Live, Love, Dance

Maybe it's because my life is submersed in dance constantly, but anytime I meet a little girl between the ages of two to about seven, I usually end up asking, "are you in dance class"?  To me, dance is a given for little girls and I don't think I've ever met one who has said they weren't in dance or that they didn't want to give it a try.  Having been a dancer myself and now instructing girls of all ages, I see what an incredible impact in can make.

When I was young, ages three to about seven, I took dance classes.  Then, my stubborn little self decided I didn't like the partner I had in a dance routine, so I wanted to quit.  How logical, right?  I'm sure I came up with a better excuse to tell my mom lol, but that's the only reason I can recall.  (Side note, I'm always wary of giving my dancers partners now!) ;)

Then my younger sister Emily came along and started dance and even became a competition dancer.  I so envied what she got to do.  I loved the costumes, the performing, the camaraderie, the fun.  I felt like an outsider peeking into a glamorous, elite world.  I thought that I would never be able to get back into dance and that those years off had left me without a chance to be a dancer.  Well finally, with some pushing from my parents, I got back into dance.  It's never to late to start (or re-start) a passion!  At this point I was in junior high, but caught back up and absolutely loved it.  I would practice constantly.  I would take home the material I learned and practice it over and over again.  I would do "across the floor" exercises in our basement, I worked on my ballet technique while on vacation, did conditioning exercises in our backyard, I was dancing all the time.  And it sure looks like much hasn't changed since then!

Dance has truly changed me.  It gave me confidence and "star power" as a young woman.  It gave me a passion, a focus, a purpose.  It helped me develop athleticism, skills, work ethic, and stage presence.  It allowed me to be a part of a team, to learn commitment, to gain friends, to experience what it feels like to be in the spotlight and achieve goals.  It kept me busy, kept me active, and kept me happy.

To me, it's a no brainer how wonderful dance can be for someone.  I encourage you to check out dance classes for your little ballerina or the dancer inside your heart.  :)  www.woodburydance.com