A little over a week ago, the internet went crazy when Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan-Tatum recreated their famous dance from the original "Step Up" in honor of the 10 year anniversary. For me, the 10 year anniversary did not only symbolize an on-screen romance that blossomed into a beautiful relationship, but it symbolized my first love: dance.
Back in August of 2006, after seeing "Step Up", I remember walking out of the theater, attempting to do the jumps, leaps and spins that were just done in the movie. I remember calling up my mom, begging her to put me into dance classes, because that movie somehow lit a spark in me. It was at that moment that I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life: be a dancer.
Come September, I was now a member of The Studio, and from there I fell in love. The first dance I had ever performed in was a jazz number to Michael Jackson's, "Smooth Criminal". I loved the rush of competing, but it was inside the studio that I developed my real passion. Watching the older girls dance, I became mesmerized. There was nothing in the world that I wanted more than to be just like them. Their form and beauty was inspirational. I admired the family relationship the entire studio had. But even more than all of that, dancing was my outlet. It was an escape; a break from reality. When I was dancing on a stage, for three minutes, nothing in the world mattered. Losing myself to the music, I would come off stage gasping for air, proud of all my accomplishments.
Dancing has taught me a lot. It has taught me strength, hardship and dedication.
It was in the studio that I learned my physical and emotional strength. Whether it was finally landing the sequence I'd been struggling on, or facing internal demons, I always found my strengthen within my dancing.
It was in the studio that I learned hardship. Losing a competition was never easy, and leaving my studio family was the worst. But I know wherever I go in life, I will carry those moments in my life.
It was in the studio that I learned dedication. I wasn't the best dancer, my turns weren't always well; my leaps were barely off the floor, but I never gave anything less than my best.
Now, 10 years later, I'm almost ready to say goodbye to my first love. Although I have been dancing on my school's team for two years, my school work has increased, and I know it's time to say goodbye. But dance will always be a part of me. It's who I am and what has shaped me to be the person I am today. Thank you to my dance teachers throughout the years who have taught me, guided me and helped me find this eternal love. And thank you to my mom, for supporting me, coming to every recital and competition and for listening to 10-year-old me when I wanted to be a dancer.
