Somewhere in your attic, there is a box full of old leotards and torn tights, and shoes that are worn to the sole. There are a dozen half-used red lipsticks all around your bathroom and old dance bag, because you always seemed to misplace the one from the week before. Somewhere, you have stashed away countless trophies and medals from the endless amount of dance competitions. Somewhere inside of you, there is the desire to still dance, and the drive that kept you going all those years.

Growing up, dance was your life. It was a part of you and everyone around you knew it. You spent your afternoons hurrying through homework so you could go to the studio. You spent hours on end practicing and pushing yourself to do the routine just one more time.

It was what grew you and pushed you to your limits both mentally and physically. Your body ached by the end of each practice but that didn’t stop you. You showed back up the next day to the studio, ready to keep fighting through the aches and pains in all of your joints. You pushed through the sleep deprived weekends that you spent at competitions and somehow managing homework in between.

Dance was more than just a routine. It was your outlet. It was where you could escape from reality. It was your way to get out anger, frustration, sadness, any and everything. Being in the studio, with the open space and music playing was your source of inspiration. It wasn’t just some show to entertain your audience. That dance floor was where you felt yourself.

You danced because you forgot about the pain inside, the stress you were feeling, and the joy it brought to your soul.

You poured every ounce of your being into every single rehearsal and routine. Dance was your passion. No injury kept you away from that studio. They just became obstacles you had to overcome and soon would become battle scars, that proved you are a fighter.

Dance was more than just a hobby. It was what made you who you are today. It taught you that giving up is never an option, no matter how tough it may be at times. It showed you what it means to be part of a team, a family, a community. You learned that critiques and criticism is not always bad. It can grow and stretch you, becoming the best version of yourself. You learned that you can’t reach success without a bit of hard work. You learned to not settle…AT ALL. Dance made you the strong and passionate being you are today.

Leaving dance was hard. But it doesn’t mean you lost everything up to this point. You took away more than just ragged dance shoes and torn up tights. You took away lifelong friendships and lessons learned. You took away memories that you will cherish forever.

You may not remember every single part of your dance past. But you will never forget those key moments you had along the way. You will always remember the first time you walked onto the football field for the halftime performance with the sun beating down on the sequins that covered you. Or the last performance you ever had, and having to leave the stage for the final time, tears streaming down your face.

It is those key moments and memories that you will cherish forever, and one day share with your own daughter. And you will show her those old beat up shoes that are frail as ever as you help her put on her brand new ones, on those small little feet of hers. It will be a bittersweet moment, as you watch your daughter begin the same path as you, reminding her to never give up.

Just because dance may not be a part of your daily life right now, doesn’t mean it is lost forever. It will forever be something that you take with you daily and will remember forever as you start the next chapter in life.