“Dance enables you to lose yourself and find yourself at the same time.”

I haven’t been dancing for very long, but I enjoy it. Very, very much. It’s just fascinating how your body can be an art form in itself, without the use of any tools or equipment to execute an image.

I also love writing. But if I were to describe writing as my consciousness of reality, I would say dancing is my escape from reality.

Like anything anyone tries hard for, dancing doesn’t bring me bliss and comfort 100% of the time. As a late starter and a girl whose childhood never consisted of forced ballet classes, I lacked a lot of confidence when I would have to dance in small groups or in front of a large crowd. Naturally, I was afraid of harsh judgment, and thought I would be compared.

I still am compared. Comparison is a normal thing in this world where competition to be the best of the best is bizarre. “Oh my gosh, her foot isn’t pointed enough.” “She needs to work on her splits before even attempting a jeté.” “Her arms are so sloppy!” And blah, blah, blah, the negative comments that are far from constructive criticism are carelessly thrown around.

But honestly, who cares? You don’t need to please anyone to do what you enjoy. Sure, having a buddy to share the zeal and memories with is brilliant. But bottom line, don’t get bogged down by the haters. When you find something you love, stick with it. Use each day as a resource to master the art, sport, or whatever it is.

I personally have a long way to go to be even close to a star. But it makes me happy, so I’m determined to keep on keepin on. Live love dance!

Reste toi-meme,

Michelle Kang