Tip Toes and Beyond by Abigale

Tip Toes and Beyond by Abigale - October 2013 Scholarship Essay

Becoming a successful dancer doesn't just happen overnight, it takes years to master the art. For the past eleven years, my life has revolved around the Art Center of Wooster. I consider it a second home and the company members my extended family. I have performed many productions throughout my career as a dancer, but my role as Clara in the Nutcracker stands above the rest. Five days a week, three hours a day for four months I dedicated my laborious efforts to a flawless performance as the lead role. My partner and I rehearsed relentlessly for the instructor after each class. Constructive criticism was given in daily class as well as rehearsal, making me strive for improvement.
Each instructor gives specialized choreography depending on the dancer and what they can do. After countless rehearsals with my partner, I wasn't mastering my double fouette turns. My balance was not placed correctly and I couldn’t stay upright, in turn, my spirit was broken and I was left to question my ability. If I wasn't able to do it in the studio, how was I supposed to on stage? My instructor insisted we change the choreography for my well-being, but I refused. Outside of rehearsal, my partner believed in me. He would push me to do the fouette turns over and over again until I improved.
After years of discipline and dedication to the art of dance, my time finally had come. Knowing all of my experience and practice was finally coming together, I was ready to make each performance a success. Hundreds of people from the Wooster community come to this production, supporting the Wayne Center's art department. By the time of the performance, I was nervous but I knew my partner had confidence in me. More importantly, I learned to believe in myself; I could do this. Standing behind the heavy cloaked wing, I wait for my cue; the music's exact count when I make my appearance. Meticulously tied, my pointe shoes meet the rosin before I become one with the dance. The jewels in my bodice reflect every color as I take my first few steps. Seeing my partner's offered hand, I take his with conviction knowing my next move without a thought's hesitation. The dance illuminates my soul just as the lights illuminate my smile. My mind, perfectly content, can drift away from reality with the articulacy of each step. I am lost in a dream. As my partner and I dance until the last eight counts of our pas de deux, the adrenaline courses through me once again, only stronger. Anticipation builds as I know what waits. Finishing four pirouettes supported by his embrace, I launch into the air. His hands support my arched back as I hold my position above his head. At his mercy, he walks me to center stage setting me down seemingly effortlessly. As the music resides, I twirl into his arms and pose, listening for the audience’s approval.
Once the curtain closes and my partner and I bow, it is tradition to walk out into the exiting crowd to greet the audience members. Before I can find my family, flowers are thrown into my arms by various people. Children jump with excitement as they request my autograph and photo with me. I am filled with pride in knowing I have made a little girl's dream come true. My persistence and confidence proved to be rewarding throughout each performance; my turns were as I’d hoped them to be, flawless.