When I was about 5 years old, my mom signed me up for a dance class. For my first dance recital, I wore a bright blue bird costume and was so nervous I peed my pants. Little did I know, dance would become such a huge part of my life. Here are a few reasons I’m glad that dance was my sport.
Photo courtesy of Amanda Schlimgen
1. It taught me how to prioritize
Photo courtesy of Jim McNulty
In my junior year of high school, there was a period of time where I was dancing six days a week between my high school dance team, Nutcracker practices, and studio dancing. On top of that, I had to juggle school work. No matter how tired I was, my school work needed to get done and there were times when I couldn’t go to dance because I had so much to do. Being in college now, I’m much better at prioritizing the important things thanks to dance.
2. It gave me a lot of travel opportunities
Photo courtesy of Amanda Schlimgen
Through dance I’ve had many opportunities to travel. I was able to go to Chicago on multiple occasions for competitions and conventions. I also got to travel and perform at many different sports games as a part of my high school dance team including the Kohl Center when our basketball team went to state! One of my favorite dance memories is when we went to New York and were able to dance with some professional Broadway choreographers and see a few shows on Broadway.
3. It taught me a lot about self confidence
Photo courtesy of Jim McNulty
I can tell you that having to look at yourself in a mirror wearing nothing but tights and a leotard can be pretty daunting. So is being judged by three random people on your ability to do what you love. But what I’ve learned is that the opinion of others shouldn’t matter as long as your happy, and that you are in charge of your own happiness.
4. It has taught me how to accept constructive criticism.
Photo Courtesy of Jim McNulty
The hardest thing I’ve ever done when it comes to dance is competing a solo. In that situation, the judges are solely looking at you and critiquing every thing you do. When I would get my scores back they were never perfect, but they showed me what I needed to work on and how I could better improve my dancing. I’ve learned that when people give me constructive criticism, they are only trying to do it to help me, and not to put me down.
5. I’ve had to opportunity to meet some pretty amazing people
Photo courtesy of Amanda Schlimgen
I’ve met many famous people through dance -- well, they’re “famous” to dancers but might not be to the average human. I’ve been able to meet some famous and take classes from some famous, award-winning choreographers like Mia Michaels, Travis Wall, Stacey Tookey, Mandy Moore, and many more.
6. It has shown me how to be a role model
Photo Courtesy of Amanda Schlimgen
When you’re among the older crowd at a dance studio, you have a lot of little girls looking up to you and wishing they could be you. Through dance I have learned how to act mature and be aware of my behaviors around people.
7. It taught me how to work as a team
Photo courtesy of Sarah Broske
When it comes to dance, synchronization is a huge part in making a dance look good. You have to learn to work as a team to make sure that everyone is doing the same thing the same way at the same time. You also have to have complete trust in your teammates when it comes to lifts; if you don’t trust them the lifts don’t work out.
7. It has taught me a lot about beauty
Photo courtesy of Amanda Schlimgen
From dance I’ve learned many different beauty tricks. I’ve learned how to completely change my entire outfit, hair, and makeup within three minutes. Also I am now an expert at putting on fake eyelashes as well as making a perfect “ballerina bun.”
9. It has made me extremely grateful for my parents
Photo courtesy of Amanda Schlimgen
I’m probably not the first to tell you but dance is extremely expensive. You have to pay for more than just the lessons. You have to pay for the makeup, competitions, traveling, and costumes. I’m so thankful that my parents put all of their money into something that I loved so much.
10. It has given me life-long friends
Photo courtesy of Jim McNulty
When you spend almost all of your free time with the same group of people, you get very close to them. You also see a fair share of them completely naked which can bring you just that much closer. I’m so thankful for every friend that I’ve made through dance, and I'm so glad that most of them are going to be in my life for a very long time.
