It started when I was five, and since then dance has became my escape, my home. Throughout the years I've seen my knowledge in dance grow, going from a classical Indian dance form called Bharata Natyam to Bollywood and Bhangra and even a smidgen of tango thrown into the mix. Dance is a constant that I know I will always have with me and here are five reasons why it means so much to me.

1. It's challenging.

There is nothing more challenging in the world than having to learn hours of choreography and undergoing the process of perfecting every move. And yet something within you drives you forward and once you accomplish what you need to, you feel a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. Your grin grows so wide that you cheeks hurt and the burning in your muscles turns to singing. You feel invincible.

2. You become part of a family.

Dance will always be your niche once you become a part of it. Never have I stumbled upon such a welcoming community. All it takes is a passion for dance and a willingness to learn and you find yourself with a group of people who all share the same values. Whether it be through a studio, a team, or simply a street group, you will always feel like you have a family and a home.

3. It makes you more confident.

This idea is, in a sense, a culmination of points one and two. You have a safety net in the form of a family, you feel the rush of accomplishing your goals, and you have within yourself the dedication to keep pushing forward. You find within yourself a passion and a fire that you know will never burn out. So you end up holding yourself higher and adding a strut to your step.

4. It gets you active.

I am a self-professed couch potato. If I had to ever choose between a night of binge-watching a show on Netflix and a workout at the gym, I will almost always (okay, who am I kidding, always) pick the night of binge-watching a show. However, dancing makes being active fun. As you feel the music flow through you and guide your movements, you lose track of time. You forget that you're moving and "exercising." You simply have fun.

5. It makes you feel so alive.

Whether it is performing in front of an audience and hearing the crowd going wild, or if it is in front of friends who are just laughing and telling you to calm down, or if it is when you are alone in your room with music blasting and you're wildly twirling around, dancing makes you feel so alive. You connect with your mind, body, and soul in a way that is simply unforgettable.

Keep dancing my friends.~