I walked into the unfamiliar building nervous to begin my dreams.

Wearing a tutu and pink ballet slippers, I enter the room with a wall of reflections.

Faces I’ve never seen before turn and stare at me.

Fear takes over as tears begin to form in my eyes.

But then someone amazing entered my life.

It was “her”.

She embraced me within a warm hug, reassuring me that everything would be ok.

She held my hand and didn't let go.

I couldn’t help but to look up to “her” as someone I will strive to be.

 

June has come with hard work and determination.

In my sparkly dress and crown, I watch “her” as she performs our routine behind the curtain.

I sit in the audience and watch as I see who I wish to become.

Recital has come to an end and I am handed a bouquet of roses for my accomplishments.

 

Today I start the third year of my career, head held high and confident.

I walk into that once unknown building no longer harboring butterflies.

Being embraces with the familiar face once again, I have not forgotten my dreams.

Still wanting to be the person I see in front of me.

 

Several years have passed and I’m now i’m five years closer to being “her”.

I went into competition tryouts with a nervous smile visible to all.

I see that one familiar face in which I have never forgotten.

It was “her”.

She takes my hand and we walk into the room together.

As the choreography is taught, she never gives up on me.

Now it’s my turn.

 

14 years and i’m still in admiration.

This time, I walk into the building no longer the little girl I once was.

No tutus, pink ballet slippers, or pigtails with bows.

This time, I am the role model.

I am embraced with their laughter and glowing looks I once portrayed.

The innocent smiles that cross their faces when they see me.

Feeling fulfilled, I continue to do what I love.

 

When the music starts for the last time, memories come flooding back.

I can remember the little girl with the pigtails without a sense of rhythm just wanting to dance.  

I remember my first class when the person I admire most entered my life.

It was “her”.

I remember my role model taking my hand, being my encouragement and support to continue.

 

The music has ended and reality comes rushing back.

I have accomplished my dreams and goals.

I am “her”.