Before my sophomore year of college, I had only one experience with a structured dance class. When I was three, my mother decided she was going to sign me up for a tap class that I was later kicked out of because I was "too hyper" and "always had to go to the bathroom." While I had many friends throughout the years that had done all different kinds of dance, I never saw myself doing it. However, after watching some of the dance performances that my college dance team did my freshman year, I decided to sign up and see what happened. After all, I needed no experience, so what was there to lose?
The first two months of being on dance was absolutely brutal. With two of our team's biggest performances being in September and October even days I was not in practice I would find myself going over moves over and over again until I was exhausted. There were several times I questioned how I could be so crazy to do this to myself. However, despite all of the blood, sweat and tears I laid out on the dance room's floor, I would not trade my team for the world.
1. Thank you for pushing my boundaries.
Despite the fact I had been involved in theater for most of my life, I never once pictured myself dancing in front of an audience. Before my first performance, I spent five minutes shaking in the bathroom contemplating telling my captains I was too sick to go out there. With encouragement from my fellow dancers and a deep breath, I decided to do it and felt incredible after. Since I started dance, I am no longer afraid to try new things. I don't fear the unknown anymore, I embrace it.
2. Thank you for believing in me.
Even when I looked confused over what a sashay was, my captains and the rest of my teammates always had my back. No one was ever afraid to skip a water break or have an extra practice just to go over some of the moves with me and the other girls who might have been struggling too. From the second I walked into the dance room, I had people who wanted to see me shine and were willing to help me get there.
3. Thank you for reminding me to stay calm even in the worst of moments.
As a dancer, there is one golden rule other than to never sickle your foot: Never stop dancing, no matter what happens. Even if you trip and fall with the whole student body looking at you, you cannot let anyone know you messed up. You have to smile and finish your dance with your team. This is applicable to other real life situations as well. By staying focused, you can finish your job without anyone knowing you made a mistake.
4. Thank you for all of the laughs.
Going to dance practice not only allows me to have an outlet to express my frustrations, stress and emotions, but it also is the place where I can go to laugh. Some of the funniest jokes and stories I have heard have been during water breaks and stretching. When I am having a bad day I can always count on my teammates to cheer me up.
5. Thank you for introducing me to some of my best friends.
Without dance, I never would have met some of the girls that have become like sisters to me. From going to the dance store in the next town over, to eating together during team dinners, I have made so many memories with everyone that have extended past the dance floor.
6. Thank you for teaching me that everything looks better with a smile.
There have been some performances when I, as well as some of my other teammates, have messed up certain moves, but anyone who did not know the choreography could never tell because each one of us has a smile from ear to ear. In situations that are tough to face, I will always put a smile on my face and it makes everything a bit easier.
While most of my time is now taken up with practices and performances, my dance team has taught me thousands of lessons that would make this article hundreds of pages long. If you, reader, take anything away from this article it should be this: do not be afraid to try something new. You might just discover your passion.
