From pointe to tap and hip hop to jazz, with everything in between -- no matter the style, or even if you dabble in all styles, there are some universal signs that you are a dancer.
1. Finding glitter in your hair or clothes.
Along with dance comes the recitals and shows. Essentially, this is what we prepare for all year. A show means costumes, and costumes mean sparkle with glitter that sticks to everything and anything. As a dancer if you find some of the glitter on your bag or shirt you just shrug it off.
2. You sit in positions that seem odd to others.
Stretching before everything is the number one commandment of dance. It's as though sometimes we don't even realize when we do it naturally. You can be with your friends and they all sit on the furniture, but you're more comfortable in a split or sitting in "butterfly." When I start to get tired from dance or stretches, I go straight to a flexibility stretch that my dance teacher showed my class years ago where you lay with your butt against the wall and have your legs split sliding down the wall and when you feel the pull from the wall split you, sit for about 20 minutes. This is something I'll do while watching TV, or even having a conversation.
3. When a song comes on, you immediately break out in dance.
Just like in musicals, people have an instinct to break out in song. Except in the real world there's usually music on or a song stuck in your head. For dancers, when a song comes on that just feels right you can't help but break out and dance. Improvisation or rehearsing choreography -- it's a feeling you just can't shake, so never be ashamed just turn it up and dance away.
4. Being in the studio is a combination of both excitement and peace.
The studio is your home away from home. Here is where the adrenaline starts to pump, hyped to start working but at the same time a gentle reassurance that just puts your soul at peace.
5. You own an absurd number of sports bras and yoga pants.
Dance wear consists mainly of yoga pants, tank tops, and sports bras. And usually it takes up an absurd amount of your wardrobe, whether you have dance once a week, or three times a week.
6. You can change outfits in minutes.
For shows, a lot of dancers are in numbers back to back or a few numbers apart. Due to such closeness we have to learn how to change in an instant. This not only comes in handy for dance but when you're running late for class, too. Believe me it works; I'm guilty of this myself.
7. Anywhere is your dance floor.
You ever hear of stories or see videos of people dancing down the aisles in the grocery store? Well it really happens. You love turning on the floor or practicing your leaps down every single aisle. I've done it, and I think most of us are guilty of this, too.
8. Having to rehearse doesn't feel like a chore.
Sometimes, having to practice something over and over again becomes just one giant throbbing headache. And, yes, sometimes it feels like that even as a dancer, but you feel good doing it; it's not a pest sitting on your shoulder. An example would be dreading doing the dishes, or yard work, and feeling extremely relieved when it's over. However, dance isn't a dread; there's enjoyment throughout the entire process.
9. It doesn't feel like just an after school activity; it is a true passion.
Dance teaches you many things. Teamwork, discipline, timing, and how to listen to your body, when you need to rest. But for most, dance goes deeper than just the lessons. When it turns to a passion you always feel free when you're dancing, like you belong, and that you're in your element.
10. You never miss a chance to dance.
No matter where you are, who you're with, if there's music or if someone asks you usually jump right up. Dance enables you to lose yourself and find yourself at the same time.
