How Ailey's Samantha Figgins Dances with Hearing Loss
Samantha Figgins is currently in her fifth season with the Alvin Ailey American Dance
Theater (and
was a Dance Spirit cover girl back in 2013!). But what many people don’t know is that the gorgeous dancer suffers from single-sided deafness. As a baby, Figgins contracted spinal meningitis, which caused her to lose all hearing in her right ear. She never gave up on her dance dreams, though, and fought her way through uncomfortable situations, never missing an opportunity to learn and grow. Now, after getting her first pair of hearing aids, she opens up about her path to success. —(As told to Courtney Celeste Spears)
I come from an artistic family: I’m one of four girls, and all of us (including my twin sister, Jenelle) are dancers. While we were growing up in DC, my mother put my oldest sister in dance first, but I eventually fell in love with it, too. I studied at Duke Ellington School of the Arts and later attended SUNY Purchase Conservatory. I danced and toured with Complexions Contemporary Ballet for four years, before joining Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. I’m filled with so much joy and gratitude to be where I am, especially now, as I’m able to reflect back on my journey, and the work it took to overcome a disability that could’ve held me back from my dreams.
Samantha (in red) with twin sister Jenelle in sixth grade (courtesy Figgins)
When I was 10 months old, I had spinal meningitis, which put me in the hospital for 10 weeks and caused me to lose all hearing in my right ear. Ever since, I’ve lived with single-sided deafness, which in time turned into auditory processing disorder (APD)—when the brain has difficulty processing speech.
It was hard growing up with single-sided deafness. I found myself not fully invested in conversations because I couldn’t understand what was being said. It made me more of an introvert, because it was exhausting trying to play catch-up. Conversations would feel like fill-in-the-blank puzzles, where I’d have to rely on body language, context clues, or hand gestures to figure out what I was missing.
I did know one thing: I loved to dance. It saved me. Without dance, it would’ve been easier for me to be less interactive and less engaged with those around me. But dance made me focus. It made me an observant, hard worker. My disability fueled me to be the best dancer I could be.
Figgins (left) performing at the Kennedy Center in high school during her residency with Dance Theatre of Harlem (courtesy Figgins)
This past year, I got my first pair of hearing aids. It’s completely changed my interactions, the way I’m able to be present myself, and the way I approach my dancing. I used to get anxious when a teacher or choreographer was speaking, afraid I’d miss something important. Even standing at the barre on my right side would make me uneasy. My hearing aids have opened my world in so many ways—from things like feeling more balanced when dancing to being excited about conversations and interactions. But it’s become clear to me that my work ethic and constant goal of perfection is what made me strong, resilient, and got me here today.
Being open about my journey with hearing loss has allowed me to share my story with my co-workers, my mentee who also suffers from single-sided deafness, and other dancers in the community. Dancing with AAADT has been a dream, and has afforded me the opportunity to connect to a greater purpose. Looking back, I wouldn’t call my hearing loss a curse. It’s ultimately been a blessing. I’m constantly reminded that I’m perfect the way I am.
Figgins (third from left) performing Wayne McGregor’s “Kairos” with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (Paul Kolnik, courtesy AAADT)
To any young person who may be suffering from deafness, I encourage you to always believe in yourself and trust in the gift you’ve been given. Small obstacles are always a gift, because they build your strength. Don’t give in to your insecurities. Take whatever you’ve been given and make it shine—because your story is one that needs to be shared.
A version of this story appeared in the May/June 2019 issue of
Dance Spirit with the title “Feeling the Beat.”