“Life’s a dance you learn as you go”

1. Confidence is key. I have learned that confidence is one of the most important traits a person can acquire. In anything that you do, if you do it with confidence, you will do it well, or at the very least others will believe you do it well. When I first made the dance team I was really scared of dancing at a basketball game in front of seven thousand people, but I learned that if I went out on the floor with confidence I would not only make people believe that I knew what I was doing, but eventually I would believe I knew what I was doing, Confidence is what separates the good from the great, and anyone can have confidence even if they have to fake it for a while.
2. No one comes before your sisters. When you are on a collegiate dance team your teammates become your family. The same goes for those random roommates, who you at first thought were really weird. No one knows what you are going through except for those girls that are going through it with you. If you play your cards right, and are good, to your sisters, they will be there for you no matter what. This means sisters before misters ladies! No guy should ever come between you and your teammates. Guys will come and go, but the friends you make in college are truly your friends for life. You should always have the best interest of your best friends in mind, because in the end they will be there for you in the same way that you are there for them.
3. Organization is not an option. I have learned to schedule my days from when I wake up until my head hits the pillow that evening. I always welcome spontaneity and embrace change when it comes, but having an organized, set schedule keeps me healthy, sane, and productive. If I went from class, to practice, to workouts, to games, to work, without a set schedule I would just sit and be overwhelmed with all of the things I have to do not - to mention how much I would forget, and I would probably be late most of the time. And let me tell you something. Being late is NEVER an option when it comes to being on the dance team!
4. Have Fun and take things day by day. No matter what you are doing, you should enjoy it. It is so easy for people to set their eyes and thoughts on the next best thing when in reality they already have a great thing in front of them. No matter how busy you are, enjoy it because the grass is never really greener on someone else’s lawn. Everything is temporary, so take advantage of the moment that you’re in. If you are going through a tough season in your life, know that it will not last, and you can (and will get) through it. The quicker you learn to enjoy the good, the quicker you will be able to really enjoy your life. Do what you love and love what you do. It doesn’t matter if it’s weird, impractical, unexciting to others, or seemingly impossible to achieve. Chase your crazy dreams people!
5. Gods approval matters more than anyone’s approval here on earth. You’ve heard it time and time before, but the unfortunate truth is you are most likely going to hear twice as many no’s and negative comments about whom you are and your capabilities than you are going to hear yes’s and positive comments. And sometimes, even when you hear positive feedback, it can be hard to believe it. My teammates and I always joke about how unhappy dancers are about their bodies; we spend so much time in front of a mirror it can be hard not to pick out every little flaw you think you have. If you can remember that you are beautifully made in the image of God, you can’t help but be a radiant bundle of confidence. If you spend your time seeking approval of your teammates, coaches, and fans, you will not only be miserable, but you will also be wasting your time. God has a purpose for you, and he created you with exceptional beauty and talent. As long as you are constantly doing your best and being a light to those around you, you cannot fail.

Quote Reference
[Recorded by J. M. Montgomery]. (1992). Life's a dance [MP3].