The above picture is of Cassie, a ballerina with a project known as, "Ballerina Project." Original, right? Some of you are wondering why in the world I'm putting a picture of a super-thin, super-flexible ballerina from Ballerina Project onto a blog post for what seems to be for no apparent reason. I'm glad you've asked because I would love to tell you. Be prepared to laugh, to cry, and most importantly, to receive an ear full:


I am what most people would define as an artist. By definition an artist is "one who is skilled in a particular occupation of the arts." I'm obviously paraphrasing. So what does that mean? Can I see a picture and  replicate it perfectly on paper or an easel? Not exactly. Can I hear a song on the radio and  perfectly replicate it on the piano or in song? Yes, actually. Where am I going with this?


While those are just a few examples of the artistic abilities I may or may not have complete talents to do, there is still one, (out of several), artistic occupation that thrives my very being; that pushes me to the very core of who I am; that makes me feel like I'm floating on air: 


DANCE.


So why am I writing a pointless blog entry about my nostalgia for dance and properly wasting the time of those of you who read it?  Because I have one objection, and one objection only; your objections notwithstanding: to become a professional dancer. 


Yes: I, at 23 years of age, have decided to become a professional dancer. STOP. I know what you're thinking because I've thought it, too: "How under Heaven can she become a professional dancer, now? Hasn't she already missed the boat?" This can be answered simply by directing you to an article that will either a) answer all your unanswered questions and/or b) crush all your hopes and dreams of ever doing the same. http://danceadvantage.net/2011/01/10/dancing-professionally/

For those of you who now have all of your unanswered questions answered, I will say this: There are two types of critics to every dream -- positive critics and negative critics. 
To the positive critics, I am so glad you have decided to support me in my decision to go pro. Your advice and constructive criticism is much appreciated; don't stop doing what you're doing.
To the negative critics, I appreciate that you feel the need to impulsively attack my decision. However your doubts and objections notwithstanding, I will push forward and upward to do whatever is necessary for me to do in order to accomplish my goals.


Now that I've gotten that out of the way, for those of you who have just had all of your hopes and dreams crushed of ever making the same decision, I greatly applaud you for taking the time to read the above article.  The author makes a good point when she writes: If  what you really wanted to do is dance, you'd already be doing it. What is my point here? The point is, if you really, honestly have a desire to dance then stop reading this blog post and get to work. Stop dreaming, and start dancing. I will say it again:


If dancing is what you really aspire to do with all of your being, stop dreaming and start dancing.


Ladies and gentlemen, (but probably mostly ladies), I thank you for your undivided attention in taking time out to read this unnecessarily long blog post about my hope in going pro with dance. I hope you will support me on my journey of doing what I feel I have been created to do.


Much love!