To the Girl on the Stage,

I remember the day when I was just like you. Young, heart full of joy and excitement, so excited to leap across the stage and show off the cool new moves I learned in class. Each season was a new year of possibility and improvement, filled with laughter, costumes and so many rhinestones. For thirteen years I lived the dancer lifestyle, and while my years on the stage may be over, I would like to share with you my advice for your performances and practices to come.

Your time on the stage will go very quickly. Everyone always says that, but it is very true. One moment you will be performing in your very first recital, and suddenly it will seem as though the years have rushed by as you walk across the stage on Senior night. Embrace every leap, turn, fall and performance. Give it all you can while you still have the time.

There will likely be times when you will be so discouraged and you will want nothing more than to take off your shoes and never return. I urge you: Do not give in. Dancers have off days and this is nothing more than another one. Breathe and march forward; the bad day will end and a new day is on the horizon. Getting frustrated at yourself will only cause you to be even more off balance or uncoordinated.

Do not let anyone tell you that you cannot do something. More importantly, do not let yourself tell you that you cannot do something. The only believer you need is yourself, and you cannot improve if you do not believe in yourself. Defy expectations and prove those who do not believe in you wrong.

Cherish your dance friends more than gold. These are the friends who will be there through competition season and practices and these are the friends who will see you at the beginning and end of every practice. They will see you at your best and at your worst and they will continue to love you anyway. Dancers are the only ones who understand the complexity of the dancer lifestyle and, luckily, you have an entire team by your side. Cherish them.

Practice makes perfect and you will perform how you practice. Always give 100 percent. The most difficult step is the first, but once that step is taken, you are able to push yourself to soar. While I know the dance may be difficult now, the only way to improve and build your strength is to continue to push yourself even further. It will be worth it.

Love what you do. Use the stage as your personal platform to share your story. Smile and put your best foot forward. Don’t be afraid to leap and don’t be afraid to fall. Most importantly, don't let even a minute go to waste. I promise that you will miss the stage when you’re done.

Sincerely,

A Fellow Dancer