Dreaming of Ballet

I was watching the movie, Center Stage, one Sunday afternoon on HBO when I remember how ballet dancing used to be my passion and greatest dream. For the benefit of everyone, the movie Center Stage is about a group of hopeful ballet dancers dancing their way to a limited slot for a final dance workshop, which would showcase their talents.

I love collecting ballerina figurines. You see, when I was a kid, I've always wanted to be a ballerina. I remember in second grade, our teacher asked us to draw what we want to be when we grow up. I was tempted to draw a teacher since it was easier to draw a stick figure with a blackboard at its background. But since I know I would have a difficult time explaining it, I asked my classmate instead to draw me a ballerina. And it felt sooo good telling everyone that I wanted to be a prima ballerina when I grow up.

I thought that childhood dream will soon be a reality when my parents enrolled me in a ballet class when I was in third grade. I enjoyed every minute of it and I also loved our attire - black leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet shoes. But it was really hard - the pointed toes, plie', and splits. I had to endure all the body pains that was just too uncommon for a regular 8-year old.

Looking back, the thrice a week class and a couple of recitals proved just too much for me. My relationship with ballet lasted for just 3 years. At an early age, I realized that no matter how much you wanted something, if you're not that determined and willing to exert a lot of hardwork, then your dream will just be a dream.