Ever since I was little, most of my evenings were spent at the dance studio. It didn’t take long for that space to feel like a second home.
From the tiny ballet slippers that barely fit my feet to the tap shoes that made joyful rhythms with every shuffle, dance has been woven into my life for the past 15 years. I’ve fallen in love with the routine of heading to the studio several times a week, surrounded by some of my closest friends who share the same passion. Recital weekends hold a special place in my heart, filled with memories of laughter, excitement, and the magic of performing.
I also cherish teaching younger kids and sharing with them the same love for dance that started in me so long ago. The studio isn’t just a place for movement—it’s where I’ve learned lessons and life advice that I carry with me every day.
I started dancing around the age of 2 when my mom enrolled me in a “Mommy and Me” class. From that very first moment, I was hooked. As I grew up, she encouraged me to try all kinds of dance styles: tap, jazz, hip-hop, gymnastics, acro, contemporary, and my two favorites—pointe and ballet.
Ballet has been my longest-running class, while pointe is a relatively new challenge I embraced about four or five years ago. Pointe dancing requires standing on the tips of your toes on a small block of wood, creating the illusion of elegance and grace. While it looks beautiful on stage, the journey to get there isn’t always glamorous. Training your feet to handle pointe shoes takes time, precision, and strength; one wrong movement can lead to bruises or even worse, injuries. Yet, the moments of pain are worth it when you’re on stage, holding your final pose, and hearing the applause from the audience. It’s in those moments that all the hard work feels meaningful.
Being a dancer has also taught me to “fake it until you make it,” and that phrase has never rung truer than during unexpected moments on stage. Whether it’s a wardrobe malfunction, the music stopping, or forgetting part of the routine, the show must go on. You take a breath, regroup, and keep going, all while keeping a smile on your face. Dance isn’t just physically demanding—it’s a mental challenge too.
Before stepping on stage, I have to block out everything else and focus solely on the routine ahead of me. When I’m in the wings waiting for my turn, I run the choreography through my mind again and again. I avoid watching the dancer before me because I don’t want to get distracted. Instead, I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and mentally prepare myself for the moment the spotlight finds me.
Two years ago, I started teaching dance, which has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Last year, I taught a cheerleading class for girls aged 6 to 7, and this year, I’m teaching ballet to a group of 6-to-8-year-olds. Watching these little girls fall in love with dance reminds me of my own journey. Teaching younger students can be challenging, especially with their short attention spans, but it’s also incredibly fulfilling.
Their excitement is contagious—each week, their faces light up as they twirl, leap, and laugh with their friends. Seeing their joy and progress inspires me to pour my heart into every class.
The dance studio has been so much more than just a place to practice routines. It’s shaped who I am and taught me countless lessons over the past 15 years. Thinking about next year being my last at the studio is bittersweet. There were times when I struggled with motivation, but I’m grateful I stuck with it. The moments I’ve shared, the friendships I’ve built, and the memories I’ve made will stay with me forever.
