My Dance Mentor by Faith

My Dance Mentor by Faith - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

There was nothing more important in my fifth-grade brain than making the company team. I grew up watching Dance Moms, which is cliche I know, but I desperately wanted my own studios team jacket. I don't mean this lightly or jokingly at all. I was really bad. My mom prepared me in a kind, gentle way for not making it because I didn’t know how to do any of the required tricks. I also moved my body all over the place with little rhythm at all, no control. But by some miracle, the director saw something in me.

Growing up in a dance studio is one of the hardest things a young girl can go through. There was always someone who could get their leg straighter, jump higher, or turn faster. There was always someone stronger than you, skinnier than you, and had more stamina. It seemed like this didn't change, no matter how hard I tried. And I knew at ten years old, in fifth grade, I was the weakest link. This only made me want to try harder. Throughout my time there, I learned dancing with people better than you is the only way to make you better. There were multiple times I wished I could look like another girl, dance like another girl, or be some other girl.

I remember in seventh grade, I was in a private ballet class with my favorite dance teacher and was so overwhelmed because I couldn't do the ballet steps she kept explaining. She never raised her voice or got mad that I couldn't do it. At that moment I wished she would've. I was so frustrated with myself and she told me to sit down with her for a second. This is when I heard the words that I carry everywhere. “Faith, you don’t have to be perfect. You just have to try and be your best. As long as you do that, I will be proud of you and you should be proud of yourself.” This changed my perspective. Dance was the first thing I was determined to get perfect for myself. Though I haven't spoken to this teacher since the eighth grade because she moved studios, I remember what she told me. I also remember corrections she’s given me and use the technique and skill she gave me to this day. As the senior dance solo looms, it is a bittersweet dream born several years ago. I am proud of who I’ve become as a dancer. I may not be perfect and I make a lot of mistakes, but I know that every time I dance, I strive to be my personal best every time I compete on the stage. This is true when I sing, act in a play or perform a piece at a speech competition.

Her kindness has inspired me to teach younger girls choreography during choir camp. It has given me confidence to help teach others to dance during sing choir and theater. While it requires patience my mentor's words help remind me to keep working and doing things you love. I cannot wait to become a teacher so I can encourage students to try their best. Everyone needs a mentor to believe in their potential. Because someone believed in me I want to pass it on.