To The Little Girl In Her First Dance Class,

I don't remember my first dance class; I was only three years old. My mom was the one who signed me up, put me in a leotard, and forced me inside. But that tap class ultimately changed my life. And now, yours will change, too.

Dance is a whole new world. A world of glitter, hairspray, drama, hard work, lipstick, rhinestones, sore muscles, and pure joy. Maybe you have big dreams of being a ballerina. Maybe you want to be on Broadway. Maybe you just want to break it down on the dance floor. Or maybe you're like me, and you discover that you love to make noise with your feet. Whatever you do, please know that you do not have to be the best. I wasn't. But you do have to love it. Like the amazing Martha Graham once said, "Dancers aren't great because of their technique. They are great because of their passion."

Little girls, do not let it get to you if others can turn faster, lift their legs higher, or hold their relevé longer. Let this motivate you to practice more. Technique takes hours and hours of practice. You will end up with calluses, bruises, ugly feet, and pulled muscles. You will end up exhausted and unable to walk. But I believe in you. You can do this. Invest in some icy hot and keep practicing.

For me, dance was the perfect way to express myself when I couldn't find the words. Dance gave me a voice that I have never found anywhere else. I wouldn't be who I am today had it not been for my fifteen years in a dance studio. Letting my feet do the talking through tap dancing allowed me to rid myself of worries, insecurities, and stress. Dance let me show my true emotions through my body. I want this same feeling for you. I hope you experience what it means to be truly freed by dance.

Little girls, I am not going to lie to you. Dance is hard. It requires hard work, discipline, patience, focus, and time. But I promise you, every second is worth it. Dance will bless you with lifelong friendships. It will constantly challenge you to be the best version of yourself. If you love dance, dance will love you right back.

So to the little girls in their first years of dance class, enjoy it. Embrace it. Make the most of your years in the studio. Because someday, you will have your final dance recital. The applause will end, the lights will shut off, and the curtains will close. But when you walk off that stage for the final time, most likely while crying your eyes out, you will realize that you are leaving stronger than when you came in. Dance will change you for the better, just like it changed me.