I was a competitive dancer for around 12 years and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Over the years, I learned so many life skills and made so many friendships to last me a lifetime. Here is a list of 10 things that competitive dance taught me:

1. It taught me discipline and hard work

Having practice for over 15 hours a week taught me the value of hard work and preparation. There were many times when I wanted to quit or I didn’t want to go to practice on a Friday night, but I learned that giving up leads you nowhere, and practice really does pay off. I learned how to make commitments and follow through, which is an incredibly valuable skill.

2. It taught me how to listen to my body

You can learn biology and nutrition in a classroom, or you can learn how your body moves and connects through movement and creativity. My teachers taught me to be aware of how my body moves through space and how to listen to my body. They encouraged healthy eating and learning to make sure you are always safe and comfortable.

3. It taught me the value of friendship and sisterhood

After spending hours and hours rehearsing and performing with my teammates, they became sisters. We spent countless hours in the studio, traveling, in hotels, back stage at competitions, out to meals, etc.… that we became best friends, and we were all apart of one big crazy dance family. These bonds that I created are so strong that I know they will last a lifetime.

4. It taught me to appreciate everything my parents do for me

I wouldn’t have been able to participate in dance if it wasn’t for my mom. She spent countless hours with me at rehearsal and driving me to competitions as I slept in the passenger seat, as well as putting on my hair and makeup at 6 in the morning. I know I didn’t tell her a lot at the time, but I appreciate everything she did. We were able to have so much bonding time. It meant a lot. I’m sure there were a million other things she would have rather been doing, but I am so thankful that my mom decided to spend them with me at dance. These are moments and memories I will always cherish.

5. It taught me the value of competition

We were always taught to dance for ourselves and be the best we can be, however we were also taught the value of healthy competition. We were never pressured to always win or be super competitive but we were pushed to want constructive criticism to be better dancers. We learned to take what the judges had to say and apply it the next time we danced. This helped us become better dancers and people. We were also taught how to be gracious winners and losers and the value of teamwork.

6. It taught me passion and creativity

Everyday when I went to practice, I fell more and more in love with dance. Dance and performing are my passions, and I was able to work on that everyday. Dance taught me the art of creativity in movement and choreography, and it taught me to always pursue your passion.

I am so thankful for everything that my dance team gave me. I learned so many valuable skills that I honestly can’t put it into words. During high school I gave up a lot for dance: school dances and football games, hanging out with friends and going to parties, and doing other extra-curriculars or sports, but honestly I wouldn’t have had it any other way.