Challenges and Optimism: Anna and Her Ballet Story

She laces up her ballerina shoes.

She floats in the air.

She bows gracefully to the audience and tiptoes off the stage.

I met Anna in sixth grade. Although we weren't classmates and good friends at that time, I noticed her optimism and sweet smile very often. When I was in the same class with her in 8th grade, I gradually realized the reason for her cheerfulness - ballet dancing. Out of curiosity, I wanted to know more about how ballet dancing influenced her personality and conducted this interview with her.

“I started dancing when I was 6 years old, and up till today, I have danced ballet for more than nine years. Nela - the principal dancer of the Royal Ballet - is my favorite dancer. She is always a role model for me and motivates me to work even harder. Whenever I feel like giving up, I think of Nela. My dream is to dance like her," Anna said.

Anna expressed that her favorite part of ballet dancing has always been participating in competitions with her friends. "This is in line with my personal values, because I'm a person who likes to face different challenges and take time to develop a new skill," Anna explained. "But just because I like going to dance competitions doesn't mean everything is easy for me. It's not easy. The judges are pretty strict, I'd say. They're cautious about details and unique techniques and charisma, and it's hard to get their attention from time to time."

I have to push myself to do my best in every round in order to improve my charm and to win the judges’ attention.

“Moreover, when it comes to ballet dancing, I believe women are an indispensable part. Ballet is a sport that involves both genders to work together. The only distinction is that while men are not required to wear pointed shoes in certain dances, girls must. "

While wearing such shoes might make my movements more graceful, they are also extremely challenging to manage. It could even lead to serious injuries.

Through the constant challenges of competitions, Anna is incredibly dedicated and hardworking, and her passion for this art form is truly inspiring. The challenges of wearing pointe ballerina shoes require immense strength and skill, and it is important to recognize and appreciate the hard work that goes into it.

"Ballet training also made me more physically fit, and it was quite a transformative experience that changed my personality. Ballet improves my stage experiences, boosts my confidence, and prepares me for big performances. This experience also explains why I am optimistic about things in life since I'm confident enough to believe that things will eventually work out for me."

For all athletes, there are always tough times we have to face. But when you have a friend like Anna, you forget those moments and always have hope in your mind. This optimistic mindset that Anna has is inseparable from the many years of accumulated effort and time. For any dancer, the courage to perform on stage and show the best of themselves is admirable. We hope Anna's story can inspire more of you to pursue your passion and find joy in your athletic journey!