Ever since I can remember, I’ve been a dancer. I tried every sport you could think of but dance is what I always returned to. And, since I moved around a lot as a child, I had a countless number of teachers and coaches, each with a different style, a different studio, different rules, and different ideas. But it wasn’t until I settled down in one studio my freshman year of high school that I learned how my life could be changed by those in charge of teaching me.
I switched dance studios for maybe the sixth time the summer before my first year in high school. I had tried out for the dance team a month or so earlier and hadn’t made it. The coach suggested I try switching studios. I was terrified, and hated the idea of leaving friends and familiarity, but I moved to this new place anyway.
It was at this studio that I’ve met some of my greatest friends. The type of friends that have your back, that are with you until the ends of the earth, mostly because you spend hours on end together. But at this studio, I also met teachers who made it their mission to be more than just a teacher. This is for them.
Thank you for always pushing me to my limit. At the time, I know I hated it, but looking back on it now I know it only made me a better dancer. Every time you pushed me to try harder or go further, I knew it was because you wanted me to succeed. And I didn’t want to disappoint you, so I learned to push through the pain and fatigue and keep going. You made me enjoy spending countless hours in the studio and weekends at competitions-moments that I could’ve spent sleeping or spending time with friends. You taught me to have a new passion for dance and a desire to learn new things.
It’s people like you who got me through my roughest high school days. I’ll never forget you’re powerful, unexplainable ability to make us open up. There was a time in class when we were in the middle of the floor stretching and somehow you just knew that something was up. You said two words, “what’s wrong,” and I broke down in tears. It was moments like this that showed me that you were more than just a teacher. You were a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, a mentor and advice giver, and often times, a second mom. You were one of the best people to confide in. You especially taught me how to get through different “injuries,” physical and emotional. Because of you, I learned how to come back stronger, to not let the little things shake me.
I’m not sure how you did it, but it always amazed me how you were able to bring an entire team together into a family. One of my favorite things about my last few years of dance were the people I met and the relationships I formed. I’ve met my best friends through dance, probably because of the environment you created. The way you made the studio so tight-knit gave me an absurd amount of brothers and sisters, ones I never knew I wanted until I had them. Seeing the way that you inspired people and brought smiles to the faces of everyone around you made me want to grow to be like you one day. And I truly hope I do.
George Lucas once said, “apart from my parents, my teachers have done the most to shape my life.” That has never been more true than when I think of you. I often say I can’t imagine my life without dance. But the truth of the matter is, I can’t imagine the person I’d be today without your guidance. You not only made us better dancers, but better people.
From team lunches at Olive Garden to throwing cake in my face after my last solo to your tough love when preparing the team for competitions or basketball games, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every memory with you as my teacher is one that I cherish. Thank you for every moment, all the laughs, tears, and sweat, and any time when you unknowingly changed my life. You have taught me countless lessons, many that reach far beyond the world of dance. For that, and for you, I am forever grateful.
