You are so lucky to be wearing that tutu. Every moment that you spend in that tutu, with your dance teacher and your friends is a moment that you are building a memory, a talent, and most importantly, a family.

That tutu is a symbol of the joy that dance brings to you and to me and to dancers everywhere. Each time you put that tutu on please realize how incredible it is because it may be something so simple and so dainty, but it is also something that means so much to so many people.

Each time that you put your leotard and tutu on and slide on your ballet slippers and every time that you get to dance, please try to take one moment to capture and remember. If you do this then I promise that if there comes a day when you have to leave dance behind you will be filled with the best memories of your life. If you do this you will remember the feeling of losing yourself in the music. You will the remember the rush of excitement you get each time you master a new skill. You will remember the people around you who were your supporters, but more importantly, who were your friends and wanted you to succeed almost as much as you wanted to. You will remember the pride in your dance teacher’s eyes each time you gracefully land a leap or a jump and each time you get off of stage. You will remember the happiness and joy that dance provided you with for each year that you were fortunate enough to wear your tutu.

For so many people, myself included, dance has proved to be a hobby and an escape. Dance has been the one thing that has made me happy since I was 3 years old. For the few minutes per song that I got to spend dancing, whether it was by myself or with the other incredible girls that I danced with, I was comfortable and relaxed and content. I had a moment to find myself in the music and express myself onstage through dance. The longer I am away from dance the more I find myself missing it.

So to you, the little girl with so many hopes and so many dreams wearing the most adorable, glittery tutu, never let the value of dance pass you by. I took for granted the joy I felt at my dance classes until I no longer had them. But at least I have my amazing memories, memories I hope that you get to make for yourself in a life full of dances and tutus.