Even though I quit dancing a few years ago, I will always love the sport that taught me so much throughout my childhood.

1. If you weren't at dance competitions almost every weekend, you weren't cool.

My favorite part of dancing was all the traveling we did during competition season. To me, it was so much fun piling up in a hotel and waking up the next morning ready for a dance-filled day. The best way to past time during a break? Challenging your friends to see who can do the most second-turns or sitting in the audience and critiquing other dancers so you know what not to do when you step out on stage. Competitions were just magical...especially when your team came home holding a title.

2. I now know that it's just about the fun sometimes.

If you're always trying to win or be the best, it will become emotionally and physically exhausting. My dance teacher always used to tell us it was more about having fun and doing our best. I've carried this with me in other aspects of life too. You don't have to be the best, you just have to do your best.

3. I felt my best when I was dancing.

If I had a bad day or I was sick, I looked forward to practice. Dancing is a great way to forget about your problems and sweat a fever off. Dancing made me feel better because it was almost as I was leaving all of my problems outside of the studio door and putting my outside world on pause.

4. The studio will always be a second home to me.

Some of my best memories with my favorite people have been made in my dance studio. Every dancer knows how much time is spent at the studio and you typically love every second of it. The studio was the place to be.

5. Your team isn't just a team, it's a family.

My team was like a family. We were all pretty close and loved one another almost as much as we loved the sport. I grew up with them and still remain close with many even though I quit a few years ago. I can never thank my former dance teachers for all the life lessons they have given me. Through dance I have gained confidence, learned to be humble and not give up when things don't go well, and made many lifelong friends that I will always love. I can't wait for the upcoming season to watch my favorite girls do their thing out on that stage!