A Beauty in Ballet
Dance is an expression of the body that encompasses movement, whether it is soft, sensual movements like that of ballet, or bold, thrusting movements like that of tango. Dance can also capture the emotions and feelings of the dancer. A dance performance tells a story through actions, body language and facial expressions. Dance can also be as simple as the way we walk. Dance has been around for several centuries and will continue to live on by those who perform it.
Ballet is a dance like no other. The movement is graceful and beautiful. While watching or performing ballet, one may have feelings of peace and comfort. My aunt Karen danced ballet from four years old to ten years old. She was a dedicated dancer and practiced every day. She strived to be the best she could be and enjoyed attending ballet lessons each week. Karen loved to be in the company of friends who shared her interest and passion for the dance. She also loved to watch her ballet teacher who was very skillful.
Ballet and other dance performances are a way of expressing oneself. If someone is feeling a certain emotion, from joy to adventure, dance is a way of expressing that feeling. It may put one in their comfort zone and their “happy place” in life. Karen enjoyed ballet because it made her feel great and put her in a peaceful, happy mood. “It would seem like everything that was bad would just disappear, and there would be nothing to worry about,” explained my aunt. “It was like you could block out everyone else and be all alone for just a moment. It was relaxing.”
Karen’s experience dancing ballet has shaped the person she is today. She is a peaceful woman and brings out the best in everything and everyone. She moves like a dancer with her graceful strut and poised posture. Ballet has shaped her identity and impacted the person she has become. Even 40 years later, I can still see the dancer in my aunt. She loves to talk about her experiences...