Dance. The singular thing that's been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember. Some have called it my passion, others have called it my life. For a long time, it was the only thing I did. Eat, school, dance, sleep, repeat. And throughout my whole life, I was more than content with doing that. I loved it, more than anything else in this world. It allowed me to lose myself and find myself, all at the same time. It was my escape, from everything. Not a day went by where I didn't appreciate the time I spent dancing. Losing myself in the music and letting all of my emotions take over through movement. Even if it's just for a few minutes, nothing else mattered.

Three years ago, I came across a choreographer on the 'Recommended For You' tab on YouTube. His name was Matt Steffanina and he was the most talented choreographer I had ever seen. Wanting to know more, I did some research to find that he started dancing later his life than most, at age 18. He took a particular interest in hip hop and breakdancing. As he did not have any studios near him, he taught himself through music videos. He first began teaching open classes at a community center in his local area. After a few years of working locally, he then decided that he wanted to pursue his dreams professionally. He has since then moved to LA and worked with so many incredible artists. Some of which being Taylor Swift, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dog, Tyga, DJ Tiesto, and many more. However, he doesn't just work with professional artists. He mainly works with people like me, who want to learn and better their dancing abilities. The best part about him, is he utilizes YouTube to teach dancers who want to learn even when they aren't able to attend his classes. He reaches dancers from all over the world and is able to teach them choreography through tutorial videos, just like how he started.

In the beginning of July 2015, Matt Steffanina announced that he would teaching a Master Class along with two additional hip hop classes in Pittsburgh, PA. With him being my favorite choreographer in the world, I knew that I needed to be at those classes. One of my dance teammates at the time and I bought tickets as soon as they were released for his two hip hop classes. Fast forward to July 17, 2015. The day of classes. I remember being so nervous, I didn't know what to do with myself. For I was going to be getting up in front of my idol for not one, but two classes that day. I didn't know what to wear or how to prepare myself for what was to come that evening. I remember the night clear as day. I walked into Millennium Dance Complex that night anticipating the start of class. Within the first minute, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be. When Matt walked into the room, everyone erupted in cheers and applause. For much like me, everyone else was there to learn from the best too.

We learned two combinations that night. The first was to Pia Mia's 'Do It Again' and the second was to Rich Homie Quan's 'Flex". Both were incredible. I put 100% effort into every single movement that night, just to prove to myself that I could keep up with the best. Sure enough, I did. Much to my surprise, I was picked to be in not one, but two select groups per class, and wow, did that feel amazing. To know that my idol saw something special in me was one of the most rewarding feelings in the world. After class, I had to opportunity to get pictures with him and talk to him for a few minutes. His words have never left me. I told him of my dreams to move to LA after graduating college so that I could continue my dance career training under his supervision. To which he responded that I worked my butt off during class and told me to come take classes from him once I got to LA. By far one of the most memorable days of my life. Below is a video of my 'go' at Do It Again months after taking the class.

As college progressed, I began to dance less and less. Transferring schools that next semester added to the difficulty. See, at my last university, I was a part of two dance teams, which kept me close to my passion. However, after transferring, I no longer had the privilege of having access to a studio. There even came a time where I thought my dance career was over forever. However one day, I stumbled upon yet another Matt Steffanina video and something inside of me clicked. When he first started, all he had was videos in his home, to which he taught himself. That's what I have now and I should be utilizing it. He taught me that no matter where you are and what you have, it shouldn't diminish your talent or ability to continue to grow to be the best dancer you can possibly be. As for the future, I can promise I’ll never stop dancing. In all honesty, I couldn’t ever give up the feeling I get when I'm able to just let go. You know what they say, once you're a part of something, it never really leaves you.

So here's a thank you to Matt Steffanina,

I remember why I started and I will never give up until I achieve my dreams.