One may define dance as simply a way for one to express oneself, or the movement of a body to music. But dance is so much more. It is the grueling practices, the bruises, the blisters, the sore muscles, the sweat, the competition, the bond with your teammates who become your family, the hours, the repetition, the adrenaline, the story, strength, and desire not only to win for yourself but your team.
Dance is a lifestyle that I started at the age of two, and ever since then, dance has been my everything. Dance gives me a place to go to get away and to be noticed.
When I am at dance, it feels as though the rest of the world is on pause and the only thing happening in the world is my bare feet moving across the wood floor, my heavy breathing, and the floor shaking from the beats of the music.
Dance has taught me skills essential to life; commitment, passion, determination, time management, love, and so much more. Throughout life, everything is changing. For me, everything changed except for dance, the one thing that keeps me moving.
I have learned to continue to work hard and never to stop pushing myself to reach the next level. Dance pushes a person to the next level physically, mentally, and emotionally. The memories you make when dancing and the opportunity to learn about yourself in so many different ways is something that sets dance apart from any other art or sport.
