I started dancing as soon as I took my first steps. My childhood memories were flooded with rehearsals, recitals, and very itchy costumes. I learned how to remember multiple steps and dance with facial expressions, and while all of that is very important, I learned a lot of other things about life that have nothing to do with choreography.

Dance Taught Me How To Manage My Time

I spent a lot of time after school at the dance studio growing up. With not a lot of free time on my hands, I had to learn how to balance dance with schoolwork and have some time for my family and friends as well.

Dance Taught Me To Never Give Up

“I can't” are two words never to be spoken in the dance studio. I learned that truly, anything is possible if you just believe. Dance made me realize that practice does make perfect. If you take on challenges with a negative attitude, chances are you will not be able to achieve anything. Be positive and keep trying.

Dance Taught Me That It Is Okay To Make Mistakes

With long routines come many mistakes. When you have an 8-minute routine, you’re bound to mess up at some point. It’s only human nature to forget. Dance taught me that mistakes happen. If you make a mistake, smile big and move on. Instead of putting yourself down for your mistakes, learn from them.

Dance Taught Me That We Can’t Be Good At Everything

I learned how to accept rejection. We can’t be the best at everything. Sometimes you don't get chosen for certain routines and that's okay! It only motivates me to work harder and try to be better.

Dance Taught Me How To Work With Others

Dancing is not only an individual sport but a team sport as well. With complicated transitions and lifts, it is very necessary to have good communication. Working well with others is the only way to minimize chaos and injuries.

Dance Taught Me To Appreciate My Parents

For as long as I can remember, my parents drove me around for practices and came to every recital. Sometimes they’d leave work early just to drop me off or stayed up late stitching my costumes together. My parents always put me and my passion for dance first and I sincerely appreciate everything they have done and continue to do for me.

The biggest thing dance taught me is to have fun and live life to the fullest. The rush I get when I’m on stage dancing is a rush that is incomparable to anything else I’ve ever done. Dance has shaped me to be the best person I can possibly be and I continue to learn from dance everyday.