Dancers work all year long to prepare for the recital. They put in blood, sweat,and tears for one dance to perform on stage. After 14+ years going through this process, I have learned quite a few things from the makeup, costumes, dances and performances on stage.
1. You can never truly be ready when the curtain rises.
No matter how hard you work on your routines in the studio, no one can predict how the show is going to go or how you are going to perform. In life, you can go through countless hours of preparation in school, work and through experience, but sometimes you have to be willing to let life happen.
2. You only have one chance to make it your best.
Three minutes is all you have to leave your mark on the stage, so no matter what, go on stage and do not hold back. In dance, there are no second chances. Most of the time you will never get second chances in your life, so always begin with your best or you will limit yourself.
3. If a costume piece falls off, leave it and keep dancing.
This is an unwritten rule of dance, so do not worry about that hair piece or bow that fell off your costume. Just keep dancing. There will always be aspects in your life that go wrong or a mistake that you will make, but you can’t worry about it. Simply, you need to just let it go and move on.
4. Your team is always there to make sure the performance is a success.
Your dance friends are more than friends. They are your sisters who you can count on to help you through a tough dance, teach you how to do that one annoying step you can’t get (for five years straight), and simply dance their hearts out with you. Always make sure you have a group of friends you know will help you, lead you and cry along with you. They are who get you through the hardships of life.
5. Don't forget to breathe, and know you can do this.
When those lights shine in your eyes, you know that everything you worked for is coming to an end and you may be scared, but don’t get caught in the stress. Instead, breathe and know that you are a beautiful dancer. Take it all in. Don’t rush through life. Always take the time to reflect and refocus. It will help you shine brightly.
6. You can change your outfit in less than 30 seconds.
With the help of some very talented backstage moms, you can amazingly change from a pointe dance into a modern dance in no time, including tights! In the blink of an eye, you can always make a change to your life path. You may need help to get out of the situation, but you can always make adjustments (and quick ones at that).
7. Your music may mess up, but no matter what, keep dancing.
You can never rely on the music during a recital, so always be prepared for it to stop and for you to keep dancing. Your life path might change abruptly, but keep going.
8. Sometimes you’ll have a bad rehearsal but a great recital.
Every dancer knows the pattern: during your dress rehearsal everything goes wrong, but then during the recital everything goes right. You simply got all the bad out at dress rehearsal. Our teachers always said that’s why we had rehearsals. If something goes wrong the first time you try it, try it again, and know that one day it will go right.
9. Always go full out or get out.
Show the audience your full potential. Never ever mark at a recital. Why would you work so hard just to perform to half of your ability? Always put in more than 100 percent into any life goal or activity, and that is when you will get your best results.
10. Don't rush to the finale.
Sooner or later, that finale will be the last one you do with your best friends by your side. Don’t rush the process, and enjoy dancing next to the people that you love the most. Enjoy every opportunity you are given and every moment you have in life, and never take anything for granted, because one day it will end and you will wish it was still there.
11. In the end, when you hear the applause, the stress, tears, blood, and hard work is worth it.
All those years, months, days and long hours you spent working so hard that you are in so much pain, both emotionally and physically, is all worth it. The applause is overwhelming, and you know that you did everything to make the recital your best. Simply, when you put your best into every situation, you will feel accomplished and you know that you deserve that feeling.
So fellow dancers, enjoy the recitals, take it all in and cherish the memories you are making. I just know I will carry these life lessons with me for the rest of my life.
