20 years in the making, hundreds,
No a thousand classes taken.

Countless hours spent spinning and leaping –
Waiting for a dream to come true.

Sleepless nights, aching body –
Exhaustion becomes a way of life.

Will it all be worth it in the end?

1-2-3, start again.
1-2-3 from the top!
5-6-7-8…

Counts displayed on the beat,
Rhythm mimicked from the top of the head to the arch of the feet.

A disgustingly beautiful passion –
Beads run down the neck, graze the arm,
Caress the chiseled back.

Again!

Toes bleed, 1 blister, 2 blister, 3 –
Every scrape and every band aid,
Eyes swell and tears flow.

It will all be worth it in the end.

Every sequin, every bobby pin,
Dollar spent and sacrifice made –
Must be worth it in the end.

1-2, plié, 3 jump, 4 –
Land ever so softly, a hummingbird’s lightest tough.

The day has come.

My sisters and I glide across the floor;
We breathe as one, we move as one.

One last breath.

The piano chimes, the rhythm sways and hits –
These moments pass quicker than anticipated.

Strike the final pose,
Now walk, walk, walk…

Leave the floor, tears swelling in my eyes once again –
Emotion engulfs every thought like a tidal wave.
The most sincere emotion.

My sisters at my side

It was all worth it in the end.