To Dance, Thank You. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

To Dance, Thank You.

Thank you for teaching me more than I could have ever imagined.

48
To Dance, Thank You.

With the end of my senior year of dance quickly approaching, I've had time to reflect on all of the wonderful things that dancing has taught me. This art form and sport, though some may disagree, has impacted my life in more ways than I could have ever imagined. It molded me into the person that I am today, and there are no words eloquent enough to accurately convey my gratitude. Here are a few of the things that I've learned over the years, and my attempt at a thank you to the passion that I've grown to appreciate more and more as time passes.

To begin, it's the greatest thing you'll ever do, and I'm being completely honest. I grew up playing every sport under the sun, volleyball, softball, basketball, you name it. However at 17 years old the one thing I'm struggling to say goodbye to is dancing. This quote by A.A. Milne has never been more true: "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." I don't quite know how to explain the love affair that you'll develop, but it is consuming and amazing at the same time. I didn't quite appreciate the time that I had when I had it, but looking back... dance has been such a huge part of my life and I'm grateful that I have spent so many years (in the hopes that there are a few more) doing something that I truly enjoy.

The friends that you make throughout your dance career will be some of the best of your life. Spending countless hours in the studio, many weekends away at competitions, and most summers spent together, your fellow team members become your best friends. Through the years, the inside jokes, the tears, the wins and the losses... they all become your most treasured memories. The kinds of memories that, 10 years into adulthood, you look back on, and wish that you could go back. The friends that I have made through dancing will be friends that will last a lifetime.

Personally, I think this is the most important thing that I've learned throughout my dance career. It is that dance teachers are the most amazing and inspirational people that you will ever meet. I mean, really, they're like an awesome extension of your parents at your home away from home. I have often wondered if dance teachers grasp just how much of a force they are in their students lives. If not, I hope they at least know how much they are loved and appreciated. I've been lucky enough to have had a dance teacher who pushed me to be a better dancer, young woman, and all around person in general. She always believed in us, I think, a little more than we believed in ourselves. She gave us confidence as we grew, and always gave us a shoulder to cry on if we needed one. To say that she has helped make me the young woman that I am today would be an understatement. She has had such an impact on my life and, above all, she taught me so much more than just how to dance. If anything, the one thing that I would take away from the years of dancing for her, it would be her favorite sentence: "suck it up!"

After many years, I've learned that my most favored moments have not been winning, getting a big trophy, nailing a million tricks in a dance... They're the moments that take your breath away; moments like connecting to the dance, finally getting a combination, seeing your teacher's pride on their face when you're walking off the stage. Those are the moments that I will truly remember and carry with me always.

To end, I have no words other than "thank you" for the passion that has brought me such joy. Though I truly wish I was a little girl again so that I could do all of it over, dance has molded me into the young woman I've become, and there isn't a thing that I would change; other than learning to appreciate everything that dance has given me a lot sooner. So, to dance, thank you. I won't let you down. ♡

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

9458
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
college

"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.

4182
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.

3050
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.

2757
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