I take ballet class at a really good and expensive studio. That's the only class that I take and I am not even that good although I have been dancing since I was four. I'm also the oldest in my class at thirteen and am going to high school next year where two of my friends, who are extremely good dancers, made the dance team and are leaving the studio.
Also, taking ballet and just ballet is considered dorky at my school so only my friends really know. I'm not ashamed of it but I don't really advertise it. Lately I have been thinking about quitting dance because one: I am not that good, two: it might be too much for me in high school, three: I already play the flute and am in band so I have something else on my plate, four: It is considered dorky, and five: I am not as interested in dance like I was when I was seven.
My mom is pressuring me to keep going to dance because it keeps me healthy and fit (I used to be heavier but since I took dance I have lost weight). So right now I don't know what I should do. Could you please help me?!
-too much to handle
Hey, too much to handle – I know what you're going through! I'm a dancer, too, so I understand the stress of doing dance, balancing school schedules, and making everyone think what you're doing isn't dorky. To make it NOT too much to handle, let's take everything one step at a time.
Quitting dance altogether is a big decision, so make sure it's the right one for you. Don't decide one way or the other because of how you compare yourself to other people, do it because of the way it makes YOU feel. If you love it, stick with it! If you think it's not making you very happy anymore (or at all), it might be time to find another hobby that does.
High school is a big change from junior high/middle school. New people, new classes, bigger homework loads. Whew. It can be overwhelming! So start slow...depending on what you decide about problem number one, maybe you could cut back on the amount of time you spend at dance class to make sure you have enough homework time. I always liked going to ballet class because it was a huge stress relief for me! Take into consideration all the time you'll want to be spending on flute practice - sounds like you like playing a lot.
If you do decide to drop dance, explain to your mom exactly why, and make a plan to keep healthy and fit that works with your new high school/flute schedule. You could tell her you'll join a less-demanding sport, do workout videos in your own living room or go on regular runs. She'll want to know that you're seriously thinking about keeping in shape.
It's your decision, girlie. Make sure it's the right one for YOU!
Good luck!
-Katie P.
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BY CAITLIN R. ON 6/22/2009 7:00:00 AM 87 COMMENTS