From a young age, I found joy and excitement in moving to the rhythm of music, and as the years went by, dance became more than just a hobby—it became my passion, my community, and my way of life.
Growing up, I tried countless activities, but only one thing stuck: dance. At the age of 3, I would sing songs off-key and shake my hips to the beat. At 5, I would skip around the stage in multicolored tutus. By 7, I had joined a dance studio where they used funny French terms as a means of explanation. A year later, I decided I wanted to embrace the French; I didn’t just want to dance, I wanted to be a Dancer. I started on a competition team and continued on that path for the next 8 years.
Today, my dance studio is my second home. From the moment I walk in, I’m surrounded by my best friends, mentors, and teachers. Each class begins with rigorous technique and strength training, our legs wobbling from exertion, as our eyes make SOS signals to one another. After building a strong foundation, that’s when the fun begins.
The white and yellow lights are dimmed, replaced by pink, blue, and green hues. We learn combinations and improvise and get lost in the music and our movement. This journey of self-discovery is pure euphoria, a feeling intensified by our shared passion. No other activity brings me so much joy or sense of belonging.
Despite the time and dedication required, I have never once felt burdened by my commitment to dance. Instead, I have found a sense of purpose, belonging, and freedom that transcends the constraints of daily life. In dedicating myself to something that brings me such profound joy, I have discovered the true essence of living a fulfilling life.
Through dance, I have learned that true freedom is not found in the absence of obligations, but rather in the pursuit of passion and self-expression. I am grateful for every moment spent in the studio, for it is there that I feel most alive, most fulfilled, and most free. From the early days of awkward twirls to the exhilarating moments spent on stage performing, dance has been a constant companion, shaping both my identity and my experiences.