On The Right Foot: Reflections From A Dance Recital

Yesterday afternoon I unexpectedly found myself in tears. I was at a dance recital for a friend. Dance has always been a great love of mine, so I was excited both to see her perform, and to be back in an environment that is so deeply familiar and nostalgic to me. As the curtains opened for the first number, it revealed about twenty tiny silhouettes. There was a collective “aww” from the audience and we watched the teachers lead each preschool dancer to their spot, knowing full-well that there was little chance they would stay there. As the music began, I immediately felt my eyes well up. It was confusing at first. I couldn’t figure out what I was feeling, or why I was feeling it all at once. But as the show went on, it became clear to me that those four- to six-year-olds were teaching me some very important lessons. In each piece, particularly in the youngest groups, I saw three types of dancers that stood out to me, and I think we can learn something from each of them today.

First, there was the dancer who you could see was just…having her moment. Smiling from ear to ear, taking it all in, occasionally abandoning the choreography to wave at the crowd—you can see her realizing that in this moment, she is a star. When you’re a child, it’s often easier to find unabashed joy in the applause. I think we could all stand to do more of that. Next time someone expresses support for you, compliments you, or lifts you up, let yourself feel it. Allow yourself to not be ashamed for experiencing the joy of being celebrated.

Second, there was the dancer who paused periodically to scan the crowd for her family. She was more concerned with who was there to see her than what was happening onstage. And you know what? That’s ok. There are many times in life when who you are with matters much more than where you are or what you are doing.

Third, there was the dancer who chose one move, and stuck with it. This one struck me the most. There was a particular number in which the whole group seemed to decide that when in doubt, they would point their right feet. I can only assume that there were intended to be more parts to the dance, but they chose to stick with what they knew. And they did it proudly! I’m not sure when in life our confidence to own where we are starts to dwindle, but I think we should all aim to reharness it. Maybe you can’t do a triple pirouette, and someone else can. But that does not diminish your ability to point your right foot. So, do the thing you know proudly. Holding yourself to the standards of others is not what will earn you your pointe shoes.

So, have your moment. Find joy in those around you. Embrace where you are. And, above all, remember that wisdom can come in the smallest, most unexpected packages.