words from the klutzy ballerina

... or me, to be specific.


I love ballet (like, A LOT).
One of my top, ultimate dreams (since I was about three) is to be to be a prima ballerina in the NYC ballet company and preform such classic ballets as the Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and etc.  I long to be in a fluffy, sparkly tutu gliding across the stage. *insert sighs*

But ballerinas are not as they appear on stage — they are not fragile or delicate by any means. And, they make everything look effortless. That is just a really good illusion.

Instead, they are strong, tough, and toned (and intimidating). They are able to move their bodies in precise, quick movements to the beat of the music. It amazes me. Beautiful, graceful, strong, and precise. All those stereotypical qualities (plus a few more) are what a ballerina should be... also, what I aspire to be.

I once heard a saying that a girl can be a klutz, but once you put her on the stage with ballet shoes she becomes a graceful ballerina.

Speaking from personal experience, this is a true statement. In fact, it couldn't be more true in my case.

The pointe shoes are wonderful. I get a thrill just putting them on (that thrill has not worn off in the almost four years I have been on pointe).
As a dancer, sweat is sweet, not gross — every glittering drop has been earned.
It is sometimes painful, usually hard, and always rewarding.  I enjoy pushing myself further to become better at something... and really, to become the best that I can be. Ballet is not just fun, it's an outlet. Like running, dance allows me to clear my thoughts and gives my endorphins an extra boost.
As I was attempting to have perfect form, gracefully extended movements, and remember the combination  last night in ballet class, it hit me like a ton of bricks. All of the sudden, I asked myself, "Why am I here? Why am I trying my best if its never going to amount to anything?" I was thinking about it (while I was doing my lame duck en Coupé across the floor to some Christmas song) and I realized that I am doing it because I love it. 
All I can put forth is my best for the glory of God because He gave me the ability to do something I love. It doesn't matter that I'll never get to dance professionally (really, a dancer's career is very short and you can't do much with a dancing career after 25+ except teach. Pointless, right?). 
What does matter is that I don't lose sight of the ultimate goal in this life - giving God the glory and being a light for Him. This alone is reason enough for me to smile... dancing is just a happy bonus.

2 Corinthians 4:6 - "For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. "

Swan Lake. I think the guy is hilarious.
My teacher hopes for us to do a spin off of it in our May recital. We'll see how that goes.