Mariana Burutkina: Influencer breaks spine attempting Nicki Minaj’s stiletto challenge
Influencer injured doing Nicki Minaj’s stiletto dance challenge. Credit: Instagram/@mariana_vasiuc
Mariana Burutkina, a Russian influencer and fitness enthusiast, is recovering from a severe spinal injury after attempting the viral “Stiletto Challenge”, a TikTok dance trend inspired by Nicki Minaj’s performances. The challenge involves performing high-intensity dance moves while wearing dangerously tall heels. During her attempt, Burutkina fell, suffering a fractured spine that has left her temporarily immobile.
The incident, which has since gone viral, has sparked renewed concerns about the dangers of viral social media trends, especially those that push physical limits in pursuit of views and likes.
A Dance Challenge Turned Tragic
The now-infamous fall occurred while Burutkina was filming content for her social media platforms. Wearing high stilettos, she attempted the trending choreography associated with Nicki Minaj’s bold stage presence, which has inspired thousands of TikTok users to recreate similarly styled dance moves in heels. Unfortunately, she lost her balance mid-move and landed hard on her back.
Burutkina was rushed to the hospital where doctors confirmed she had fractured her spine. She has since shared her condition online, posting images from her hospital bed with a back brace and expressing both regret and gratitude for the outpouring of support. In one post, she wrote, “This could’ve left me paralyzed. I won’t be walking normally for weeks, but I’m alive.”
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What Is the Nicki Minaj’s Stiletto Challenge?
The “Stiletto Challenge” is a viral TikTok trend that gained popularity after clips of Nicki Minaj dancing in towering heels went viral during her concert performances and music videos. Dancers and influencers attempt to perform intricate, acrobatic routines in high heels, sometimes without professional training or safe conditions.
While many users have successfully participated in the challenge, Mariana’s accident is a stark reminder of the risks associated with attempting high-risk trends for online clout. Doctors and safety advocates are urging users to prioritize their health and avoid mimicking dangerous stunts, especially without proper guidance or safety equipment.
Public Reaction and Health Update
The influencer’s followers flooded her social media with messages of concern and support, with many encouraging her to take time to heal and return only when fully recovered. Meanwhile, medical professionals caution that spinal fractures, especially from falls, can have long-term consequences. Fortunately, according to recent updates, Burutkina is expected to recover, although her mobility will be limited in the coming weeks.
She remains under observation and physical therapy will be necessary to restore full movement. Burutkina has pledged to use her platform to spread awareness about the potential dangers of viral dance challenges.
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Dangers of Viral Trends Continue to Mount
Mariana’s injury isn’t the first caused by social media stunts. TikTok has seen waves of dangerous challenges in the past, from climbing milk crates to blackout dares, all resulting in emergency room visits. As social media algorithms reward virality over safety, creators are under pressure to constantly outdo themselves, often at the expense of personal well-being.
In this case, what was meant to be a fun, dance-forward tribute to a pop icon turned into a cautionary tale. While Burutkina remains positive, her injury is a reminder that not all trends are worth the risk, no matter how popular they may be online.
Mariana Burutkina’s story has shed light on the physical toll of performance-based trends on platforms like TikTok. Her attempt to emulate a viral Nicki Minaj-inspired challenge ended in a serious spinal injury, but her recovery offers hope and a powerful reminder: health must come before content.
As she recovers, Burutkina has chosen to advocate for smarter participation in trends and a culture of safety over shock value. Her followers, and the broader influencer community, are now watching and reflecting more critically on what they’re willing to do for engagement.
