Dance has always been there for me. Ever since I was 3 years old I have been putting on my tights and leotard and heading over to the studio. It was always something to look forward to during my school day. No matter what went on in my life, dance was always there to make the bad days better. Growing up as a dancer was the most beautiful thing I could have asked for, but it wasn’t the easiest. Dance takes dedication and countless hours of work. Bloody feet, sweaty skin, many tears, and lots of rejection. Us dancers put up with that. When you love something so much the good days surpass the bad. When you land that one part you were dying to get it makes up for the five you lost. That is why I love dance. Even when I feel like I am not good enough, dance reminds me that no one is perfect. The saying “practice makes perfect” is so untrue. Practice makes you a better dancer and that is all. You can always improve; perfection is just a myth.
Dance means so much more to me than it does to other people. Some just see it as a hobby, but I see it as my whole life. Each time I step into a studio, whether it is in my home town or in college, I know I am where I belong. The way I feel when the music comes on and my body takes over is amazing. Nothing beats how satisfying it is when you nail those hard turns or jumping sequence. Or when you finish performing your first solo. The rush you get reminds you why dance is so important.
Dance creates unbreakable bonds. That is something that cannot be repaid. I am beyond grateful for the amazing people I have met through my years in dance. I have seen so many girls younger than me grow up. It is extremely nostalgic when you are in college and get to go back to celebrate one of your dance girls’ Sweet 16s. Memories from competitions, conventions, and recitals will stay with me forever. I thank dance for everything.
Dance is one of the most rewarding art forms. Not only do dancers learn how to move their bodies in abnormal ways, but they learn to do it so gracefully it seems easy. Flexibility does not usually come naturally, but us dancers work for it despite the pain. Performing multiple shows a day puts a toll on our bodies, but the moment we hit the stage you would think it was our first time. The key to success is pure passion.
No matter what your skill level is or whether you’re a competition dancer or not, we are all in the same boat. We have all been impacted by the beautiful art of dance in some way that will leave us changed for the better. Thanks to dance my life will always be wonderful.
