Most moms dream of having a young daughter to sign up for dance classes when they turn three. They throw them into a toddler size tutu to watch them prance around stage at dance recital time. No one’sparents’ first instinct is to sign their daughters up for dance to learn life changing lesson. That concept just comes with time.

1. No matter how busy the schedule, you need to exercise.

Whoever says dance isn’t a sport has never taken ballet class. Spending several hours a week dancing keeps one’s body aware, toned, and strong. Before you know it college rolls around and you aren’t dancing anymore. The calfmuscles start to dwindle. You start panting on your walk to class. You have a sticky reminder in the back of your mind about how in shape and healthy you felt when dancing through hectic weeks. Being a dancer keeps one recalling that it is time to get their butts in the gym. It is time to get the dancer bod back before summer rolls around.

2. People will tell you that it’s life.

As a dancer you are constantly being told no. You are not doing a move correctly in class. You have been preparing for a strenuous dance audition and do not end up getting called back or you do not get the part in a recital you have been working towards. You quickly realize that everything will not be handed to you when dancing. This aspect prepares one for the future.

3. Your hard work will not always be noticed.

When dancing, you spend hours in the studio striving for perfection. You come home late from class dripping in sweat as your muscles ache. You sit in your math class running over formations and choreography when you should be learning the latest math formula. Class finally rolls around where you get to show off your latest hard work. Yet, no one takes notice of your new moves except for you. Dance teaches one to do something for their own satisfaction. Do not take it to heart when your own work isn’t being appreciated for its worth. Remember to be proud of yourself and your accomplishments no matter who takes notice.

4. It is always time to find a challenge you are passionate about.

What draws people into dance is the intriguing challenge and passion that flows through the body when dancing. Dance teaches one to push harder so they achieve what seems like the impossible. Whether it is dance or a completely different activity, a dancer will strive to find this expressive sensation in all stages of their life. There is nothing like a demanding challenge that keeps one’s heart racing.

5. Unique people and memories make unforgettable experiences.

After years of dancing, a person’s mind is filled with emotional memories and nostalgia. We can all admit that our dancer friends and teachers hold a special place in our hearts. The progress of reaching our goals and chuckling laughs made our love for dance grow more and more every day. We spent a part of our lives creating something larger than ourselves with each other; that feeling is indescribable.

After my dance career, I started questioning why. What was the point of spending stressful nights pouring my heart out into dance? Was it all worth it? Absolutely. Dance taught me to be responsible and focused, work hard and reach for the stars. No one other than a dancer understands the major impact this beautiful sport can have on a person. Dance simply prepares one for future experiences. Dance transforms the little girl in a pink, fluffy tutu into a bright, determined girl with a big heart and extraordinary desires.