Be Grateful. Please.

I've whined and moaned too much on this blog, I know.

So this time, I'm making a plea.

It will be a short one, so just hear me out.


For all of you lucky ones... Those who teach.. those who have the chance to perform and/or compete... even those who go for dance classes, regardless what kind of dance... 


Please. Be thankful for it.


Be thankful that you're dancing.

If it's not your cup of tea, STOP. Dancing requires passion to improve. It's a VERY demanding industry, so don't even think of making it with only talent alone. Talent can only get you so far, but it takes passion and love for the art to get you through the extremely trying times that will come.

If you're just taking it as a hobby, then learn well.

NEVER take it for granted.

Because, know that there are people dying to dance, but whom for whatever the reason, can't.

You have no idea how heartbreaking it is to see someone take dance for granted when all we've ever wanted to do was to dance.


So please.

If you don't like it, stop.

If you do, work hard and appreciate all the blood, sweat and tears that your teacher has put in to train you to be the best that they're able to.


Because somewhere in the corner or a darkened place, is a girl wishing she could be in your place right now.

Wishing that she could be the one that is able to attend classes every week. Wishing that she was the one who has to rush to class in between tuitions and school activities. Wishing that it was her the teacher was scolding, even.

And I'm not ashamed to reveal... that I know of such a girl.


Because one of them is me.


Ever since I have been forced to stop dancing, I felt as if I've lost my purpose. I'm employed, but not in the dance field. I've hopped from job to job, but none of them gave me as much satisfaction or pleasure as dance did.

When I see adverts to ballet shows or dance showcases that I can't afford to go to, I feel depressed. Upset. I cry. Yes, cry. Not because I'm left out in a 'field trip' of some sort, or because I missed out on an opportunity to show off to the others when I get back. But because I can't learn more.

Too often have I seen and heard about kids or their parents not being thankful for what their child is privileged to have. 

I've seen uptight parents who do not approve the mere scolding of their child in class, because he or she is 'too young' to understand; when in fact, I have seen kids younger than them who have gone through the same thing and took it in their stride better; and have improved tremendously.

I have seen kids who are old enough to understand reason, take their classes for granted. 

It's just dance class, they say. It's only a hobby. Academics are more important.


I acknowledge that.


But what you may not understand is that dance is probably one of THE most competitive art form. We strive for as much perfection as we can. We take our passions and our work very seriously. 


There is a time to work and a time to play. And make no mistake; we don't confuse the two at all.

So PLEASE.

Dance is a beautiful and even sacred thing. Never take dance for granted if you are privileged enough to learn it or be a part of it.

EVER.