WHY BE A JENNIFER COLBY DANCER?

The best people to answer that question are probably the returning members of the Jennifer Colby Dancers! So we would like to share some excerpts with you from JCD dancers who participated in an essay contest on “How Dance Makes A Difference In My Life” :

• My friends and I are all dancers with the Colby Center for Dance and it’s a huge part of our life. I spend most of my time with these girls even though we don’t go to the same school or church or live in the same neighborhood. We are not just dance partners, we are teammates and we are friends.

• Dance has helped me become more coordinated and graceful ... with the exceptions of those times I trip over my own two feet.

• I wouldn’t have the good grades I have now if it weren’t for dance. It keeps me reaching for higher levels, it gives me focus, concentration, and discipline ...

• I have learned through dance that the saying “practice makes perfect” really is true.

• Dance has also made a difference in the way I feel about myself. I used to feel uncomfortable getting up in front of people to give a presentation, but now I don’t. Dance has given me a lot of self-confidence. It feels wonderful to know I found something I am good at.

• Learning that making mistakes is ok as long as you tried your best is really important. Later on, another door and another opportunity will open.

• I have learned that to reach a goal, I have to work very hard and never give up.

• I believe that if I did not dance, I would spend most of my time sitting around the house ... Dance allows me to keep my body in shape while doing something that I love.

• Dance teaches me about commitment and hard work. The Friday night sleepovers, the groovy school dances, and the birthday parties sometimes have to be put aside. But when I can finally do a new combination after weeks of trying, it is worth it.

• Dance has taught me to be a good teammate and a good competitor. Being a good teammate means being positive and supportive of everyone on my team. I am also learning to be a good competitor. It is fun to meet dancers from the studios we compete against. Being nice to everyone really gets you far.

• Dance has given me confidence in myself. I remember when I was three at my very first recital, waiting backstage and so nervous I was about to cry ... but as soon as I got on stage, I gave my biggest smile and started to dance. From that moment I knew I loved to dance!

• I have a place in dance, and that’s important to me. It makes a difference in my life just knowing that after a day of tests, school gossip and nagging parents, I can step in the studio and do something that truly makes me happy.

• Dance has taught be how important it is to be on time. It is unfair to keep my teammates and my teachers waiting. Dance has also taught me to stay organized and to balance my time.

• At times it can be hard with all the rehearsals and classes, but this has taught me self-discipline and dedication and how to set goals and accomplish them.

• When I’m on stage dancing or just practicing in the studio, I feel like I’m where I’m meant to be and that I’m important, feelings I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world.

• Last year was a hard one for me and my family and I had so many thoughts going through my head all the time. None of them know it, but everyday my dance teammates and teachers helped me along by being so positive and so supportive, even when they didn’t know what was going on. They are so nice to everyone, and I hope they realize how much they mean to me.

• Our instructor Jennifer Colby and her helpers are some of the most talented people I know ... They teach us to be responsible and to treat others with respect. I want to be like them.

• Dance has allowed me to grow as a person and has been an environment where I can flourish ... It gives me the best friends and role models I could ever find. But most importantly, it has given me happiness ...

• With the help of my teachers, dance has taught me, most of all, to be the best person I can be.

• Most importantly, dance makes me happy. I don’t think I’m ever happier than when I’m in the studio or on the stage.