Dancers go through a lot more than people generally think we do. They usually don't understand what we do, or why. Here are 20 things that only dancers will understand.
1. When you listen to music you only count up to eight
There is no such thing as relaxing or “just listening” to music if you’re a dancer, because you have either danced to the song already, counting eight counts, or choreographing an entire show case in your mind. And that showcase in your head is pretty legit!
2. This hair tie was probably the last one you had…
It’s so heart breaking when you need a hair tie and you’re in the middle of practice and all of a sudden it snaps. Nevermind that you bought a whole pack of hair ties last week, where did they all go? Who knows.
3. Putting on fake eyelashes
I think this explains itself. Fake eyelashes are the absolute struggle. Glue everywhere, one end will never stay down. One eye is perfect but the other is lopsided.
4. Nailing that amazing pirouette…and no one saw
Isn’t that how it always works? You fall out of a double and everyone sees, yet when you nail an amazing pirouette that was either a triple or more, no one is looking. Oh and of course, when you try to do it again when people are looking, it doesn't happen.
5. Money spent on costumes, shoes, makeup, etc.
The amount of money I have spent on costume rentals, pointe shoes, regular ballet flats, jazz flats, leotards, tights, specific makeup, hair stuff, and band-aids probably adds up to how much I paid for my first year at college. Ridiculous right? Not to mention your studios tuition!
6. Kneeing or kicking yourself in the face/head
This just happened to me two days ago, went to do a front kick and kneed myself in the face. My nose is still bruised! Of course, those fire bird jumps can hurt too when your foot kicks the back of your head.
7. Bobbi Pins always disappear
It doesn’t matter if you bought the 70 packs of bobby pins from Costco or CVS, they always disappear and you will never get them back. And when you need them the most, that’s when they really seem to make a break for it.
8. Seeing your family after a show/competition with your show makeup
Nothing beats going to see your family after you danced your heart out after a show or competition. The flowers, the smiles, the hugs, oh and the show makeup. Even if you had a beautiful part and played a fairy or something, the makeup you wore simply isn’t meant to be seen up close. Family pictures? No thanks, Mom!
9. The smell of your dance bag
There’s nothing you could’ve done to prevent this, and unless your family or friends are dancers, they just won’t understand. You work hard and feet do sweat, so it’s not your fault your bag smells like stinky feet! And it’s not your fault your feet always smell.
10. The "I can’t, I have dance."
How many times have you been invited to places with friends and family and can’t go? What’s the reason why you can not go? Dance. Hey, it’s a bittersweet commitment.
11. Joints always popping
Have you ever popped your hip or ankle at school and someone looks at you with an astonished look on their face and yells, “What was that sound!?!” It hardly phases you anymore it’s just an everyday thing for us dancers. No it doesn’t hurt, it feels pretty good!
12. Not remembering the combination
I think we have all found ourselves standing either at the barre or in center, watching the instructor or coach give the combo and it just didn’t stick. Oh well, someone in the group had to remember it right? Let’s hope for the best!
13. Dance boot camp one day, not being able to move the next
It seems that one day when you are very flexible, the next you can’t even do a 90 degree extension. Or when you have an amazing intense class, and you’re sweating buckets, and using your legs to the fullest of their abilities, and then the next day you can’t even get out of bed. That level of soreness is so painful when you see stairs, you cry.
14. Clumsy off the dance floor
It’s true, us dancers are the clumsiest people you will ever meet, but only off the dance floor. On stage we are graceful people, but I guarantee you, when we are outside on the sidewalk we will trip over nothing.
15. Blisters
The main reason why dancers have high pain tolerance, is because of blisters. It doesn’t even have to be in pointe shoes, you can be dancing with foot undies, and simple jazz flats and still get the gnarliest blisters! What do we do? Just keep dancing and smile through the pain.
16. Ingrown toenails
The fact that dancers actually have to go through surgeries to get ingrown toenails removed, goes to show how bad they get and how much dance can impact our bodies!
17. Quick changes
Probably the most stressful thing of your dance career happens in 10 seconds in the wings off stage. Quick changes have taught dancers how to go from pointe shoes, tutus, hair in a bun, to flat shoes, black tights, two piece costume with your hair down in some weird headpiece within 20 seconds. On stage, from the audience's view, we look amazing, but on the inside we are totally freaking out about this quick change coming up!
18. Black and blue legs
You go outside wearing shorts and all of your friends point to your knees. You look down and see all the swollen black, purple, and blue spots running up and down your legs. In your head you mentally go through the movies and think, “Oh maybe there in that fall to the knee after the calypso, or maybe after the turn sequence.” Hopefully at your next physical, the doctor won’t question your at-home life.
19. Pedicures and weird looking toes
My sister and family find it so funny to poke my pinkie toe or say things regarding the calluses. If you’re one for pedicures, you slightly feel bad for the person doing your nails because they have to touch your feet.
20. Ibuprofen and Icy Hot are your best friends
When it comes down to it, there are so many aches and sharp pains, and all you can do is push through. Thank goodness for over the counter medications and lotions to get us through what we love to do most!
