5, 6, 7, 8...

5, 6, 7, 8…

Walking into the dance studio and seeing
the walls of mirrors and barres lined up against it
like tall pines reflecting on a lake
bring excitement to any dancer’s heart.
Anticipation of class is accompanied by
music as you put on your worn-out dance shoes.
Stepping onto the floor and looking at yourself
in the mirror you remember what brings
you back to class every week despite
sweat, blood, blisters, and sore muscles.
The music makes you feel alive and
because you can’t sing or play piano,
this is how you express yourself—
through movement that is born from
the music pulsing inside of you.
You dance without thinking—
the best way to dance.
As you begin stretching, warming up, and
fine-tuning your technique, the hurt-so-good
pain deep in your muscles is a reminder of the
work you have put into this.
Pointing, leaping, turning, stretching,
falling, hurting, pushing, succeeding,
always trying to make your actions speak
louder than any words ever could.
Dancing through the routine over and over,
nearly ten times, you are tired and sore, but
you understand this is how good dancers are
made: through determination and you want
to look perfect on stage.
Feeling grace flow from your steps and
knowing this is where you are supposed to be
makes dancing worth all the time and pain.