
Broadway Dancer Opens Up About Her Journey With Scoliosis And Her Go-To Self-Care Practices

Paige Fraser is showing others that there is life beyond a scoliosis diagnosis. She was diagnosed in her freshman year of high school after getting accepted into its prestigious dance program and described that moment as “traumatizing.” While her doctor told her that she may need surgery in the future, she was fortunate to find alternative methods, which included wearing a back brace and seeing a chiropractor twice a week.
“It just was a really difficult, dark time for me my freshman year because I had to process all of those emotions while still showing up. And like being a dancer and putting my best foot forward and pushing through,” she tellsxoNecole. “I think aside from the support of my parents, my love of dance and my dream of becoming a professional dancer is what kind of kept me focused and allowed me to just tap into why I was doing what I was doing.”
Fast forward years later, Paige has danced for Beyoncé and the legendary Alvin Ailey dance company and is currently in The Lion King on Broadway, proving that scoliosis can’t stop what’s for you. Scoliosis is a sideways curve in your spine that, according to Cleveland Clinic, affects over six million people in the U.S. June is National Scoliosis Awareness Month, and Paige is using her platform to share her story and educate others on the disability.
Photo by Tatiana Katkova
Not only is she a scoliosis advocate, but she also serves as the chief artistic officer and program director for dance for The Paige Fraser Foundation, which her aunt, Lesmah Fraser, founded in her honor. The Paige Fraser Foundation is a 501(c)(3) community-based non-profit organization that focuses on art and wellness programs for people with or without disabilities.
“Of course, it's named after me, but it's bigger than me, in a sense. We offer art programming and dance, visual arts, music, theater, and wellness. And over the last six years, it's been beautiful to see these programs grow,” she shares. Paige is also the mastermind behind the Spine Series, which they have every June for National Scoliosis Awareness Month.
“In June, we have a program called Spine Series, and I founded that program specifically during the pandemic because we were all stuck inside, and that's one thing with scoliosis, you never want to just be sitting, right?” She says. “Movement helps any kind of bone and joint deformity. So I pitched Spine Series to the board, and they loved it, and this year is our fifth year offering it, and it's offered on Zoom. And what I love about it is it's accessible to people all over the world.”
“In June, we have a program called Spine Series, and I founded that program specifically during the pandemic because we were all stuck inside, and that's one thing with scoliosis, you never want to just be sitting, right? Movement helps any kind of bone and joint deformity. So I pitched Spine Series to the board, and they loved it, and this year is our fifth year offering it, and it's offered on Zoom. And what I love about it is it's accessible to people all over the world.”
Photo by Tatiana Katkova
“And we've seen people from all over the world participate in Spine Series, and that's really just another beautiful reminder and affirming that like I'm not alone in this journey with scoliosis, and there are people craving information to feel better.”
Living with scoliosis, it’s important to take care of your body. Being a professional dancer, Paige is constantly challenging her body every day, so one of the key things she learned to do was to listen to her body and give it the proper care it needs. That includes taking a Pilates class, acupuncture, getting a massage, or seeing a chiropractor. This can also help prevent flare-ups, and if you are experiencing flare-ups, she says it might be a sign that something is wrong.
Photo by Tatiana Katkova
“I'm so grateful for this conversation and the ongoing conversations I've been having because it's not one size fits all. There are some people who get diagnosed, and they need the surgery, but then the thing is, after the surgery, you still have to take care of yourself,” she says. “You can't just rely on that. There still has to be a practice in place that keeps you connected with your body. A lot of scoliosis is alignment. It's alignment issues, which cause breathing issues, which can cause mobility issues, right? So to prevent that, it's better to just get ahead of it and really do research.”
While Paige will always continue her advocacy, she knows that at some point, she will have to transition from performing. However, that doesn’t mean she will leave the arts forever. She is currently pursuing her master's degree in arts and culture advocacy and will graduate in August. She also reveals that she is getting into filmmaking and helping her mom bring her stories to life.
Follow Paige on Instagram and learn more about The Paige Fraser Foundation.
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Feature image by Tatiana Katkova
London Alexaundria is the contributing editor for xoNecole. She is an alum of Clark Atlanta University, where she majored in Mass Media Arts and has worked in journalism for over ten years. You can follow her on Instagram and TikTok @theselfcarewriter
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Feature image screenshot/ xoNecole YouTube
Swipe Right For Sisterhood: Reginae Carter Talks Teaming Up With BLK To Make Friendships Front & Center
You know the vibes: dating apps aren’t just for finding romance anymore—at least not for Gen Z! As young people continue to redefine connection, BLK, the leading dating app for Black singles, is shaking things up with the launch of Social Mode. The new feature allows users to toggle between dating and platonic connections. Yep, you read that right—friendship is now just as easy to find as love.
To kick off this game-changing launch, BLK teamed up with TV personality and socialite Reginae Carter for the ultimate Girls’ Night In, proving that sisterhood is just as important as romance. The exclusive event was a celebration of the new feature and the power of Black women coming together to uplift one another.
“Your circle is everything,” Reginae shares with a smile, and she’s not wrong. She’s all about creating spaces where we can come together, let our hair down, and vibe with like-minded women. “We deserve spaces to meet, uplift, and vibe with each other. BLK is making that happen,” she adds.
A New Era for Friendships—Social Mode Is Here!
Gen Z is all about building meaningful connections, whether it’s with a date or a new brunch buddy. That’s why Social Mode is such a big deal. Research shows that 65% of Gen Z values friendships just as much as romantic relationships. With BLK’s new feature, users can easily toggle between “Dating” and “Social,” opening up a world of platonic connections—no swiping right required.
Bahja Rodriguez, Reginae Carter, Breaunna Womack, Lourdes Rodriguez and Zonnique Pullins attend OMG Girlz "Make A Scene" Single Release & Video Viewing Party at Trap City Cafe on March 27, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia
Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage
Reginae Carter Hosts the Ultimate Girls’ Night In—Powered by BLK Social Mode
What better way to show Social Mode in action than with an exclusive Girls’ Night In, hosted by Reginae? The event brought together top influencers, tastemakers, and press for a night of luxury, self-care, and real talk about love, sex, and relationships. From tarot readings to perfume-making and signature cocktails, the evening embodied the “soft life” vibe that many Black women are embracing in 2025—peaceful, intentional, and full of joy.
Guests mingled, laughed, and bonded over the importance of finding a tribe that supports you. It wasn’t just about fun (although there was plenty of that!)—it was about creating a circle of inspiring, strong women. “We need to stick together. We need to be each other’s village,” Reginae says, emphasizing the power of community over competition.
Sisterhood: The Real MVP
For Reginae, it’s all about friendship—and not just the surface-level kind. “We need friends who keep it real with us. The ones who can tell us when we’re right, when we’re wrong, and when we need to calm down,” she says. As someone who navigates the spotlight, she’s got the best of both worlds: friends who understand the grind and those who can give her an honest, grounded perspective.
Her advice for building strong, intentional friendships? “Be confident in yourself and know your worth,” she explains. “Also, hurt people hurt people, so make sure you’re coming from a good place when you’re building relationships. It’s not always about being nice—sometimes it’s about being real.”
Reginae couldn’t have summed it up better: “When you have the right circle, the right tribe, everything just feels easier. And that’s exactly what BLK is giving us—space to connect, laugh, and grow with each other.”
To learn more about BLK’s Social Mode, download or update the BLK app in the App Store or Google Play Store today. Who knows? You might just find your new bestie or your next brunch crew.
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Feature image by Prince Williams/WireImage