‘YOU’LL never be able to dance. You’re too stiff.” These were the words my adviser said to me years ago. We were practicing our routine for an annual school program, wherein sections in every year are required to participate. Those in the higher sections, will get to present our very own folk dances, and those in the lower sections get to present some kind of exercise routine.
I belonged to the top section so folk dance it is!
I’ve always been familiar with the steps since the whole routine usually doesn’t change. Some parts of the routione, true, were modified, but the dance steps remained very predictable. It’s always been the usual pattern, I told myself. But just when I thought everything would be a walk in the park, I was served these words: You’re too stiff.
And I froze.
My partner happened to be one of my close friends. She was praised for her dancing and was actually pitied when she was partnered with me. How wrong they were.
We practiced the routine for weeks and the remarks continued: I’m bad. She’s good. Over and over again. I grew tired of it. Then, I made a decision. I’m going to dance.
Hence, one summer, I entered a dance workshop our mayor’s office organized. I learned different choreographies and boy did I try to learn them all. I danced all the way to a presentation for our graduation. But the video of our performance made realize I was really bad. While I thought I was doing okay onstage, on video, it seemed like I was just standing there literally.
I was devastated: Two months of practice did nothing. I was discouraged after watching myself do something other than dance. I decided right there and then to continue learning that other something, to really learn how to dance.
Maybe I was thick-skinned; maybe I’m stubborn. But that performance became my stepping stone to pursue dancing. I realized the hardship I’ve gone through is nothing compared to the feeling of being onstage and performing.
After six years, our group acquired a second place spot at a small competition. Among other members, I think I was the happiest of all: seeing for myself that all my hardwork finally showed some results. I realized first-hand that weaknessess can be conquered. Of course it was not easy, I realized nothing is. It took me 72 months and constant unwanted attention.
But once I hurdled all the challenges, the feeling is indescribable. Summer is here again and my thoughts go back to that remarks about being stiff and inability to dance. I recognized my weakness and turned it into strength. I hope you do, too.
By Abby Ordono