Martha Graham once said, "Dancing is just discovery, discovery, discovery." This is true in more ways than one. I have been dancing since I was two years old, and I have discovered a lot about dance, and about myself. Growing up a dancer taught me many valuable life lessons, and helped to shape me into the person that I am today.
Dance taught me about dedication and responsibility. The more time I was in class, the more opportunity I had to better myself. Experimenting with skills in the studio is the best way to know yourself on stage; I learned so much about myself and my style through combos done in class. In a sense, my dedication to dance taught me who my real friends were; some people were not as understanding about my commitment to dance and didn't appreciate that I wasn't around much. My true friends were willing to stick around and see me when they could. Now, dedication is one of my finest qualities. Of all things, I am not a quitter. I continued to dance until I graduated high school, and now I am a part of my college dance team. It was my responsibility as a member of the team to make myself available for rehearsals and to teach dance classes. Because of dance, I understand what it means to be a part of a team and also to stick with something until the end.
Dance taught me about my self worth and resilience. I find that today especially, it is becoming a growing problem that dancers define themselves by whether or not they win the high score or a title. Sure, winning a big crown and trophy is nice, but it doesn't define me. No matter what the judges said or thought, I knew that I was still strong and capable as a dancer. Because of dance, I am able to take criticism and rejection and still know that I am good enough. A lot of dancers feel like they are inadequate because they are not winning all the time. Rather than feeling defeated, I took the opportunity to look for areas in which to improve. Fortitude in the face of failure is an admirable quality that is critical to reaching success. Not only did I learn about my self worth, but also about myself. Dance is a very vulnerable art form; you are putting yourself and your emotions out on display for everyone to see. Being expressive in that way tells you a lot about yourself and helps you to figure out who you are. I am thankful to have had dance as an outlet for so many years.
Dance taught me most importantly about hard work. Spending time practicing and perfecting routines developed within me a work ethic that I still have today. I can thank my dance teachers in part for my success as a student, because they taught me the importance of a good work ethic and drive. Hard work pays off, and I know that because I am now one of the captains of my dance team at school. Without dance, I would not have had the good work ethic that is crucial for success, not only in dance, but in life.
Dancing competitively took up a major part of my life, and I am thankful for that. I made friends that I will cherish forever, and cultivated dedication, responsibility, and hard work. When I am faced with rejection or criticism, I know not to let it get me down. I am the person I am today because I grew up as a dancer.
