Stomach in. Chin up. Shoulders back. Derrière tucked under. Smile. Step on stage. Breathe. Start dancing. Pointe toes. Turn out legs. Plié. Leap. Leap higher. Pirouette. Spot. Tuck thumbs in. Listen to the music. Don’t rush. Keep core strong. Remember to breathe.
These are some of the thoughts that go through my mind before every rehearsal and every performance. To non-dancers it may seem like a lot to remember, but I’ve been doing it for so long that it has become a routine. I eat, sleep, dance, repeat. I plié, chassé, jeté all day.
Dance has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. So much so that I find it hard to compile all of my thoughts and feelings about it into one article. I started with ballet at a young age and branched out to other styles over time. As I grew older, my passion for dance grew as well. After I fell in love with dance, there was no going back.
I took multiple classes per week, longing to improve and hoping for the best parts in whatever production was coming up next. I gave up sports and other activities to make more time for dance. I found myself saying “I can’t, I have dance” on a regular basis, much to my friends’ dismay. I made some new friends that soon became like family. I spent money on tights, leotards, shoes, and costumes. I forced my parents to drive me to the studio, sew ribbons and elastics on shoes, and even do my hair and makeup. I lost bobby pins, time and time again despite all of my efforts not to. I devoted my weekends to rehearsals and countless hours to tech weeks and shows. I stretched in front of the television or while doing homework in an attempt to become flexible. I dealt with pain, soreness, and aching feet after long days of dancing. I danced in the kitchen, down grocery store aisles, in my backyard, and everywhere else. I watched professional dance companies and stared at them in awe. All of this was done for the love of dance.
Dance has made me who I am today. It has taught me to smile through the pain and never give up; to give something 110 percent no matter the circumstances. It has taught me to cherish every moment on stage and embrace each and every embarrassing costume I have to wear. I have learned to work as a team, because all of the dancers share the same stage. I have learned about passion, dedication, and confidence, and I’ve learned that practice makes perfect. Each year of dancing has brought new lessons, memories, friendships, and so much more – things that will remain a part of me long after I stop dancing.
I love dancing because it allows me to tell a story through movement. One of the greatest feelings in the world is stepping off the stage and knowing that the audience understood exactly what I was portraying. I dance because I want to, but also because I have to. Dance is part of my life, without it I would feel empty. I can’t imagine ever leaving the stage, so for now I’m going to hold my head high, smile, and dance.
