Just Keep Going.

Today was my first two-classes-a-week class.
I've been looking forward to it since the first class this week, and am so excited to get to be going more than once...
Plus, Saturdays tend to be a little easier, so it always has a way of boosting my confidence.
We had two new girls who had never taken a dance class before.
These girls always hold a special place in my heart, because I struggled so much at the beginning. (and still do sometimes.)
The last combination we did involved soutenu turns.
I tend to not be so awesome at these...
Our dance teacher told the new girls to make sure they went in a group of experienced girls so they could watch. We were going in groups of 3.
There was one group that ended up being short, so it ended up just being me and one of the new girls.
We made it through the right side. I got super dizzy... of course. I really need to work on my spotting.
I briefed the girl with me about how to do the left side, since she was just used to the right. We went over it really quickly and then went for it.  My soutenu turns weren't as bad on the left side, for some reason... and when we finished I wasn't as dizzy. I tried encouraging the new girl when Jilissa started speaking.
"Look at you! You've become the example to follow. I'm proud of you, Emilee."

Me? Wait, what did I just do?
Wasn't I just the one that looked the fool, stumbling all over my feet the whole time?
The one who would get so overwhelmed that I'd cry?
And now, I've become the example to follow, and Jilissa said she was proud of me.
This was quite the moment for me.

I really wish I could dedicate everything to dance. More time, more practice, more classes.
I'm hoping that this is putting me on track to get on pointe before 25.
I have a year and a month.
Annabelle is getting her shoes next month, so hopefully I can work hard and get there soon, too :)
I know Jilissa liked seeing me in a second class.
I loved being there.

But if I would have given up when things got hard, I wouldn't be where I am.
Sure, I still have a very long way to go. Being hyperextended sucks and complicates things. Plus, I'm built funny.
But I know I can keep trying and keep going and not give up, and I'll get there.