The Dance of Determination by Hannah

The Dance of Determination by Hannah - February 2017 Scholarship Essay

Possessing a rather stubborn nature, I resist others making decisions for me. Therefore, when my mother attempts to sign my three year old self up for ballet classes, I blatantly refuse. Four years of coercion later, I agree to partake in a class. Never could I have predicted that one summer class would lead to eleven years of dedication to the art form and fitness that I love. But, like in every sport, I face obstacles. When my entire competition dance team thought that I would never succeed in landing a spot on the coveted level three of the team, I discovered Misty Copeland on a dance magazine cover. At this time in her career as a professional ballerina, she was not well known. However, her interview speaks volumes to me. Misty’s advice to anyone facing opposition, “you can do anything you want, even if you are being told negative things. Stay strong and find motivation,” inspired me to prove my coaches wrong.
The summer before my sophomore year, I took what Misty Copeland said to heart. I spent the next three months leading up to my audition training. Copeland symbolized a strong dancer and I decided to train for strength. Working each and every muscle seven days a week improved my technique immensely. Soon, kicking, leaping, and speed came easier due to such intense training. Each morning, I woke up visualizing the audition in my mind and more importantly, picturing my victory. Training consumed me so much that by August, I had lost fifteen pounds and developed the much desired “ballerina body.” I was strong, healthy, and determined. My dedication and technique were my weapons. I was ready for my audition.
The two-day audition held four rounds in front of judges and required an original solo. My piece told the story of my determination and paralleled Copeland’s motivation and self-worth. The shocked expressions on my coaches’ faces were the greatest rewards I have ever received. Their expressions proved to me that I can go above and beyond others’ expectations and truly “do anything [I] want, even [when] being told negative things.” I realized that I had reached my final destination. I could train no further. I must persevere and do my best in this final audition. I released everything plaguing me. I found my strength and performed as if it was my last chance.
As the first African-American principal in ABT, Copeland overcame much adversity in her journey. Her determination inspired my decision to train myself every day to become a strong dancer. I learned to no longer care what others thought of my worth. I was going to make it. And, thanks to my motivation, I did. I earned my spot on level three. I could never guarantee that I would make the team. I could never know if my training would be enough. Yet, I still overcame my obstacles and did what I loved most, I danced.