Growing up I was never the kid that played on a YMCA soccer team. No, instead at three years old I decided I wanted to dance. Fast forward almost 18 years, add in four styles, two teams, plus somewhere around 60+ costumes and uniforms and you get one heck of a passion. I'm so grateful for this art, but I’ve learned a few things along the way. If you've danced at any point in your life, I'm sure you can agree that...

1. “Last time” really never was the last time.

This is why I have trust issues.

2. Everyone was always amazed in gym class when you could stretch the farthest.

It's casual.

3. Right side, strong side.

The Titians just had it wrong.

4. Long hallways are just a temptation.

5. Involuntarily choreographing to every song that comes on the radio.

“Wait, a turn sequence would go so well with this beat.”

6. “Hey, I did a dance to this,” comes out of your mouth way too often.

*begins routine in public*

7. That special feeling you get after a good, long technique class.

8. Always cringing at the sight of sickled feet.

9. This has never not happened to you:

10. You've probably spent more money on bobby pins than you could calculate.

*finds them when you don't need them*

11. You’re forever haunted by the pops and cracks at barre warm up.

12. That feeling of accomplishment after landing your turn sequence.

13. Hearing someone say “mark it” was your favorite blessing.

14. Waking up the morning after class and finding new bruises like...

15. The feeling you get being on stage in front of a crowd.

16. But then finishing the routine and realizing you forgot to breathe.

Our parents had no idea what they were getting themselves into when they signed us up for classes, but we’re sure glad they did. A huge thank you to the dance parents, without whom none of these things would've been possible.