Growing up, a dancer is always something that dancers identify with, especially those that take the leap from recreational dancer to competition dancer. Once you become a competition dancer it really takes up a huge portion of your life and you begin to really identify with being a part of this group of people. You spend hours a week at your studio, literally putting blood, sweat, and tears into this craft with your teachers and your team. Then, on weekends, you travel near and far to compete with your routines and you stick with your team and cheer each other on for hours on end. Sometimes the outcome is amazing and other times the outcome is heart breaking, but there you are again the next week, continuing to put in the work.

I recently came across some old competition videos online from over 10 years ago. My girls and I put it all out there on the stage and I remember thinking that it might have been one of my final performances as a senior in high school prior to my competition dance career ending. Seeing these videos took me back to the moment and I remember panting desperately for air after coming off stage after a performance. I remember the nerves and the excitement around a performance. I remember walking into a quiet studio and feeling at peace. I remember doing a handshake with my teammates prior to going on the stage. I remember lifting them up when they didn't place for a medal or cheering each other on when we did place for a medal. I remember the late nights outside of the studio, trying to nail that move that I couldn't get while I was in class. I remember the bond we all once had and I remember the hard work we all put in.

Being a dancer sticks with you for life. You learn a loyalty because you almost quite literally grow up in your studio with teachers that push you to your breaking point because they know you have it in you. You learn a bond that's hard to break because you're with these girls for hours on end. You learn that hard work gets you so much further and although some people are born with talent, it's the girls who put in the work that always come out of it having learned so much more. Sure, some girls will be naturally flexible, but those who really work for it are the ones who not only are also flexible but appreciate their flexibility so much more. You learn determination and not wanting to give up just because something is tough. You learn to keep pushing and that giving it that extra ounce or two of hard work is where the magic really happens. You learn that a place can feel like home, even if it really isn't what most people would call a home. You learn humility, team work, patience, that growth doesn't always happen overnight, and, most of all, you learn to be forgiving with yourself. You won't always have a good day trying to perfect your craft, but you'll always have a good mindset knowing you kept at it and eventually were able to get there.

Being a dancer is so much more than the label of being a dancer. Those who grew up walking into a studio and those who stuck with it throughout the years when it wasn't the cool sport to play know that it shaped them into who they are today. Being a dancer teaches you so much more than just a few moves that you can whip out at a party. It molds you into a person that you can be proud to be. Once a dancer, always a dancer, and furthermore, always proud to be a dancer.