Chicken Soup for the Soul-Applause

I still remember that performance. The audience confirmed my effort with their thunderous applause. All the details of practicing before the show came into my mind. I was wearing a smile on the stage, but my tears kept coming out of my eyes.

One year ago, Ms. Ye told me that she wanted to organize a demonstration show. She wanted me to challenge myself to perform a difficult solo dance. I felt very excited at that time and was confident because I believed that after 10 years of learning, I could make it perfect. However, I did not realize that it was only the start of the pain.

At the beginning, Ms. Ye asked me to watch the video at home. Then she taught me step by step. I learned all the movements quickly. They were not very difficult. But Ms. Ye said to me again and again, “It is not like this. You should think about it.” I was confused, because all my movements were correct. What’s the problem? I wanted to find out the answer and practiced every day in the classroom. I practiced so hard that a lot of blisters began to arise on my feet. I racked my brain, but still cannot figure out the reason for my problem.

I cried. I wanted to give up until I watched the video again. I suddenly realized the real bottleneck. “I did not surpass myself. I have to move myself first then I can really move others.” Later, though I still practiced everyday and got more blisters on my feet, I knew all of it was worthwhile. I did not cry, but more immersed myself in the emotion of the music. After watching my dance, Ms. Ye nodded with praise. I knew my understanding was right.

When I was on the stage, I integrated the movements with the music. For the first time, I was clear about the expression of the music and the dance. When I heard the applause, I knew I had surpassed myself. The thunderous applause made me laugh, but with tears.