As a child growing up, I was involved in every sport you can imagine: tennis, soccer, basketball, figure skating, gymnastics, t-ball; you name it, I played it. I spent a good duration of my childhood bouncing back and forth between sports because I could never quite figure out which one I enjoyed the most.

I will never quite forget the moment I decided to take part in the art form that forever changed my life. I was just your average young girl, letting loose and singing into her hairbrush on the fireplace to Brittney Spears' latest single. I was putting on a talent show for my family, busting out moves and lyrics like it was nobody’s business. That night after my talent show I remember approaching my mom and telling her I wanted to start dance lessons. The next day we found a place for me to start dancing, and the rest is history.

I began dancing when I was 8 years old, and danced competitively for six years. The dance studio was my home away from home, and the friends I made quickly turned into family. We spent every night together, seeing each other at our best, and always picking one another up when we were at our worst. I strived for competition season because it meant being able to perform and showcase all the routines we had worked so hard for. Life as a competition dancer was not easy, but has made me into the woman I am today.

To all my fellow competitive dancers, here’s a few attributes we owe to the dance world that I know you can all relate to as well.

You grew thick skin and learned how to work with constructive criticism.

Anything was better than the embarrassment of crying in front of everyone because you messed up and it was dually noted. Sometimes it was just better to swallow your pride and ask questions to improve.

You learned to enjoy the little things in life.

Sleeping in the Monday after a competition and missing school? I’ll take it!

Everyone would always ask how your competition went and if you won.

How do you even begin to explain the idea of placing in overalls to someone who has no clue what you’re even talking about? Sometimes it was just easier to nod your head in agreement and tell everyone you won.

Every judge had a different opinion.

One judge liked your costume, the other hated it. One liked the routine, and the other felt it didn’t go along with the music. Which one is it?!

It wasn’t competition season if you didn’t leave dance crying.

Blood, sweat and tears: leave it all on the floor.

Costumes were the highlight.

They sure racked up a nice bill for our parents, but hey, at least we looked good on stage.

Learning how to do your makeup.

What’s a dancer without a face caked of makeup and fake eyelashes?

What was a costume if it wasn’t bedazzled with a million stones?

Thanks to all the moms who spent countless hours gluing on stones so we could shimmer on stage!

The words Platinum and High Gold will mean more to us than winning or losing ever will.

Wait, so you didn’t win? Yes, I did, but in a different concept than you’re used to.

The food table at competitions was always lit.

Anytime you couldn’t find me at competitions and I wasn’t performing, I was probably at the food table.

Packing for competitions was a tedious process.

Don’t forget anything or else mom or dad will have to run back home to get it!

Competitions were anything but short.

Wait, you mean we’ll be here every single day this weekend, all day?!

You always had to sport attire from the competition you were at.

I’m sure we all have our fair share of sweatshirts, shirts and pants sporting the competitions we attended.

Your metabolism was the best it’s ever been.

You had McDonald’s for breakfast? And Taco Bell for dinner? Hm, I couldn’t even tell.

Everyone always asked what kind of dance you do.

I do them all. Hip Hop, Jazz, Modern, Lyrical, Contemporary, Ballet and Pointe. Am I forgetting any?

Your coordination, posture and balance were always way better than your non-dance friends.

How can you balance on one foot for that long?!

You matured a lot quicker than most of the kids your age.

From being around the older kids, but still serving as a role model to the younger kids, we had to grow up sometime.

Everyone always asks, “How do you remember all your routines?”

Good question. It kind of just comes to me when the music turns on.

Every time someone asked you to hangout your response was always “I can’t, I have dance.”

You didn’t have much of a social life, but it was OK because your best friends were at the studio with you every night anyways.

There were many days you thought about calling in sick or skipping class.

Your teachers would find out, and you would be in big trouble.

Ibuprofen and Biofreeze were your best friends.

What pain,? I can’t feel a thing.

You wouldn’t change it for the world.

You spent your younger days doing what you love with the people you love. What more could you have asked for?

I’m sure there’s more memorable aspects of being a competition dancer, but these are probably the highlights. Each day I get older and look back on my days as a competition dancer I miss it even more than I did the day before. Dance has forever changed my life, and will continue to no matter where my life takes me. To all my family, friends and teachers that have supported me along the way, thank you from the bottom of my heart. To my family for the endless love and support, my teachers for the tough love and determination, and my best friends for making dance all the more special, dance will forever hold a huge place in my heart. And for all that I am today, I owe it to the art form that changed my life.