Dance is a form of art that is performed all over the world by many different types of people. There is no limit to who can and cannot dance. For many people, dance is their only escape from a reality they may not want to be living in. It is a form of expression, conveying messages and stories with each performance.
For me, dance has always been a major part of my life. I’ve been in dance for seven years, putting in at least four hours a week of practice, plus competitions on the weekends. Sometimes additional practices get thrown in, or we have to come in a little earlier. Additionally, my company also holds summer classes and camps. My life is dance, so it’s a good thing I enjoy it. Right?
Sometimes I cannot tell if I love dance, since it can be so strenuous, and I am basically obtaining a new injury each week. My body has been through so much, and it never truly gets a break. Strength has never been a strong suit of mine, so I continuously try to train it, along with my endurance. Running has been a great way to build up the strength in my legs and the stamina in my lungs. I don’t think people realize just how tough dance actually is. Usually, they just see ballerinas on stage in their tutus and assume it’s easy; anyone could do it. In reality, even after all of the training a dancer goes through, they may still doubt their abilities.
Mental health in many dance studios isn’t always prioritized. Oftentimes, the little “harmless” comments an instructor makes to try and better a student just add another chip in the armor dancers carry throughout class. Eating disorders and body dysmorphia aren’t uncommon among dancers. Wanting to look a certain way, fit in a costume or even the numerous comments cause us to become self-conscious. Dance is supposed to be a creative outlet, but sometimes it becomes toxic.
At my studio, Just For Kix, I don’t have anything like that, and I am grateful for it every day. I have such a great community and have made many friends in each of my classes. The confidence I’ve gained is beyond me. Learning a routine with people I love is one of the greatest opportunities.
Recently, my company attended our national competition. It consists of three days of dance for eight hours a day, the most we do all year. Each day, our energy depletes, yet we push through and continue to perform our best. This year, we managed to defend our national title for kick, one of our styles of dance, and were national champions for hip hop. The feeling of winning is something that makes all the hours and hard work worth it. Moments like these remind me that every tough practice, every setback and every injury leads to something much greater than winning. They lead to pride, unity and belonging.
