“But I choose to dance anyway”

There have been many instances where the opportunity to quit had been wide open. I could have quit at 9; when I realised that half way through a lesson, my feet were getting so tired I had to take a break. I could have quit at 13; when doctors offered me a walking frame to assist me everywhere I went. I could have quit at 14; when it was clear that for the rest of my life I would be dependent on a wheelchair. I could probably quit right now because even in a wheelchair I still get tired and I know that my dance technique is not on par with the rest of my class.

Of course, I know this. I am not oblivious… but I choose to dance anyway.

I truly believe there is something magical about the feeling you get when performing up on stage. It’s a feeling that is difficult to describe and even harder to know unless you are some kind of performer yourself; whether that be an actor, a musician, a vocalist or a dancer like me.

The feeling of performing on stage is gratifying in many ways. You feel like you’ve accomplished something that you’ve been practicing for a long period of time. You also get to be part of something bigger than your individual self. I get to perform with a group of very talented girls, some of which I’ve actually grown up with. I also get to do it in front of friends and family and of course our teacher who works so hard every semester to make every show what it is. For all of those people, it makes them proud and gives them a level of joy that makes me feel good about myself.

I also think dancing has a lot to do with my own self confidence. You see even if I’m not particularly talented or a professional, I still feel accomplishment in what I do. I feel like I’ve worked at something to the best of my ability and I’ve still challenged myself as much as I possibly can. Particularly because this is a physical activity that genuinely takes a lot of energy and hard work for me (more than most people), I feel proud that I get through each semester and then show, despite the energy lost and the tiring nights.

The other thing I get from dancing is to show other people what I’m made of. I love that I get to prove to other people that just because I’m in a wheelchair, it doesn’t stop me from doing something as physically challenging as dancing. I’ve spent most of my life on a mission to surprise people. To show people what they least expect from me and challenge people not to judge a book by its cover. I’ll admit, I get a real kick out of seeing the look on peoples’ faces when I tell them I’m a dancer. Especially when I add that I have been for over 12 years.

Dancing gives me something to feel proud of. It gives me joy and a way of escaping the rest of the world. When I’m having a rough week, I know I have Friday nights to look forward to. A night where all I have to worry about is which foot comes first and how fast it will take to move from one spot to the next. I love how when a good song plays, without even meaning to, it can compel me to move my body and just have fun. Because that’s what Dance Explosion is all about. Our school doesn’t do exams or competition. We are there to learn, have fun and put on an awesome show.

Speaking of putting on a great show, this past Friday, Deer Park Dance Explosion just put on their 2017 end of year production of: The Ugly Duckling. And what a show it was! This production was really held together by a main cast of the younger classes which was a first. We are very proud of those girls. Plus, some amazing dancers in every year level. Everyone just gets better and better every year.   

We are also there to make long lasting friendships so that when the time does come for us to part ways, we will always have a family to come back to when we need them.

I’m very lucky to be a part of Dance Explosion and there is no way I could give this up any time soon.

Have a lovely day! xx