Dancing On My Own

When I started dancing I was young,

it was something my mother thought I would enjoy.

Little did I know that the day I attended my first dance class in my pink leotard and white fluffy tutu,

that I would fall in love with the art form.

My first dance class I stomped around the room in my pink ballet slippers, along to classical music written by some of the best composers.

I remember my mum telling me I was her fairy elephant with my heavy footing and less than graceful balance.

When I look back on those days of pink tights, black leotards, and light pink wrap skirts, I thank my mother for knowing my passions before I did.

Since that moment I attended my first dance class I attended one every year twice a week and sometimes three times a week for the next sixteen years.

I devoted sixteen years of my life to my teachers, friends, and the challenging lessons that the art form demands.

It wasn't until I discovered Sue Darrow's School of Dance when I moved to the U.S. from England that I truly fell in love with the form of ballet.

I was seven when I first walked into an audition with Sue Darrow, I wore the biggest smile knowing I was going to be taught under the direction of the greatest within miles of my hometown.

Sue had a reputation for being strict, she respected the art form and everything it entailed, from the discipline, to technique, and the life lessons it taught young girls and boys.

Sue always told us, "Dance friends are the friends you make for life," and I can't think of anything more true.

It was that year that I auditioned for the Nutcracker with my best friend, Moriah.

Moriah and I entered The Dancescape Ballet Company as the youngest members that year.

From that year forward we were joined at the hip, we did everything together.

We bought our first pair of point shoes together, we took all of our dance classes together, and we even danced in ten Nutcracker's together.

Throughout my years dancing with the company I learned so many valuable lessons in life,

I learned that not everything is fair, hard work pays off, practice makes perfect, and most importantly I learned that when you fall down you pick yourself up.

When I was in my high school years, my teacher and my friend, Sue Darrow passed on the studio to what is now, Brittany's School of Dance.

What I loved most about this transition, was that it wasn't a loss for any of us, it was a gain.

I grew up with Brittany, she was my friend, role model, and mentor in life.

Everyday that I entered the studio after Sue left, I still felt the same love, care, and unity in the atmosphere.

Looking back at my experience with Sue and Brittany's School of Dance and the Dancescape Ballet Company, I owe a lot of my life teaching to Brittany and Sue.

With one year out of dance, and the annual Nutcracker coming around the corner, I feel empty inside.

Although it will be my first year away from my best friend, teachers, and the cast and crew of the magnificent show, I know I will make new memories and traditions supporting the Company that made me, me.

I wish everyone in the Company the best of luck.

You truly do have the best of the best under the direction of Brittany.