Center Stage

By Tara

Have you ever had a moment in your life where you felt as if you were in a fairytale and it was all about you? I have, I was six or seven years old, and it was just two weeks until I was going to be in a dance recital with my very own solo routine, which had jazz and karate in it. I practiced day and night, night and day for two weeks. Every night I was so exhausted from practicing I went to bed early and believe me when I say this, I can't stand going to bed early.

"Come on Tara just a little longer. You must get this dance move down." My Aunt Venise nagged.

"Uhhhh!" I groaned, "I am really tired and we have been practicing for two straight hours!"

"I will buy you some ice-cream if you practice a little longer," she bribed. And with that I gave up and continued on.

It was the night of the recital and I was the next act. I stood behind the velvety soft side curtain nervously waiting. From behind me one of the parent volunteers said, "Okay Tara, it's your turn. Now go out there and show them what you're made of!"

As I elegantly walked out on to the stage, I could see the hundreds of pairs of wide eyes staring at me, watching my every move. I stopped at center stage and took my opening pose. The booming music started, and I began my dance, while I was dancing, so many different thoughts were running through my mind like, am I making a fool of myself and what if I mess up will the crowd laugh? I was a little girl on a big stage dancing all by myself. I was scared, nervous, and happy all at the same time, but as I continued further into my dance I loosened up. My mind cleared of all the horrible thoughts and I forgot that people were even sitting in the stands. Before I knew it I was finished. I politely bowed to the crowd as they applauded for me as loud as they possibly could. I could see my family standing in the audience cheering for me with the proud looks on their faces and you know what, I was proud of myself too.

Later that evening, I said to my Aunt Venise, "When I was up on that stage I felt so wonderful, I felt as if I was dancing on air up in the sky."

She replied by saying, "You did a wonderful job dancing! I am so glad you were in the recital you can have your own routine again next year if you want."

"Of course!" I said.

Someday I would like to feel like that again and next time I want to be famous!