Dear Past Dance Instructors,
I would like to personally say thank you for everything you have taught me. From learning first position, and nailing my first solo, to standing on my toes and making it through impossible auditions, you've taught me so many things about life I simply cannot leave unnoticed.
I began dancing when I was just a little toddler in a tutu. At three years old, I learned how to stand on stage, point my toes, spin a little, and even shake my "hiney," as you enthusiastically demonstrated. I remember absolutely hating those pink tights and leotards because I wanted to be a "tomboy" like all of my other friends. But despite how much I cried and clung to my mom, you taught me how to let go and have fun with all the other girls, who were also forced into those tights. I learned how to hold hands AND dance in a circle, at the same time. No one can get through anything without friends, so thank you for teaching me how to create relationships with anyone and in any situation.
As I got older, I learned how to fully appreciate all of those long rehearsals. Although they were never too bad because I had all of my best friends on the floor right beside me. Once I got the hang of the basics, you helped me reach my potential, by leading me to jump beyond what my legs would allow, stretch every muscle until I felt like a rubber band, and turn until the room was spinning on its own. I learned how to trust not only the people around me but myself. The faith you had in me and my teammates allowed all of us to try anything and everything. I could not thank you enough for showing me how to fly higher than I dreamed was possible, on stage and throughout life in general.
When I entered high school and decided to fully pursue dance, you showed me how to not only impress an audience but impress professional judges. Dance competitions can quite possibly be some of the most competitive, exciting, emotional, flashy, and incredible shows on the planet. You instilled a level of confidence in me that allowed me to dance in front of thousands of people, all by myself. Solos can be terrifying, but you stood by me the whole time, even if I did forget the choreography and run off stage in tears. You taught me how to move forward, hold my chin up high, and try again. You have no idea how much I've been able to achieve in life, due to that lesson.
Because of you, I am the person I am today. I now know how to work with a team, while pushing myself beyond any limits. I've learned to not compare myself to anyone else, and to always be confident. Without you, I would not be half of the 20-year-old woman I am today. So thank you for shaping me into who I am today. You are truly a blessing to me, and anyone who has taken a dance class from you. Never stop teaching dance or those valuable life lessons, because the world would not be the same without you.
Love,
Your Dance Student.
