What do most people think of when I say the word "dance?"

Is it physical exercise, an art form with rhythmic beats and music, simply waving around your arms and legs, or even just the dancing girl emoji? Dance can mean so many different things to different people, but to me, dance is my passion.

Dance has been in my life for more than 12 years now. When I first began performing, I was a tiny kindergartner, not afraid to show the world what I was capable of. Even as a 5-year-old, I was excited to get up on stage and perform an Indian folk dance for annual cultural events with my cousin. We were both known as the "stars" of the event every year, and everyone always appreciated our courage and enthusiasm to dance in front of hundreds of people despite being mere elementary school students.

This cycle of practicing at home with our mothers and performing at cultural events for fun continued for two more years before the one day that really did change my life. My mom had been speaking to a dance teacher for more than a year to allow me to join her dance class, but I wasn't permitted to join until I turned at least 7 years old. And finally that day came...a month after I turned seven, my mom came to me and said: "You are going to go to dance class!"

In March of 2009, on Ugadi, the day that marks the start of the Telugu (my native language) calendar, I attended the very first official dance class of my life, an art form known as Kuchipudi. Kuchipudi is an Indian classical dance which originated in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh in a village originally called Kuchelapuram.

From that day onwards, I put utmost dedication and interest into going to every single dance class. I learned all the initial steps so quickly that I passed all the groups that I started with and caught up with more advanced groups. I used to cry and throw a fit every time my parents would even consider the idea of me skipping dance class for anything else. Nothing, and I kid you not, nothing, got me more excited than going to dance. It was like giving a toddler a lollipop!

Here I am, 10 years later, looking back on all that the Academy of Kuchipudi Dance has taught me about life. Not only did I learn the physical movements and expressive gestures of Kuchipudi but the culture and values that came with it.

I can confidently say that a major part of my discipline and responsibility are from lessons I've learned through dance. From learning respectfully from my teacher to teaching younger students on my own, I have learned skills like communication, active listening, teamwork and coordination, patience, and leadership. Dance has shaped me into a leader.

On top of all these positives of dance, I have had the chance to build a whole new family. My guru (teacher) is more of a mother and friend than a teacher to me. My fellow students are more than just peers, they are some of the best friends I will ever have in life. The relationships and affection that dance has given me have impacted me so heavily.

Most importantly, I learned all about my very own Indian culture - the history of Kuchipudi, Hindu myths and traditions, and important morals. All of these have truly influenced my personality. Dance has shaped me into who I am. I love dance, I live dance, I breathe dance. Nothing I can ever do will ever be able to repay what I owe to all the people and experiences that dance has given me.

All I have to say is thank you. Thank you to this dear art form for giving me more than I can ever ask for and for molding my life into the most perfect thing ever.