a blessing to be able to learn some fluidity with dance. It really does help me learn to breathe. That’s something I’ve never done well, even before MS, just being a Midwest girl and not ever really approaching breath.” This revelation highlights an often-overlooked aspect of wellbeing that dance can address. Proper breathing is fundamental for both physical and mental health, impacting everything from oxygen delivery to stress regulation. For someone managing a condition that affects the nervous system, learning to consciously control and deepen her breath provides a powerful tool for self-regulation and improving overall physical function and calmness.
Moreover, the rigorous training and physical demands of DWTS, under Sasha’s expert guidance, have offered Selma more than just dance steps; they have provided a form of physical therapy tailored to her unique needs. The emphasis on fluidity, balance, and controlled movement inherent in ballroom dancing can contribute to improved motor skills and proprioception (the body’s awareness of its position in space), which are often affected by MS. The rhythm and repetition also provide mental benefits, helping with focus and cognitive function, which can also be impacted by neurological conditions.
Selma Blair’s participation in Dancing With The Stars is more than just a celebrity appearance; it’s a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. Her openness about her MS, her dedication to her craft, and the unwavering support of her partner, Sasha Farber, have created a truly inspiring narrative. They have shown the world that even when facing significant physical challenges, it is possible to find joy, achieve greatness, and profoundly impact the lives of others simply by daring to dance.
Her journey underscores the importance of visible representation for chronic illness and disability in mainstream media. By stepping into the spotlight, Selma Blair has become a powerful advocate, demonstrating that life with MS can still be vibrant, fulfilling, and extraordinary. She embodies resilience, not just for herself, but for an entire community, proving that with courage, adaptation, and unwavering support, truly anything is possible.