International Dance Day
April 29th marks a special day for me as someone who grew up in competitive dance.
On this day, people around the world celebrate International Dance Day – a day honoring artistry, movement, and passion. This day holds a special place in my heart, and I know firsthand the joy that dance can bring. Join me as I share my journey through dance and hopefully emphasize the importance of International Dance Day.
From the moment I started dancing, I knew I would love it for the rest of my life. At the age of two, I obviously couldn’t do much, but as I got older, I gained a drive for dance that I didn’t have for anything else. It became more than just a pastime or extracurricular; it was my life. Long days and even longer nights spent in the studio going over choreography until it was perfect taught me work ethic and resilience that I don’t think I would have found anywhere else.
Competing pushed me beyond my limits and gave me an understanding of the importance of teamwork and community. One thing I will carry with me for the rest of my life is the relationships I built in the studio. The girls next to me when I was tripping over my own feet at two years old were the same girls standing next to me on stage at my last competition ever at 18 years old. The lifelong bonds didn’t stop with my fellow dancers. Their parents, my choreographers, and the studio owner all held titles much greater to me than the ones mentioned here. My small family of four quickly grew to one of many.
My family was tied together with dance. My sister Taylor and I both competed our entire young lives, and she still pursues the creative art every day in New York. Though I’ve moved on, I still hold dance near and dear to my heart. Taylor was my backbone in dance and pushed me to be better than I ever thought I could be. She is two years older than me, so having someone to look up to and model myself after guided me through my young career. My parents were and are my biggest supporters, and dance allowed them to watch their little girls grow into the women we are today. My mom was by our side to help us with any and everything no matter how difficult, and my dad sat in the audience in awe of every single piece we ever performed.
Dance was a form of communication for me when words couldn’t satisfy how I felt. An outlet for most, dance allows emotion, passion, and storytelling in ways that speech cannot. Most of my time in dance was dedicated to competition, but dance is more than a trophy. It’s a celebration of culture and individuality. Though I have passions elsewhere now, dance remains a fundamental part of who I am.
International Dance Day is a reminder that dance is universal. The magic of dance can be felt by anyone; believe me when I say it is magical. So today, whether you’re like me with a dense history in the artform or you’re discovering its power for the first time, take a moment to think of what movement means to you. Turn on your favorite song as loud as it can go, let go of your stress, and dance.
Be Well, Auburn.
Molly was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama. Despite a family full of Alabama fans, a brief tour of Auburn’s campus captivated her heart, and she soon embraced the vibrant atmosphere and welcoming community. Initially unsure of her path, Molly began her college career as a journalism major. After one year at an SEC school, however, she quickly discovered her passion for sports, specifically basketball. Now a sports production major, she hopes to work with Auburn Athletics following graduation.
When she's not busy with work or classes, you can find Molly at a basketball or soccer game, enjoying a movie marathon, spending time with her close friends, or driving down the road to visit her parents. In the next few years, Molly aims to remain involved on campus and continue to learn all she can about the sports industry... and, of course, graduate!
