16. Choreographing dances in your head to literally any song you hear. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
popular

17 Things You'll Only Understand If You Are – Or Ever Were – A Dancer

Are we human, or are we dancers?

6239
17 Things You'll Only Understand If You Are – Or Ever Were – A Dancer
Brianna Baker

In This Article:

.

1. "One more time" is always a lie.

You KNOW when your teacher says “let's do that one more time," they actually mean 10.

2. That one person who always asks way too many questions.

We all know that girl (or those girls): "Is the leg straight or slightly bent?" "Where do our arms go?" "What's our emotion in this eight count?" "Could you repeat that, please?"

Questions are great, but can you PLEASE just try the choreography first and see what others are doing and then ask any IMPORTANT questions, so we can get out of here on time? Please and thank you.

3. Walking into the gas station in a crop top and booty shorts after class...

We've all been there: class just ended and you desperately need water, so you head into your local Wawa (or Sheetz, or whatever gas station you have in your neck of the woods) to get some refreshments, only to have fellow citizens glare at you for your attire. Yes, I am aware that I am wearing little clothing. No, it is not for fashion or for your viewing pleasure, but rather for the fact that my studio just happens to be hot af.

And yes, I'm aware that this really only applies to my fellow lady dancers out there...sorry, guys!

4 ...and after a recital.

Cue the odd looks and glances for the insane amount of makeup you have on, in addition to the crazy hair and lashes.

5. You're able to dance for hours, but you can't run for five minutes.

We can't explain why this is so, and we wish we had the answer.

6. "Can we just have a stretch day?"

Spending the whole class stretching > working on technique.

7. Realizing that there are 7-year-olds better than you.

It's just not right: little children should not be able to do 10 pirouettes and have the perfect side leap. Go back, put on your little ballet slippers, and do some tondeaus.

8. Quick changes.

My question is: how can we completely change costumes and hair in like .3 seconds for a recital, but we take an hour to get ready on a normal day?

9. "Nutcracker season."

Whether or not your studio puts on its own rendition of the production itself, you know it's getting close to Christmastime when your typical ballet warmup tunes are replaced with songs from the classic ballet. And you know every single one by heart.

10. Watching dance videos on YouTube/Instagram/etc...and then hating yourself afterward.

WHY can't I be as good as Maddie Ziegler or as some of the Royal Family dancers? WHY am I trash? UGH, not fair!

11. Accepting the fact that you will never have “pretty” knees or feet.

With the insane amount of stress we put on our feet and knees, the bruises and cuts are inevitable.

12. Three words: crazy dance parents.

Dance moms aren't just a reality television show: crazy dance moms (and dads) do exist in the dance world. You know who they are: they wear the studio shirt, start unnecessary drama, and truly believe that their kid is the best thing since sliced bread.

13. The showoffs.

There's one (or a few) in every class. We get it: you're flexible, and you can do 37 a-la-secondes. Just do what the teacher says and stop having your own little practice/show-off session in the front.

14. Comparison.

As dancers, we never feel like we’re good enough. We compare ourselves to the dancer onstage, on the screen, and next to us in the studio. We compare technique, skills, appearance, body shape, etc. It’s a huge struggle, especially when these comparisons go too far and hurt our mental health, and this is unfortunately something that many dancers face.

15. Looking like a complete idiot at dance parties.

Let me make one thing clear: real dancing and the "dancing" involved at parties and clubs are NOT the same thing. It's pretty difficult to break out into a grande allegro sequence in the middle of the dance floor, so unless you're a hip-hopper, you kinda just stand in the corner doing some little jazz or hip-hop choreo you learned in class.

16. Choreographing dances in your head to literally any song you hear.

We simply cannot listen to a single song without mentally choreographing/dancing along with it.

17. Once a dancer, always a dancer.

Even if you don't train on a daily basis anymore, once you've invested so much time, energy, money, and love into the sport, you still consider yourself to be a dancer...and rightfully so.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

17762
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7576
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5554
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4826
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments