Dance it out!

Wow...little did I know I'd revisit 10 years of my life in 2 hours of dance competition this morning!

I had the awesome opportunity to go see my dear friend Kristen's oldest daughter Taylor, 6 yrs old, compete in one of MANY of her dance competitions. I sat in the audience eagerly awaiting her appearance and cheering her on the whole way. She's a great dancer with a vibrant presence. I can't wait to see where she takes it next.

As I'm watching the dances in between her performances, I remember what it felt like. I remember what frame of mind I was in. I remember the nerves, the excitement, the 'elite' feeling, and the desire to want to do my very best.  I also remember wanting to be with my dance friends, do what they were doing, in an independent yet want to be included sort of way.

I can remember rehearsing my routines in the grocery store aisles. Mom really liked that. :) I can remember rehearsing them in the passenger seat of the car with just head moves and random arm movements. I'm sure that was enjoyable for everyone else too. Yet when you're waiting in the curtain, stage left, you all of a sudden feel like you have to pee AND that you've forgotten the entire routine. No seriously - forgotten the entire routine. You quickly talk to your dance friends and are reminded...you haven't forgotten. They're still there. It will be fine.

On stage, it's all about stage presence: pointed toes, relaxed hands, and precise moves. Today's performances were full of talent. Admittedly, I recognized "flexed feet," "bent extensions," and "tense hands" only because those comments were SURE to be on my score card - at some point - I know it for fact.

And when the 8 year old lyrical dancers were dancing with such emotion in their face and depth in their movements..I seriously thought I would cry. I'm at a dance competition of 6-8 year olds and I want to CRY?! What is WRONG with me?!

I just felt like I was 8 again..in an instant. And as I drove home and throughout the afternoon, I had reached 18. And then it was time...18. I had to move on from something I knew well and felt I was relatively good at. I considered a career in it, but wasn't willing to make the sacrifice. I had to leave a group I'd become a part of. I had to say good bye to a mentor and teacher I loved at my core. It was time to go to college.

There is no doubt about it - dance - is what shaped me. It's why I stand tall, shoulders back (as best I can), and abs in. It's why I love "performing" - public speaking, theater, making friends laugh. It's why I like good music - there's always a reason to 'dance it out.'

Thank you to my mom and dad who sacrificed more than I'll ever know to allow me to dance. Thank you to Jason too for being an awesome big brother through it all.

Love to dance. L.O.V.E. dance.