As many of you may have seen recently on our Facebook page or remember some of our posts previously, I told you about how we were heading to an upcoming competition! You may have also seen our recent post of our press release from the Showstopper Dance Competition. Today, I wanted to tell you about what it was like to take the stage after 3 years of taking a break from competing and performing.
Over the last 3 years, I have taken a break from competing and performing in general. I have primarily been teaching, learning, and staying behind the scenes and away from center stage. These last 3 years gave me many moments I had longed to be back on the stage. About 4-5 months ago, I started working with Aris, one of my students that I had worked with when he first started dancing. At the beginning of our rehearsals together, we had discussed for him to compete at the Showstopper Dance Competition or another competition if the timing lined up properly with our schedules. During one of our rehearsals he asked me how long it had actually been since I had performed or competed. When I told him it had been 3 years, he told me he refused to compete unless I did as well. Now, to elaborate on the refusal you need to know a background story.
3 years ago, during the last hip hop group dance I had taught, I promised them I would take them to a competition someday and I would compete with them. Unfortunately, the money and timing never aligned properly and we didn't get to compete. Well, not knowing 3 years later I would be working with one of my first kids, I had completely forgotten about this promise. So, after not competing or performing for 3 years I was reminded of my 3 year old promise and was held accountable for it. Not only did I compete a solo, I also competed with Aris in a duet. The day my solo was to be performed was like any other traditional competition day, you arrive and the adrenaline of seeing the stage, the lights, the costumes, and other talented students begins to course through your veins and excite you unlike any other place can.
The morning of April 30th, I walked into my first competition setting in 3 years. Believe me, the feeling I described above doesn't even compare to the way I felt when I saw the stage I'd be performing on. My first thought looking at this familiar and favorite setting was, "Hello old friend! It's good to be back!" That night, as I was stretching and preparing to perform in only a few minutes, I was nervous, excited, and reminiscing on my previous competitions and performances! As I was standing backstage, on deck, waiting for the number before mine to be completed, I couldn't wait to step on that stage.
As soon as I stepped on that stage, I felt the floor beneath me, the pirouette shoes on my feet, my huge, sparkling competition earrings in my ears, my hair slicked back and braided as tight as my mom could get it, and finally the warmth of the bright lights, and I knew I was at home and in an element unlike anything else on that stage again. The music started and like always I thought, don't forget the dance! The music continued and I continued to flow through the choreography with it and felt a feeling of true expression, relaxation, and love for dance that I haven't felt in 3 years. For me, it wasn't about competing against anyone else, it was about being able to perform again, show my love and passion for dance, and compete against myself and the dancer I used to be. When I started dancing and competing at Raskin Dance Studio, I was told something that I will never forget.
"When you perform, compete, or just take class...dance as if it's the last time you will ever dance."
-Miss Val (Valerie Raskin)
Since the day I had heard that statement from Miss Val, I have continued to remind myself of it every time I dance and I now tell my students the same thing. For those of you that dance, I urge you to always remember to dance as if it's your last time. It will not only make you a better dancer, but the love and passion you have for dance will grow and progress even further in that moment than you could ever imagine. The next time you compete, perform, or take class, please take this quote to heart and leave feedback for us to read about how you felt in that moment!
