CHOSEN TO DANCE

Dear 18 year old ballerina on the verge of the professional world of ballet,

As you stand on the edge of a new chapter,

know that there are going to be challenging days ahead.

Know that this thing you have been dreaming about for so long, while it is finally here, it doesn’t mean that every day you will feel excited about putting your pointe shoes on.

Know that you will still battle thoughts that say, “I’m not good enough, not skinny enough, or does anybody notice me?” But that doesn’t mean you should quit.

Know that you will often question whether this profession is fit for you, but know that questions push you closer to God’s heart.

Know that the path ahead will involve injuries and disappointments, but know that you will grow stronger through each one.

Know that the path ahead will look different than you imagined it might, but know that God has your very best interests in mind.

Know that you will see other dancers who are stronger than you, but don’t let it get you down, instead, let it make you stronger.

Know that you will long to dance roles that you may never get to dance, but don’t stop training hard because the opportunity might just come along.

Know that you won’t always feel like going to class, but know that the meditative repetition of class is your training ground for great performances.

Know that there will be days you long to be a “normal” person who wears “normal” clothes to work everyday, but know that you will one day miss wearing tights and a leotard every day.

Know that you will have awesome days in the studio and you will have hard days when you cry all the way home, but know that that’s okay and normal.

Know that other desires to do other things will sneak up on you at the oddest times, so take every desire of your heart to the Lord, and seek His wisdom in it.

Know that your feet and body are going to hurt a lot somedays, and know that it’s okay to rest and to take good care of your instrument.

Know that although this passion of yours to dance is so fulfilling, it’s not the answer to your heart’s greatest need.

Know that whether you wind up on the ABT stage or on a smaller scale stage in a tiny town, your dancing is important.

Know that no matter the size of the stage you are dancing on, God can use your dancing to bring beauty to the world.

Know that that pleasure you feel when you are dancing, it’s God’s pleasure.

Know that every strength and gift you possess in regards to your dancing is a love-gift straight from heaven.

Know that even though some days you wonder how God could possibly use your dancing to impact the world, know that He can use anything and anyone.

Know that when you feel discouraged because you are not getting the roles you want or you are not in the company of your dreams, know that God has place you right where He wants you.

Know that there will be days you feel like coasting through class and rehearsal, but remember to do your work with excellence.

Know that you will question God on the hard days if this calling was meant for you, but know that you can always run back to God for encouragement and affirmation.

Know that God has a plan for your dancing and your life, and know that He is always there to lead you.

Know that there will be days when you wonder if it’s worth it, but know that God can see the whole picture, so hang in there.

Know that there will be a day when your professional dancing career ends, but know that life only gets sweeter.

Stand strong in your calling.

Stand steady in who God has created you to be.

Stand ready for new opportunities and surprises.

Stand tall in the confidence that God loves you with a fierce love.

Stand amazed by His grace that you have been chosen to dance.