After a dance profession of 20 years, it could be simple to wax poetic in regards to the indescribable magic I really feel onstage or within the rehearsal studio. Whereas there are moments when it actually seems like a dream come true, the fact is that there are numerous occasions when the magic fades, and the difficulties of this profession turn out to be nearly overwhelming.
In these moments of doubt, I understand simply how deep my love for dance runs. Dance has been the longest and steadiest relationship of my life. I began dancing as a result of it was all I might discuss as a toddler. Regardless of my shyness in public, dance gave me a voice and allowed me to precise myself in ways in which phrases by no means might.
As I grew as an individual and dancer, my love for dance developed into an infatuation, generally even an obsession. I used to be pushed to turn out to be the most effective dancer I may very well be, consistently striving for perfection and studying as a lot as doable. Attaining my dream of changing into an expert ballet dancer was just the start. As soon as I reached that purpose, my ardour was fueled by working onerous for roles that stretched my skills.
As in any relationship, rising along with dance may be troublesome. It isn’t at all times magical, butterflies-in-your-stomach love; it requires cultivation and generally seems like work. Life, each outdoors of and inside dance, can throw surprising challenges your means, affecting the love you as soon as felt and making it appear much less real at occasions. Nonetheless, I’m recognized for saying, “Even at life’s lowest factors, I can by no means think about myself not dancing.” And this nonetheless rings true.
Now, as a senior member of the dance world, I’m not pushed by obsession. I’m drawn to artwork and artwork makers who push the best way I feel and the way I view the world, and who can assist develop my artistry. I now not try for technical perfection, however as an alternative ask myself: Do my performances and my dancing contact somebody?
I discover myself extending my function in dance past private success. I dance to be a beacon, an instance for dreaming ballerinas who may want somebody who resembles them to look to for inspiration. It’s this stepping outdoors myself, this need to be an instance and to assist others of their pursuit of a profession in dance, that continues to gas my ardour and love for this artwork type.