Trophy Years

Last weekend I wrapped up my last high school competition season with DNA. In ways I was shaken by the fact that it was my last... and bitter-sweetness became me as I reflected on the previous eight years of competing on different stages and how each one had its meaning as did the past four years of books and people who have contributed to who I am.

Part of me felt like the player who puts the towel over his head to veil his tears while exiting the court as his high school career comes to a close. Videos, pictures, medals and trophies lay left as it leaves. And what seems like a very large window is being shut and the curtains rise and fall to the wood of the floors one last time on these stages that I move on – these stages of my life.

I graduate in just a few weeks and have showcases to finish up with and then I plan on auditioning for Cruise Ships this summer and hopefully sign for 4-6 months. So obviously, I’m not planning on going to college right away and it was probably one of the most sought out decisions I’ve ever had to make… but it was very clear to me that this is what I need to do. I want to start making my way into the professional dance world… and if I’m a starving artist, then I’m a starving artist at least doing what I love – doing what makes me come alive.

Am I scared? Well, hell yeah I’m scared.
But I think that’s one of the reasons why I know its right.
These stages are as scary as it gets and I believe they should be.
I think we all NEED experiences that knock us off center… otherwise we’re not living. Sometimes you find those off-center experiences in places, sometimes in passions, or in people. I have gotten to partake in many and have found those experiences in all three and I want to keep finding them – keep expanding them.

I’m excited about this next phase of my life. I’m anxious to see more of the world and to keep learning, keep in-taking in order to give back.
So, goodbye trophy years… hello un-idealistic career.