Beginnings

As a teenager, I found my passion for dance and begged my parents to enroll me in a dance school. After weeks of searching, we finally found a dance academy that promised to teach the best dance techniques. However, I faced two major obstacles on my journey to becoming a professional dancer.

As a student at the academy, I found myself in a challenging situation. Each dance instructor had their own teaching style and philosophy, and this led to a conflict of ideas that left me feeling uncertain and overwhelmed. Some instructors placed a great emphasis on the importance of posture, while others believed facial expressions were the key to success in dance.

I struggled to reconcile these conflicting approaches, as each instructor seemed to have a valid point. On one hand, I understood the importance of maintaining good posture in dance, as it can help prevent injury and improve overall technique. I could see how facial expressions could add a lot of emotion and depth to a performance.

Because of these conflicting philosophies, I often felt like I was being pulled in different directions. I would try to incorporate one instructor’s approach into my dance, only to have another instructor criticize it as incorrect or incomplete. It was frustrating and disheartening, and I doubted my ability to succeed in the program.
••• The second obstacle came as a national dance competition in 2004. My team was nervous as we watched the other contestants perform. But as soon as the music started, I felt a rush of confidence. However, during the performance, one of my teammates got injured, throwing our routine off course. We had to improvise on the spot, and I struggled to keep up with the changes. It was a challenging moment, but I remembered Miss Marie’s words and let my body move to the rhythm.
••• Despite these obstacles, I was fortunate enough to have found my true mentor in Miss Marie. She taught me that dance was not just about moving your body, but it was about feeling the music, understanding the rhythm, and expressing your emotions. She showed me how to prioritize and clarify the basic principles of dance and emphasized the importance of a firm foundation. Her lessons were not just about dance, but also about life. She taught me discipline, perseverance, and how to follow my dreams.

Under her guidance, I not only improved my dancing skills but also developed a deeper appreciation for the art form. In the end, we overcame the obstacles, and my team won the national dance competition. I ran towards Miss Marie, tears streaming down my face, and thanked her for everything she had done for me. Today, as a professional dancer, I encourage everyone to find a mentor like her–someone who can provide a focused education, a stable foundation, and above all, inspiration to follow your dreams.