It’s hard to put into words the effect that dance has had on my life. From its strenuous physical demands to the rush I receive when performing on stage, dance has made a permanent impression and, I can say without hesitation, it has played a significant role in defining the individual I am today.
Having only started dance at 16 years of age, braving a new frontier was without question, difficult. This was a field I had never expected to encounter in my life, but as circumstances would dictate, it came calling. Being a male dancer, naturally I faced plenty of opposition from people at school, friends, and many other individuals I came into contact with. This was a difficult obstacle to overcome as my newfound passion was suffering blows from multiple angles. It was through the exceptional and priceless relationships I had established at my studio in tandem with my family’s overwhelming support where I found my confidence. This drove me to dedicate 150% of my efforts to being the best I could possibly be to help my opposition understand that dance is just as much, if not more so, a sport than an art form; to allow them to grasp the idea of just how much dedication, training and perseverance is required to become a competitive dancer.
Over my relatively short dance career, I am blessed to have been trained by some very remarkable teachers and coaches. Every single one has brought something new to the table, and has pushed me to become the dancer I am now. From my very humble beginning, they have been there every step of the way, shown me what it takes to be a strong male figure in the world of dance, and pushed me (often times to the point where it would make me sick) week after week, teaching me new skills and broadening my horizons. I honestly don’t know where I’d be right now if it weren’t for their expertise and dedication.
Similar to having a passion for any other sport, dance requires sacrifice. I have had to let go of various part-time jobs, and limit my involvement in other clubs and extra-curricular groups; however, the biggest sacrifice for any young adult is the lack of social time with friends. My friends had become accustomed to my evenings and weekends being booked on a regular basis, so eventually I began to see less and less of them. The most positive reward from this level of dedication is the value of the relationships you develop at the studio. The parents, staff, and fellow students soon become something akin to a second family. You can trust them with secrets, share about your day, and even vent to them about issues in your life, knowing that you have their support and empathy. These connections become so precious that the need for a “social” life almost becomes obsolete.
Contemporary is a genre very near and dear to my heart. It is often used to tell a story; these stories can tell of relationships, struggles, and joyful times in life, but it most accurately tells the story of how someone is feeling. When I dance this style, I feel free. It’s as though I’m invincible to anything that wants to bring me down. If I’m ever having a bad day or feeling overwhelmed with issues in my life, I simply let the music play and let the feeling course through my veins as I let go and allow my body to fly. This is the sole definition of dance, the visual representation of one’s soul and emotion. It doesn’t matter where you come from, what you look like, or even what gender you are, dance was made for the enjoyment of everyone, so why not tell your story?
My goal is to continue dancing both recreationally and competitively, and partake in as many shows as I can before my body finally says no. It’s hard to let go of something that has become so much a part of you that it defines much of who you are. I know many other dancers out there can relate. I believe the key is to not abandon your passion, instead, seek to pursue it.
One day, I hope to teach high school and perhaps, sometime in the future, partner in or open my own dance studio so more young men and women, girls AND boys, can understand this magnificent euphoria which is dance. I believe the most important thing to remember for any aspiring dancer is that it’s going to get hard, and from time to time, it’s going to hurt…alot! However, it’s the fact that we care too much about our sport to let that slow us down. Push through the pain and remember that dedication is key. Your attitude determines your altitude!
