What Could Have Been...
Have you ever considered what you may do differently if you had another chance in life? If you could start all over, or wake up in another body and give this life another shot, what would you change? Would you play a different sport, take school more seriously, or appreciate the beauty of our planet more often? This type of question is something I like to ponder frequently. I believe that by asking myself this question every day I can make slow modifications and live a fuller life.
For me, if I was given another chance in life I would take dance more seriously. Dance was something I participated in for 10 years and loved more than anything. However, I lacked the motivation or commitment to the art and although I succeeded in many ways, I believe I had the potential to really do well and I let that moment slip away.
The way your body moves in order to tell a story and convey emotion is the most beautiful art form, in my opinion. In very well-developed and choreographed routines, there is an underlying message or story, and if the audience can feel and experience the story like they are living it, as a dancer your job is done.
At 3 years old when I started dancing, I participated solely to have fun. I did well right away and was always put front and center for my group dances. I loved being in the spotlight and getting my hair, makeup and costume on before the recital. As I grew older many girls started putting long hours in at the studio and although I opted out of that, I continued to tap dance and exceed, winning awards at competitions frequently. At some point, the joy was no longer there so I chose to quit and try to play sports. Although this switch satisfied my competitiveness, the loss of this art form and space to express myself artistically was very impactful. As someone who enjoys art, I was eventually able to find another form of art like painting and drawing that I enjoyed but I have yet discovered an art form as riveting and emotional as dance.
To answer my initial question, if I had another life, or I was given a redo, I would take dance more seriously. I would push myself and put those extra hours in at the studio. Looking back on almost 4 years since I quit dance I can’t help but think about what could have been if I had committed to the art form and really tapped (get it, like tap dancing) into my true potential. I challenge you to consider what you might do differently, and maybe this can help you take advantage of the opportunities in front of you now
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| Marina (left) and I at a dance competition |
I can very much relate to this. I danced for years upon years as well. I quit last year and I can whole heartily say that I regret it. It was an art that gave me so much joy and I loved practices regardless of how difficult they could get. At times the pressure was draining but not being there was even worse. It made me feel so happy. The pressure of high school, cheerleading, and the other clubs I do forced me to quit. Maybe you could consider joining dance again or even take private lesson to see if its still for you, if you have time.
ReplyDeleteI began dancing at the age of 3 as well. I danced until 5th grade and practiced several different forms of dance. It's a very interesting question asking yourself, "What could I have done differently?" I know many of my classmates would stay at the studio longer and put more hours in. That is because my passion and drive for dance vanished because I was completely consumed by basketball. Although I love basketball and never want to give it up, it's interesting to think how different my life would be if I chose dance.
ReplyDeleteIt is so crazy to see how many of us shared the same childhood activities! I was a quite serious dancer for about 11 years (until recently) , and the "what if" questions are questions that I ask myself everyday. Because I grew up within a dance studio with a specific group of girls, I consider them a part of my family; despite the fact that I no longer spend 20 hours a week with them. I left dance because of marching band, and I still do not (nor will I probably ever) know if doing so was the right choice. Part of me feels that I am neglecting my childhood while another part of me feels that I am only letting my capabilities grow. It was so comforting to read this and know that I am not alone!
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