Harlin Strang is rocking the hip-hop world with jumps, rolls and flips that defy the debilitating medical condition threatening her active life. The Nelson teen represented New Zealand at the Hip Hop Unite World Championships in Portugal in 2024 and has just qualified to do so again this year in Prague.
But there’s an even more challenging overseas trip looming on the horizon for this tenacious 13-year-old. Harlin will travel to the US early next year for life-changing scoliosis surgery to rectify the severe curvature of her spine. Without the operation, not only will her dancing dreams be threatened, but she’ll face ongoing pain, limited movement and serious long-term complications. Including potential reduced lung function, say her parents Andrew and Brooke Strang.
A life with scoliosis
This is because Harlin has severe idiopathic scoliosis. Where the spine is traditionally straight, Harlin’s features an “S” curve. X-rays show there’s a 56-degree bend in the worst of the two places. The naked eye can detect it too, which Harlin’s aware of.
“I can see that one side of my spine sticks out more,” she shares.
“When the doctors showed us the X-ray of my spine, I was shocked and kind of sad.”
Her parents remember that appointment well.
Brooke says, “I was devastated and in shock. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Andrew and I both cried.”
The first signs
It was about 16 months ago, during a trip to the beach with her children, that Brooke, 43, noticed something was amiss with her middle daughter. Harlin has two siblings – Milahn,16, and Lenox, 10.
“She was playing in front of us in her togs,” she recalls.
“I noticed what looked like a muscle protruding out the side of her spine. “I asked her to stand up for me, and I ran my hand down her and felt a lump on her right-hand side. Then I ran fingers down her spine and discovered a definite ‘S’shape and thought, ‘What on earth is happening here?’”
Andrew, 47, and Brooke whisked their daughter to the doctor, and hospital, X-ray and specialist appointments quickly followed. Along the way, they’ve discovered there’s no known cause for scoliosis, but that it typically emerges during adolescence.
They were told Harlin’s condition was at a critical stage and that immediate surgery was the only way forward.
Facing the reality
“We were in shock for a wee while trying to process it all. Ultimately, they ruled out all other possible solutions for our brave girl,” says Andrew.
Harlin knows well that any alternative is unlikely to work. She’s endured nine months of daily two-hour intense physio sessions and wearing a shoulder-to-hip brace for 23 hours a day. Harlin’s custom-made brace was only removed for showering, a quick swim or a dance lesson – on medical instruction.
The hope was that the brace would at best minimise the curvature of Harlin’s spine or at least prevent progression, as it was getting worse as she grew.
“The brace kept it at bay for a bit, but not enough to rectify anything,” Brooke admits.
“We’ve explored all options in New Zealand and have exhausted all treatments.”
The plan is for Harlin to undergo anterior scoliosis correction (ASC), a minimally invasive surgery available only in the US. Unlike traditional spinal fusion, ASC preserves movement and flexibility, giving Harlin the chance to continue dancing, moving and living life to the fullest.
A bright future on the dance floor
The prognosis is that after six weeks, Harlin will be 90% recovered and even able to dance competitively after three months. Harlin’s love for hip-hop dance began at just five years of age. She trains at Born and Raised Academy in Nelson for up to eight hours a week.
Last year in Portugal, Harlin and her duo partner Hayden Allen performed at the semi-finals. All going according to plan, the dancer and her crew Paradox will represent New Zealand in the Junior Crew World category at Prague in October. Her parents say that for their talented, resilient daughter. Dance is more than a hobby – it’s her creative outlet and her place to shine.
Her talent has also been noticed on the basketball courts, where she’s a representative player, plus she’s keen on netball and volleyball too. Harlin’s specialists were initially perplexed as to why she’s in little to no obvious pain, despite everything. They’ve attributed this to her athleticism and flexibility.
Pain beyond the surface
Her body is perhaps used to a degree of pain and she doesn’t know it. The family is grateful for the support their community has provided, including assisting in local fundraising activities and the launch of a Givealittle page, as Harlin’s surgery will cost a whopping $350,000 to $400,000.
The family is sharing Harlin’s story not only with the hope of fundraising, but also to shine a light on the many young people silently living with scoliosis. As for Harlin’s journey, it’s not just about medical need.
“It’s about courage, hope and the strength of community,” Brooke says.
“It’s a story we believe will resonate with readers across New Zealand – families who understand what it means to fight for a child’s future.”
To donate, search for “Harlin Strang” at Givealittle.co.nz.
