The Greatness of A Year-End Show
I have spent the majority of my life competing: competing for love and attention, grades, victories, jobs, and many other things. Unfortunately, rarely do we get to put all this aside to just showcase our passions and efforts. At the year-end show, though, this opportunity presents itself.
I am not saying that competition is a bad thing; I think that it is an important part of life that drives some people to be their best. I am saying that once in a while, a time comes when people are given the chance to perform, without the threat of failure or a loss. I have been to a number of year-end shows and I am always impressed at the amount of passion that emanates from the dancers. Whenever a dancer performs in front of an audience, there is pressure; but during a year-end show, the pressure is only to do your best as there are no judges and no other groups to 'beat'.
Is there any other time, when every dancer at the studio is there to cheer and support every other member of the studio? Large competitions often take days to finish so the dancers don't get to support each other as they often perform on different days. During the year-end recital, the true camaraderie of the studio becomes obvious - seniors helping intermediates, intermediates helping juniors and all students supporting each other back stage.
I think people start dance because they love to perform. The recital is a performance that offers students the freedom to showcase their passion and effort in a way that brings emotion to all that watch.... and that is the greatness of a year-end show.
by Chris Wejr