How many of you watched "So You Think You Can Dance" this
summer? I know I did and was captivated by the sheer
talent and confidence I witnessed. While this is the
hottest TV program (I don't watch much TV, mind you) of the
summer season, it isn't the hotness that amazes me. It's
what this experience does for the people who compete.
You see, I am a dancer, too. I spent my childhood
and adolescent years taking ballet, tap, jazz and modern dance
lessons. I was pretty good. But what I gained
wasn't just about dance. It was about confidence
building, self-esteem, poise and the ability to meet
challenges. That's what I acquired.
I thought it was about costumes and getting the routines
right. But it wasn't. It was about not getting
some of the steps right and then finally accomplishing what
was so difficult. You see, when you perform in front of
a live audience, something happens to you. You
transform. I performed and in return received applause,
recognition from my peers, parents and teachers, as well as
confidence. You just can't buy that anywhere.
Today I am able to get up in front of audiences and speak
with assurance, not because I got the steps right at age
12. But because sometimes I couldn't get them, and then
worked to make them just so. Take that and add a touch
of live performance - wow, is that a boost to anyone's sense
of worth! Especially if you're an adolescent. Take
that to the bank.
Marsha Lindquist
480-473-9977
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