Encouragement before competition

Post of encouragement before the upcoming Wild Wild Westie 2024 📷📷

When we go to compete, we're looking forward with hopes of succeeding, placing, making finals, and simply having a blast 📷. But, hey, this is real life - we fall sometimes. We all fall 📷 (you can read this both literally and metaphorically 📷), and guess what? This is OKAY. It's normal for all of us, even the pros. Some might call it unprofessional and unacceptable. I? I call it human 📷.

This past year, I've seen many people of different ages, divisions (from newcomers to champs), and environments (social dances, all skate, spotlight moments) taking a tumble. And yep, I've been right there myself multiple times. It hurts 📷. It feels embarrassing 📷. It burns 📷. You want to run away, hide, and cry it out 📷.

But, when you're at your lowest point (take this literally or metaphorically), you've only got one way to go: UP! You can push from the bottom and pick yourself up from the ground. Sure, we can pretend we don't care and laugh it off 📷. But being raw, honest, and vulnerable? Now, that's something special 📷. Everyone can relate to those moments. It's not about being perfect but being authentic that brings us together 📷.

Also, how important is it for us to lift each other up in such moments as a community? 📷 It makes your pain a tad less tormenting when there's someone out there ready to hug you, listen, support, and share in your low moments. It's the light through the cracks, a beacon in the dark 📷. And, as much as it stings, pain is the best teacher, unforgettable 📷. So, even a bad experience is valuable if we learn from it 📷.

I am not looking forward to falling or tripping this year, but if it happens, I will channel my inner Tatiana and turn that disaster into a creative opportunity 📷. My students and I work on what to do if you fall. It's an essential skill, honestly 📷. Breathe deeply. Inhale. Exhale. Find your free foot and transfer your weight. Calm down. Everything is going to be okay 📷!

I am very excited to dance with all of you next weekend! And if something happens, please know that you are not alone- I feel you! Let's be there for each other!

P.S. And regarding this post you choose, is it about dance or about life in general📷📷📷 Much love, Maria