2023 Short Story & Essay Contest: Honorable Mention, High School Essay Contest
I entered the spacious dance studio filled with white light and slow-beat music, my nerves jangling with anxiety. Several slender girls in T-shirts and leggings were stretching their legs effortlessly on the wooden bar along the mirrored wall, while some contorted into graceful poses on the polished floor.
Annette, the dance camp instructor, greeted me and motioned for me to join the group for warm-up. I shuffled to the far end of the room. The wall mirror reflected my bulky swimmer shoulders and hasty gait. I felt like a moth in a room of butterflies.
After the warm-up, we practiced intricate dance moves like pirouettes, grand jetés and arabesques. Despite my best efforts, my movements were wobbly and clumsy compared to other dancers. When it was time to assign roles for the final performance, I received a minor role in the back row. While the lead dancers twirled, glided and leaped across the dance floor like exquisite swans, I stumbled through basic moves and steps in the background. When Annette pointed out details that I needed to fix, I didn’t care much as I knew I would go unnoticed in the back anyway.
The first week of camp dragged on without any excitement. On the following Monday, the weather was crisp and cool, so we ate lunch in the front garden. Clusters of girls chatted and laughed around the wrought iron tables. I sat on a bench near the entrance and quietly munched on my sandwich, taking in the sight of the well-arranged flower beds bordering the front lawn. Pink lilies with red flecks bloomed in the gentle breeze, swaying in elegance. Amid the flowers, jade-green leaves danced in tandem. Although not as noticeable as the blossoms, they added a touch of subtle beauty to the glamor of the lilies.
Annette called us inside, and we focused on rehearsing and correcting our moves. When the music flowed in the room, the image of the swaying lily leaves harbored in my mind. I raised my arms above my head and twirled and spun to the melody with newfound poise and vitality. I immersed myself in the music and savored every moment of the dance. For the first time, I truly felt like a dancer.
The performance in the regional dance theater was a success. The lead dancers took the spotlight and impressed the audience with their skills, while I added to their performance with thoughtful and elegant moves. When we struck our final pose, the audience erupted in applause. Although most of the applause was for the lead dancers, I couldn’t help but feel proud of my own contribution to the dance.
The two-week dance camp ended and years passed but I still often think back to those cool summer days and those heart-shaped leaves that inspired me to dance my best. The thought of them brings me joy and courage.
Not everyone grows into a flower; some of us are leaves. But we’re all beautiful in our own way.
