Passionately in Love
May 4, 2006
Some things in life you learn to love, and others, you just know. Dance happens to be one of those loves that comes from the depth of my soul, without any reasoning or understanding of why I love it so much. It was just something that was always there; the passion, the love, and hopefully, some talent along with it.
I can’t recall when I started dancing, but I never took any dance lessons until much later. I was one of those “feel it and dance it” kinda-kid. And when I asked my mother why I was never allowed to take ballet lessons, she simply answered that I was too busy with school and “Saturday Japanese School”. And just like that, my chance of becoming a ballerina vanished.
But I don’t regret not being a ballerina. No offense to those who are or anyone with the passion for it, but in hindsight, it was a good thing that I didn’t start off with it. Ballet, as beautiful as it is, is a pretty confining dance. You can only do those leg lifts and toe-dancing unless you train your body and that’s a hurdle to conquer on its own. Not only that, you need a certain body and muscle structure, weight, and looks in order to be selected as the best. And if you’re not quite the type, it could be quite devastating for a child’s self-esteem and dream.
Even though I was quite bitter towards my mother for not letting me do ballet, I think I’m able to move in and out of so many different types of dances because I was never confined to one style or dance. Without this freedom, I might have never dreamed of becoming the next Madonna or Salsa danced my way to Miami!
So, after I got over ballet, I eventually started to dream of Broadway. My dream was to come to the dance capital of the world, New York City. I fell in love with Jazz and was ready to forget about college and dance my life away, until my dream shattered into pieces. Like every dancer’s nightmare, I got seriously injured. I literally detached myself from the one thing I loved so much. My passion for it was no longer a part of me. It seemed like the end of the world.
But there is no such a thing as giving up what you love. And I’m living proof of that!!! I ended up coming to the States and dancing a solo modern piece in high school, and in my third year of college, I was encouraged by a friend and auditioned for a show. I passed and the rest is history…
Now, after a month of learning belly dancing, I was asked to join my instructor’s troupe. Of course, my previous dancing and teaching experiences must have helped, but to be given an opportunity to dance professionally in Miami (a major belly dance Mecca) is truly unbelievable!! Who would have thought that after all these years, I would flourish as a dancer or that my dream would come true? Way after the age of what is considered the career peak for most dancers?!
And you know what? This just tells me one thing: it’s never too late to start or continue what you love, or even learn to love something new. Passion is what makes us vibrant, young and lively. And sharing it with others, make our lives so much more precious. So, if you’ve been thinking of doing something and made excuses why NOT to do them, go ahead and try it. Because life is too short to stall and be afraid. And what have you got to lose? Maybe an added expense or some compromise with your loved ones, but I’m pretty sure it will be worthwhile 
Technorati Tags: dance, dancing, salsa, ballet, belly dance, dancers, learning, japanese, miami
Comments»
Asuka — That’s so cool. I didn’t realize you were studying belly dancing. You and Laura will have to perform together at some point! I remember my first ballet class when I was about seven years old. I begged my mom to let me take dance classes and she finally did. I thought I would love tap and hate ballet — turned out to be the opposite.
Yeah. I just started in March and already hooked! I’m so fortunate to come across such a wonderful instructor. I saw her perform at Joharah’s Spring Hafla amongst other Internationally known Miami-base dancers but wow… it definitely blew my head off!! LOL! I also took “Belly Dance Superstar” Jillina’s drum solo WS and I know how lucky I am to have her as my first Workshop
Laura and I will deinitely have to do something together.
So you took ballet! I’m jealous. And you didn’t like tap?!
It was so super noisy! I was like 7 years old and just found it annoying! I can still do a mean time-step though! I learned more tap in high-school and liked what I learned then!
I’m so proud of my newest belly dance convert!! XOXO
Thank you
I guess it took its course, finally!