Dance was not just something I did as a little girl to be cute. It wasn’t something to only pass time. It’s not just my job. It is so much more. A passion, a calm, and a safe haven. Dancing has taught me so many things in my life. Things I never realized until now. I’ve been dancing since I was 3 years old. I continued dancing all through elementary school, middle school, and high school. I took a break for a little while now I’m a junior in college and I teach dance lessons. Some of my biggest qualities and life lessons I learned through dance and here they are.

Confidence.

Dancing in front of a crowd of people isn’t always easy. The constant thought of them judging you or you messing up runs through your head. It’s not just the performing though, its things like learning that triple turn or still being able to do your splits at 21 with a bad hip. It’s taught me to believe in myself and no that I can do anything I set my mind to.

Respect.

There is one person in this world you should NEVER talk back to and that would be your dance teacher. She can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. If you don’t want to do splits for 10 minutes you better push yourself in her class, say please and thank you, and never give up. Dancing taught me to respect not only my teacher but myself. To know my limits and not hurt myself.

Perseverance.

Dance was definitely not an easy thing at all. There were nights I’d go home crying and would want to give up. Times I knew I wasn’t as good as the girl next to me but that’s the whole point of dance. It’s not a competition with others, but only yourself. Dance taught me to keep trying no matter how many times I got knocked out of the turn and landed on my face.

Thankfulness.

No matter how much was going on in my life I would always have dance and for that I’m forever thankful. After a long day there is nothing better than dancing, during a good time there is nothing better than dancing. I’m thankful for the emotions you can express through dance and how dance can help others too.

Love.

The most important is love. Dance taught me to love. To love dance, to love myself, to love my friends/family/teachers, and to never give up. My teachers set high standards in areas not just of dance but how to express myself in a kind and loving manner.

I’m so grateful to have had dance in my life and hope to share this with others as I grow.