This past weekend my old dance studio back home set out to conquer their first competition of the season, and boy did they succeed. Top scoring routines, special awards, smiles, laughs, and funny stories highlighted their long sleepless weekend. Their pictures and Snapchat videos flooded my social media feed, and all I could think was "man I wish I was there."

I never thought there’d be a day where I’d miss waking up at 6 am for a dance competition that wouldn’t end until 11 pm. I didn’t know I’d miss the feeling of bobby pins jammed into my head like a pincushion or the terrible anxiety I used to feel before taking the stage. I am officially a “washed-up” competition dancer and I’m certainly not a fan.

I always knew the time for me to retire as a competitive dancer would come eventually, but now that it’s finally here I wish I could go back and do it all over again. I truly believe that dance is unlike any other activity out there, building confidence, grace, respect and patience within its participants. I am eternally grateful to my parents for signing me up for ballet when I was just three years old. I have the fondest memories of my mom putting blush on cheeks for recitals as a ‘tiny dancer.’

Choreographing shows with my cousins was a weekly occurrence and dressing up in old costumes with my friends was a must when we had playdates. Each of those costumes are now proudly displayed on the coat rack I took over in my family’s laundry room. (sorry mom!)

Getting my pointe shoes was one of the greatest days of my life, second to the day my dad got up on stage with me for the father-daughter dance we performed when I was eight. The best memories I have, I have because of are from dance.

To the dancers who still have time left, think of me the next time you spray a little hairspray on your face by accident or complain about having to wear your hair in a bun all day. Think of me when you hide all the snacks you can’t bring in to the venue in your makeup bag, and think of me when you wake up sweating in the middle of the night after dreaming of a performance gone wrong.

But most importantly think of me when you hold a first place trophy with your team and celebrate your success; when you peel those crazy lashes off after a ten hour day in the auditorium; when you laugh at all the god-awful photos taken during your solo. Think of me when you goof around with your friends in a dressing room where the air is thick with hairspray.

Someday you’ll be in my shoes looking back at all the unforgettable and countless hours you spent in the studio and at dance competitions. Having glitter all over you every time you leave the studio is worth it, and so are those exhausting rehearsals and sleepless nights. Appreciate every second while it lasts. Dance is one of the greatest gifts in life; don’t waste it.