When I tore my ACL and meniscus in December, I truly felt my world crashing down around me. Dancing has never been what some would call a "hobby," or "a pageant talent" for me. Dance was, and still is, my life. It was what pushed me through my parents divorce, what helped me celebrate my mom as a survivor of breast cancer, and what is continually telling my life story and career aspirations. So when that was virtually taken away from me I felt scared.
Most of you know, among the first questions I asked my doctor was, "Will I be able to dance for Miss Oklahoma?" The answer was a clear no, if I wanted to heal properly. I made the decision not to push my recovery, and to sing for Miss Oklahoma. For most people this came as a shock, but for me it was almost as if it was a dream come true. I had secretly wished to have a beautiful gown and not wear my hair in a bun for the talent portion of the competition.
However, it's not that easy. I learned this quickly. I'll be honest, dance challenged me, but it was so natural and always just "came to me." The way motion flows through my body, the essence of stillness, amongst the contrast of sharp motion just made sense to me. Within a few minutes I could fully master a combination, and make it my own. In general, my life has been very fortunate. I do not deny that I have had most of my life handed to me. However, I have faced struggle and conflict in ways some people will not ever face in their lives as well. Main point being though, that I haven't worked so hard for something in a very long time.
I could never have done it without my vocal coach, and dear friend. I needed someone who believed in me, and challenged me. I learned to make the notes perfectly on pitch... And then just as in dance, to make the song my own. As Talent Day is fast approaching along my journey of competing in Miss Oklahoma, I feel confident and proud of what I have done. I didn't just learn an easy song to "make due" for the talent I really wished I was doing, but I dove into something I didn't know about and fully worked to become the best I could be. To challenge myself as a singer and increase my value as a dancer in the working world.
I feel very proud of myself, though I know I have plenty of room to continue to improve. Working hard for something felt incredible. This is one of the most important trials of my life, and probably one of the most invigorating victories I have ever experienced.
xoxo,
Heather
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