"Life's a dance you learn as you go, sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow." - John Michael Montgomery

Although I have never listened to this song, this quote has such meaning. I danced since I was 3 (yeah, I know every start to a dancer's story). I did ballet, I sucked at tap, never got the chance to try contemporary, but loved hip hop. I have been dancing for as long as I could remember. It was all I knew (well, school too, but you get the point). I've started in classes, proceeded to after school programs and finally auditioned for the company, Rhythm City (yeah, Alonzo Williams I see you).

With Rhythm City, I was able to perform on major networks such as BET, MTV, and FUSE. I got the chance to travel domestically and internationally. We performed in front of live audiences coast to coast, along with Usher, Busta Rhymes and JC Chasez (Hint hint). A small group in the Bronx, who had no mirrors or a supportive place to practice, made it big! We started from the bottom and now we're here, all thanks to a man who had a vision and hard working dancers.

I never thought that "Professional Dancer" was a career choice. I never dreamed I could make it professionally. I remember being in high school performing with my friends for talent shows and being inspired by Luam's "Come to Me" choreography. I remember the long practices and early mornings. I remember the frustration on my choreographer's face when the owners of our practice space made it impossible to stay there. I remember when people left and others were cut. I remember NYC's Carnival: A Choreographer's Ball where I was first introduced to "the industry." I remember some family members advising me to "get a real job." I remember practicing the moves at home in a small kitchen, just so I could get the moves just right. I remember when I heard a "boom kat" instead of a count because some moves simply can't be counted. I remember the call when we made "America's Best Dance Crew Season 4." I remember the flight attendant asking us to dance on the plane on our way to LA. I remember the 12-hour plane rides to and from China. So many memories!

I was finally living my dreams and getting paid for it. Big bucks, too! (No, I won't tell you how much I made, but I could afford my Starbucks coffees without it placing a dent in my pocket). I was able to travel with friends that I have been working with for years.

And then it stopped.

For three months, I had to figure my life out. I worked with high school youth at 414-Every Nation NYC. I interned at the church and made some great friends! I went back to college (forensic psychology major, whuut whuut!). I put on some weight. Worked some odd jobs. I've watched my friends, new and old, kill the industry!

So why wasn't I happy? In a previous article, I mentioned that some dancer's find their identity in dance solely, and I was guilty of this. On top of this self-identity crisis, I was deeply hurt that I could not dance anymore. I was disheartened that so much of me could not be expressed through movement. I wanted to continue to inspire the upcoming dancers. I wanted to help the new generation believe that where you start is not where you end. You can make it in the industry if you work hard and feel what you are doing. Learn as much as you can, but don't think that because you missed an opportunity you won't make it ever.

So what's the moral of my story?

I've learned that although I am (temporarily) no longer "following" a choreographer, it doesn't mean that I am unable to lead. I teach some wonderful students at Dream Dancer's Academy, and I have the best bosses in the world! As much as I thought my career was over and it would be impossible to get back, this new season allows me to teach my students what my choreographers taught me, and spread dance in a way that would transcend time. Although I'm not dancing in the way I imagined, I can still help and support my students in hopes they would appreciate it. The future of dance does rely on the upcoming generation. Let's invest in them.