If somehow, you’ve been related to it, and I asked you to complete the next phrase, honestly, what would you say? : “Thanks to dance __________________”.

Here’s what some friends answered: Thanks to dance…

-I believe in myself

-I appreciate and accept my body

-I walk dancing & tap dance everywhere

-Discipline became one of my main values

-I created the strongest bonds and found my second family

-I know what team work really means

-I appreciate art

[…]

For those who’re not familiar with the subject, I’ll explain how this is not always about that moment on stage. Of course it is an important percentage, though it is not all about those minutes of conclusion, it is not only for the applause. It really is about so much more.

Dance is life, it’s getting to know your body, connecting, feeling yourself and reaching others. It is about the journey, about each day, every training and effort. It means being present, and always determined, and not giving up. It is learning, listening, expressing. Dance is to enjoy.

During a choreography, anything could happen. However, this time I’m not talking about the usual behind the scenes. I’m referring to the other part, at the front… the audience.  Who will be sitting down looking while those three brief minutes pass by. There will be people who just got in and out that show  feeling the same. People who maybe will ignore the effort of creating, of training or the truth behind every detail from the costumes to the scenography… But there will be some of them feeling inspired, hoping to live something similar. There will be others remembering certain moments, or the stage, or other feelings. There will be people who appreciate those three minutes… There will be so many people in their own world. That’s the public; in some way equals but always so different.

Dancing is just one of my passions in this wonderful and endless dimension of arts. In my case, from long time ago, this month represents a moment specifically dedicated to work on the last details of a coming choreographic presentation. That’s when I start repeating the so many times misunderstood but sincere “I can’t… I have rehearsal”.

In a few weeks I’ll be back on stage, and I’m more than thankful for the opportunity. Thanks to dance I’ve interacted in the most indescribable ways beyond a physical matter, with such unique individuals, and simultaneously I’ve learned to work with my surroundings. Thanks to this artistic world I’ve grown as a dancer and as a person.

I’m sure I’ve said it before, I’m not expecting for people to understand, though I do hope they remember that there will be moments no one will talk about. Beyond and above being on stage, or being on training or a rehearsal. Behind each person immersed in this art… there’s someone exploring, they’re creating and they’re living this whole other world. All this and so many moments, people and experiences: Thanks to dance.