Rachel: competition dancer who ultimately chose sports over dance
Rachel and I grew up as dancers. However, as we grew older we both found our niche. I stuck with dance while Rachel moved onto sports, such as basketball and softball. I conducted a video chat interview since Rachel is still at home. This stress-free environment allowed Rachel to give me the most honest and direct responses.
We started catching up on her life and her day at school. Rachel and I talk every single day and are always updated on each others lives. I decided to interview her as she represents an individual who danced for several years and then decided to quit.
I first asked Rachel to tell me about her life as a dancer. She told me that she started dancing at age 4. She would show up to her Saturday dance practices with her tutu and pink ballet shoes in hand. My mom and I would watch her through the window and she learned how to dance. "As I got older, I decided to take more serious dance classes." Rachel started dancing two times a week. She was involved on a team what prepared young dancers for the competition world. "Pre-comp gave me a basis before I experienced a more competitive world." The following year Rachel then decided to try something more intense. She joined the competition team for her age group. "I was able to meet new girls with the same love for dance that I had." The girls enjoyed spending their time together.
I then asked Rachel how dance affected her social life in middle and high school. She said, "It was difficult to find the balance between dance and friends. I would often find myself missing out on events to go to practice or because we had a competition." As Rachel grew up, she explored other sports other than dance. "I realized dance was not the sport for me." She started getting involved in other activities such as basketball and softball. "I continue to play these sports and hope to play them even in college next year."
The next question I asked Rachel was, "why did you quit dance?" She told me the reason she quit was because she did not have enough time for it anymore and it wasn't in her top priorities. She valued other activities such as basketball and softball and believed these sports would enable her to be a key component on the team. "Dance just wasn't for me" she explained. "I wasn't that good and I found two sports that I was good at." She explained to me how it made sense for her to quit dance.
I asked her if she regrets her decision and how basketball and softball have shaped her as a person. She said, "I most definitely do not regret my decision to quit dance. I believe quitting allowed me to focus on what is most important to me. I found two sports I am really passionate about and can potentially have a future with." Rachel said how the friends and experiences she's had on these two teams are unforgettable. She was even nominated to be captain of both teams her senior year of high school. "This had provided me with such valuable lessons I will bring with me to college next year and the work force in the future." Rachel explained to me how she learned how to be a leader, communicate with others, and never give up. "Our softball team has a pretty bad record this season, however, I am determined to get back up to the top and never quit." This optimist attitude is what she has learned with being on sports teams. "Dance wouldn't have provided me with the same leadership experience and friendships as softball and basketball have. So, overall, I do not regret my decision and believe I made the right choice."
Rachel and I grew up as dancers. However, as we grew older we both found our niche. I stuck with dance while Rachel moved onto sports, such as basketball and softball. I conducted a video chat interview since Rachel is still at home. This stress-free environment allowed Rachel to give me the most honest and direct responses.
We started catching up on her life and her day at school. Rachel and I talk every single day and are always updated on each others lives. I decided to interview her as she represents an individual who danced for several years and then decided to quit.
I first asked Rachel to tell me about her life as a dancer. She told me that she started dancing at age 4. She would show up to her Saturday dance practices with her tutu and pink ballet shoes in hand. My mom and I would watch her through the window and she learned how to dance. "As I got older, I decided to take more serious dance classes." Rachel started dancing two times a week. She was involved on a team what prepared young dancers for the competition world. "Pre-comp gave me a basis before I experienced a more competitive world." The following year Rachel then decided to try something more intense. She joined the competition team for her age group. "I was able to meet new girls with the same love for dance that I had." The girls enjoyed spending their time together.
I then asked Rachel how dance affected her social life in middle and high school. She said, "It was difficult to find the balance between dance and friends. I would often find myself missing out on events to go to practice or because we had a competition." As Rachel grew up, she explored other sports other than dance. "I realized dance was not the sport for me." She started getting involved in other activities such as basketball and softball. "I continue to play these sports and hope to play them even in college next year."
The next question I asked Rachel was, "why did you quit dance?" She told me the reason she quit was because she did not have enough time for it anymore and it wasn't in her top priorities. She valued other activities such as basketball and softball and believed these sports would enable her to be a key component on the team. "Dance just wasn't for me" she explained. "I wasn't that good and I found two sports that I was good at." She explained to me how it made sense for her to quit dance.
I asked her if she regrets her decision and how basketball and softball have shaped her as a person. She said, "I most definitely do not regret my decision to quit dance. I believe quitting allowed me to focus on what is most important to me. I found two sports I am really passionate about and can potentially have a future with." Rachel said how the friends and experiences she's had on these two teams are unforgettable. She was even nominated to be captain of both teams her senior year of high school. "This had provided me with such valuable lessons I will bring with me to college next year and the work force in the future." Rachel explained to me how she learned how to be a leader, communicate with others, and never give up. "Our softball team has a pretty bad record this season, however, I am determined to get back up to the top and never quit." This optimist attitude is what she has learned with being on sports teams. "Dance wouldn't have provided me with the same leadership experience and friendships as softball and basketball have. So, overall, I do not regret my decision and believe I made the right choice."