I woke up this morning and put on my director/coach hat that I wear all the time (figuratively speaking)
I had to be at a highschool dance competition at 930am to help tech a group I choreographed for as well as my group who were exhibitioning 3 pieces. This is nothing new for me as I've lived this life for almost 10 years now. But the difference this year came when we were just sitting down in the black box (theater room) and one of my little girls asked to sit on my shoulders as I sat and watched the friendships begin to flourish within our group. "That looks funny, Marc is like you're dad!" Exclaimed another girl to the girl on my shoulders. Which her reply was "yeah I have a dad but Marc is like my 2nd dad!"
My world paused for what seemed like eternity but in reality was only 3 secs. Every negative thought I had about my career and why I do what I do went out the window today. I get it! I finally understand and can comprehend why I continue to do this line of work. I LOVE KIDS! I love mentoring and nurturing those pure souls! My method may be through teaching dance but I love that I get to teach them my own way and not conform to someone else's way.
I watched these kids perform and the excitement on their faces when they hit the floor. I genuinely love my kids. Each one of them holds a special place in my heart. I mostly have all girls but I do have 1 boy who holds his own amongst the ladies :)
After all of the performances, I sat in the empty black box thinking to myself how much I love what I do. How much I love the children that I get to invest in weekly and how much happier I am after watching them perform. Though this life is not for everyone, I find joy investing in this younger generation. I find happiness in their faces after a performance. I find beauty in the way they carry themselves on and off the floor. I love the feeling of independence when the kids can work out their transitions without you.
After the performance, Kingston (my son) and I went to Starbucks for a daddy/son date and he ordered his birthday cake pop as usual :)
As we go to sit down, I realize that I don't have to help him up the chair. So I sit and watch him as he pulls himself up and begins to neatly place the pink bag on his lap and enjoy the ball of dough. I say to him "King, you are pretty awesome!" He replies "You're pretty awesome too daddy!" I begin to tell him how he teaches me everyday what it means to be a dad and that I'm glad that he's my son. He smiles and finishes his cake pop.
I say all of that to say this. I see a lot of directors/choreographers miss the big picture. When part of a studio or dance team, carrying the title comes with a whole lot of stress that takes a very special person to overcome and turn it into a positive experience. Not a lot of parents will understand the relationship between a dancer and their coach but will understand the commitment necessary when their dancer is excelling in it. As a coach, our job is to train for success both on and off the stage. I feel the same way as a parent. Which leads me to say that I feel like I'm a dad to all these kids and my kids deserve the best. Not just 90% of me a week. But I'm dedicated to them 100% in class. Just as I am dedicated to Kingston when we are together.
Being a director/coach isn't easy at all. In fact it's more than that. I feel it's more like a life coach. It is you're job to prepare them for the future. Whether that is through dance or helping them through a problem. They look up to you. You have a lot of power in your words and actions. Don't screw that up! Be the light in their dark world. To some, you may be the only light they see in their week. Shine bright and shine often!
I feel as if I changed dramatically during the last 3 months as I've been longing for something I thought that was missing. To be honest I just had to let go of those feelings and make room for a more positive outlook on things. People come and go in your life but the people that stick around and make an effort deserve to be there. Once the effort isn't reciprocated, close that door. It's all about the give than the take. Once all the junk is out of your life, you have more room for treasure. My current treasure rests in being a faithful servant. With God at the forefront of everything I do, I feel blessed everyday with the people currently in my life and the kids I get to inspire. God is awesome! I asked him what he wants me to do cuz I'm so lost and don't know which direction I'm headed in this crazy career life of mine. I love how he responded this weekend and assuring my heart how full it was after today. Thanks God :)
