It's true. A song can't come on the radio that doesn't
immediately remind me of a dance routine I have done in the past. After all, I
have been doing routines to different songs pretty much since I was 3 years
old. That's 30 + years of countless routines! My days spent dancing are some of
the most amazing memories I have. Some of the best friendships and important life lessons
have been created through my dancing. My professional career performing in the
AFL and NBA spans over 10 years! It's amazing I can still bend my knees! None
the less, I am extremely proud of all my time spent on every team with which I have had the opportunity to perform.
Being a part of sports and dancing growing up was undoubtedly one of the best things my parents could
have done for me. No matter what was going on at school, I was able to
forget about it for a while and concentrate on what I loved. I think this is a very important part of the puzzle to help a child that may feel different or excluded. Find something they ARE good at...something they look forward to ...and support them with everything you have as a parent. So much that it drowns out the noise from the negative. By the age
of 12, I had earned my first degree black belt in TaeKwonDo and was a
national competitor with the US Junior Olympic team. I was traveling all over the United States competing. I even
had the opportunity to travel to Korea and train with
their Olympians- an experience I will never forget! Being
introduced to a culture so different than mine at such a young
age really opened my eyes to new and beautiful things. If it wasn't for my parents getting me involved, I never would have had the opportunity to achieve any of this.
With opening night upon us for the NBA, I can't help but
reflect on my accomplishments as a dancer and athlete. What it took to get
there and what it has taught me are such valuable lessons that I apply in my
everyday life- even today. Most importantly, my experiences have shown me I can
accomplish anything I set my mind to, even when things were rough. Being
involved, especially at a young age, was an outlet that made me feel included
and gave me a sense of accomplishment growing up.
My extracurricular activities got me through my day and gave me
something to feel proud about. I learned what it was like to have passion at a young age. To set goals and work hard until I achieved them. No matter what, my parents were always all about positive thinking. If you want to do it, you can. I can remember one instance when my dad set up a phone conference while I was away at college to have a session with Steven Cates- a motivational speaker- before my first college audition. I STILL use the exercise he taught me that day! It's all about state of mind.
I used to get so many questions about my professional dance
career, and I still do! "Why did you do it?" "You guys didn't even get paid
that much!?" I proudly always took that opportunity to set that
person straight - explaining it's not about the money it's about so much more! The being a part of a team with amazing talented women. The passion it brings out in you. The blood, sweat and tears that go on even before you step foot on the court all lend a sense of accomplishment. The rush of performing. These are experiences that are earned and can't be bought. I can honestly say I would have done this all for free.
Auditions are hard. Period. Especially the older you get. I really can't think of anything more grueling than
an audition for a professional dance team. My dental hygiene clinical boards
came in a close second ;) I have been in a room filled with 300 + girls,
all hopeful for 1 spot. Little by little, after 4 long days - only 25 girls will be
left standing. It's so easy to defeat yourself just with doubt or fear alone! Or just
the opposite can happen- you get it done. You work through your doubts and just
nail it. Then you're one of the lucky 25, posing for the new team picture at the end of
the day. I have experienced both and I am a better person for it all. While I
was writing this, I realized I have been through the audition process 18 times
since I was in 7th grade, with only one attempt unsuccessful! As you can
imagine that was not an easy loss, but a really
valuable learning experience was gained. You have to be all in, or else it shows in one way or another. No room for fear or doubt. Believing in yourself makes all the difference in the world! Lesson learned.
Working for a professional sports team, not only do you dance and perform at the games, but you are also considered an ambassador for that organization. One of my favorite parts of being involved with these teams were the promotions, community work, and appearances we were invited to attend. This aspect of dance taught me about poise and exuding confidence, even when I felt nervous inside. Media appearances, such as TV, radio, news papers were all part of it. If you told 5th grade me that I would be on the news someday speaking about and promoting the Chicago Bulls I would have thought you were crazy! Or the fact that I would be in an EA Sports video game and have my own Upper Deck trading card?? No way. All of these little things remind me of how far I have come. Grade school me, still can't believe it. While the adult me has come to expect big things for myself.
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| My 2010 season. With my Luvabull teammates ( pun intended <3) Love you girls! XO |
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