There comes a point in life for many dancers when they realize that they will no longer be able to pursue dance. Whether that is because of an injury, pursuing a new career, or simply transitioning into a teaching/choreographing role, many dancers have to make this decision.
If you're a dancer at heart, you'll know that this is a very bittersweet moment. The promise of a new chapter in life, but still with the remorse of quitting this acute passion that had taken hold of your life for many many years. But don't be sad, all is not lost. This doesn't have to be a time of sadness, but a time of excitement. Finally, you can know what it feels like to be in the audience!!
It's not a demotion, it's a transition!
You get to enjoy the show without the stress and anxiety of whether or not you'll be able to nail that triple pirouette. You get to see the whole picture as it is meant to be seen (that crazy choreographer's "vision" finally makes sense from this point of view).
Also, you are now always on "the inside" with the dancers on stage because you have been where they are. You'll smile watching the show knowing that none of the other audience members have any clue of the chaos ensuing behind this calm performance, but you do. You know that the teachers are scrambling about and the dancers are panicking about their toes bleeding and the stage manager is quietly screaming into a headset because the lighting cues aren't set right. And knowing all that will make you laugh.
It's like a secret third dimension to the show that you know no one else knows about. And no matter how long it's been since you stopped dancing, you will always remember those little secrets.
Those memories will never leave you. You will never forget the rush of hearing the Overture start playing while waiting in the wings. Or that moment when you step on stage and smile confidently into the blinding lights, knowing every eye is on you. You will never forget the memories made during those 14-hour rehearsals in the theatre, and how you made unbreakable friendships that were bonded over bruised and battered dancer feet.
But when you think about all of this, don't cry. Instead, have those memories put a smile on your face. Be happy that you were able to experience such feelings because many people never have. And those feelings are special, and they will always be with you. Don't let sadness bring down your next chapter in life. Instead, use all those skills you've learned to help build up this new phase.
Don't try to forget the past, use it. Everything that you've learned can translate into what you're doing now. You can work under extreme pressure, you have perseverance of steel, and you can bust out those moves for those college friends who have no idea you used to dance (They'll think you're pretty cool, trust me).
And just because you're no longer "dancing" doesn't mean you've stopped being a "dancer". It doesn't matter how long it has been since your last ballet class, you'll still love breaking down to those catchy songs in your room. And no one will be judging that technique!!! Hooray for bad posture!!!!
Being a "dancer" is not something that ends just because you don't take classes anymore. That part of you will be with you for the rest of your life. I don't care if you go into the nerdiest desk job on the planet, you will always have that creative side of your brain that makes you look at the world different from anyone else.
Dance is an art. Your passion for it comes from your heart. Just because you take away a painter's paintbrush, doesn't make him any less of a painter. The same goes for you. Yes, you may lose technique and flexibility, but that doesn't matter anymore because no one is here now to critique you; it's just you and dance, like how you always wanted it to be.
And who's to say that this new chapter isn't going to be even better than your time dancing? You can absolutely have more than one passion. There is plenty of room in you for every side of your character, that's what makes you unique!
So be proud of your past and be excited for your future. Why? Because you're a dancer for life.
