So why do you dance?! Here's a fun post written by Miss Mary about her dance journey growing up and how it impacted her life :)
Live, Love,
Dance By Mary Swenson
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, two to adults, I see what an incredible impact
in can make.
When I was
young, probably 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 probably 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 back yard, I was
dancing all the time. And it sure looks like much hasn't changed- still
dancing all the time!
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, 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. 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
