To My Former Team,

It’s hard to believe it’s been over a year since I walked into my last first practice of the season. It feels like just yesterday that I was walking into the gym and slipping my jazz shoes onto my feet, mentally preparing myself for practice that day. The three years I was on dance team were the best three years of my life, and I wouldn’t change any of it for anything. Even now, I still feel like I’m waiting for my season to start, waiting to walk into that familiar gym and work until I could feel the sweat dripping down my face. I owe my dance team so much, more than I can ever put into words, so all I can say is thank you.

Thank you to my teammates for being more than just teammates. Each and every one of you became one of my best friends. You hugged me when I cried after a rough practice, and you celebrated with me in all of my triumphs, both on and off the floor. I learned something different from each and every one of you. You all taught me perseverance, teamwork, and most importantly, how to laugh at myself. I had no idea that when I tried out for this team I would gain 30+ new sisters. I love each and every one of you dearly, and I cannot wait to see where you go this year. Work hard for me.

Thank you to the five other seniors who graduated from the team with me. I can’t believe how close we all became and still are. Thank you for always picking up the phone when I call. Each of you taught me a unique lesson that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Thank you for cheering me on at the times when I needed it most. We put our all into our final season. We truly made it the best it could have been, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Thank you to my coaches. Thank you for pushing me, even when I didn’t want to be pushed. Thank you for taking us farther than any of us ever imagined going. Thank you for being adults we all can look up to. You are all strong, wonderful, amazing women, who taught me the importance of hard work, getting up faster than I fell down, and confidence. I have never gone a day without thinking of a coach-ism. From, “The sky's the limit, babies. How far are you willing to go?” to my personal favorite, “Never dance apologetically. You are here for a reason. Act like it.” You have taught me more than I ever imagined, and for that I thank you.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do what I love. I have never felt a more wonderful, exhilarating feeling than I did when I stepped onto the floor and heard my music start. There’s no words to explain the feeling of nailing that turn set, or executing a near-perfect jump. There aren’t words to explain the feeling of walking off the floor with your team, knowing you just left a piece of yourself with that audience, knowing you just showed them your rawest, most vulnerable self.

I will never forget my years on dance team. I will never forget the hours and hours of sweat and tears. I will never forget the lessons I learned, and I will never stop cheering each and every one of my teammates on to become the best I know you each can be.

Sincerely,

Your Former Teammate