dancing

When all of the waiting, the practice, and preparations are over, each girl gets her moment in the spotlight. Her time to show the audience what she has learned and what she can do.

Some moments are shared with other dancers and some lucky girls get the stage to themselves.

The older girls seem to focus on the smallest of gestures. Placing their feet just so. Moving their hands as elegantly as possible. In dance, it seems, perfection is in the smallest of details 

Throughout the entire experience, I am often struck by the impact that dancing must have on the lives of these young girls. Dancing takes them from childhood, through their awkward teen years, and into adulthood. I wonder what they take with them. Do they gain grace and poise? Patience? Do they learn to work hard to achieve their goals? Do they become confident as they change from young girls to young women?

Did you grow up with dance lessons? How did they impact your life?

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the waiting is the worst part

This weekend, I enjoyed my annual opportunity to shoot a dance recital from back stage. The dance instructor is also a dancer in my wife's belly dance troupe & generously invites me to shoot the practice day as well as the show. I am always awed by the natural back stage lighting combined with the girls as they begin the process of mentally preparing for their time on stage.

Each of them moves through their own preparation process, some moving silently through their dances, while others stand in silent contemplation.

All of them are incredibly patient, knowing that their turn will come soon enough. Perhaps, this is a lesson for all of us in life. Be prepared and wait patiently, your turn to shine will come soon enough.