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Things You're Thankful For This Holiday Season

05/16/2018
dance costume

Thanksgiving and the holidays are nearly here and it's the ideal time to take a step back and reflect on all the things you're thankful for this season and all year. Whether it's that cute new dance costume your Mom just bought you, or the fact that you finally nailed that Grand Jete you've been practicing for ages, most dancers are often thankful for all things dance-related. That's ok. It's the small things in life that are often the most important. Here are a few that might resonate with you:

Your dance journey.

You've found your passion; something you love and you're good at. You might not realize this, but many people don't have that. They spend their lives searching for something that makes them as happy as dance makes you. Not only is it an activity that you enjoy, but it also adds focus and discipline to your life, vital skills you can put to use in other areas besides dance. As a human being, it also makes you a more well-rounded person.

Your health.

Without a strong body, you can't get very far in dance. Unfortunately, there are times when the industry can make you feel less than perfect in this regard. But if you can move your legs and arms, and perform complicated leaps and jumps, you should be grateful. Consider people in this world who can't even take a single step, much less dance and how thrilled they'd be to walk in your shoes for just one day.

Your progress.

You've worked hard and now you're reaping some of the fruits of your labor. You should be proud and grateful. If you're progressing in your dance skills and abilities, it's likely because you have great teachers who are able to instruct you in an effective way. You're also able to access enough studio time to get in the practice you need to improve and master those complicated steps and moves. For all these things, you should be grateful.

Your dance teacher.

Speaking of your dancer teacher, make sure you show your gratitude to them too. They spend hour after hour, repeating the same moves and instructions time and again until you get it just right. They're focused and push you to constantly do your best. Sometimes, you might not like it. But in the end, they're a big reason you're getting so good at dance - and that's something to be grateful for.

Your dance friends.

dance costume

Some of the strongest -- and often lifelong -- bonds are formed in the dance studio. Your dance friends are there for you during tough rehearsals and even harder auditions. They offer support and encouragement on those big performance nights, and are also there when you cry your eyes out from a mistake back stage. Bottom line? Your dance friends are true blue and you have a big reason to be grateful for them -- and all that they add to your life -- this holiday season.

Your supportive family.

Without your parents, or other family members, you might not have gotten very far with dance. Not only have they helped pay for all those dance classes (and if you're like most dancers, there are many!), but they sacrificed so much time out of their busy schedules in order to drive you to rehearsals, auditions, competitions and performances -- not to mention all those dance stores in search of the perfect dance costume. They've spent entire weekends traveling to dance-related events and taken time off work to make sure your dance dreams come true. Their support is a big reason you're able to focus so much on dance.

Your new dance costumes.

dance costume

Who doesn't love a new dance costume? And it's completely ok to be grateful for them. After all, they can add plenty of flair during a performance, or even help you stand out during an important competition. On top of that, just the fact that you're able to afford them -- when so many people are struggling today -- is just another reason to be grateful.

Your confidence.

Dance is a creative outlet that can help you to let go of negative emotions. On top of that, as your progress, it's a great way to build confidence and self-esteem. In today's day and age, these are vital to have not only in the studio and on the stage, but in the real world, too. When you're interviewing for a job, for instance, that confidence and poise you gained as a dancer can go a long way in helping you to stand out among other candidates to a potential employer. These are gifts you simply cannot buy -- which is why you should be grateful for them.

Your stress relief.

Face it, life is stressful. But as a dancer, you have access to a wonderful and healthy form of stress relief. Whether you had a bad day or you're feeling blue, taking it out in the studio will help to get rid of those dark emotions and lift your spirits immensely. Not only that, but dance offers a great escape -- one that many people don't have. So if you're going through a hard time, for an extended period, time in the studio can offer you a way to escape from it all. You can get lost in the movement and the music and let go out of the pressures and problems of the outside world. That is something truly valuable.

Being a dancer means you have a busy life. Between work, school, friends and hobbies, it can be sometimes hard to catch your breath. But during this season, you should take a break and take time to think through all the things you are grateful for. There are probably many more than you even realize. Not only that, but going through this exercise will help you realize just how much you have -- and will make you feel happier as a result.