Encouragement before competition

A note before the upcoming Wild Wild Westie 2024.

When we go to compete, we look forward with hope of succeeding, of placing, of making finals, of simply having a blast. But this is real life — we fall sometimes. We all fall (read it literally or metaphorically), and you know what? That is okay. It is normal, even for the pros. Some might call it unprofessional, unacceptable. I call it human.

This past year I have seen so many people of different ages and divisions — newcomers all the way to champs — and in every kind of environment: social dances, all-skates, spotlight moments. Tumbles everywhere. And yes, I have been right there myself, more than once. It hurts. It feels embarrassing. It burns. You want to run away and hide and cry it out.

But when you are at your lowest — take it literally or metaphorically — there is only one direction left to go. Up. You can push from the bottom and pick yourself off the ground. Sure, we can pretend we don't care and laugh it off. But being raw, honest, vulnerable? That is something else. Everyone can relate to that. It is not perfection that brings us together; it is being authentic.

And how much does it matter that we lift each other up in moments like that, as a community? It does. The pain is a little less unbearable when there is someone willing to hug you, listen to you, share the low place with you. The light through the cracks. The beacon in the dark. And as much as it stings — pain is the best teacher. It is unforgettable. Even a bad experience is worth something 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 the disaster into a creative opportunity. My students and I actually work on what to do if you fall. It is an essential skill, honestly. Breathe deep. Inhale. Exhale. Find your free foot, transfer your weight, calm down. It 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 the post you are reading, my friend — is it about dance, or about life in general?