Deep down, have you ever asked yourself why you love dance? At first, I thought dancers were beautiful and elegant, with great physiques and poise. I just wanted to be like them. Perhaps you felt the same way.
Dancing offers more than just a good figure and better posture. It gives us [confidence and creates a sanctuary](https://www.utahdanceartists.com/blogs/how-dance-builds-confidence-and-reduces-anxiety.html)[^1] for unspoken emotions. As a wise saying goes: “When emotions stir, words may fail, and when words are insufficient, songs arise; eventually, one’s hands and feet move without conscious awareness.”
When I learn a new skill, I prefer [systematic approaches](https://www.turningpointedance.com/blog/2025/the-importance-of-deliberate-practice-in-dancing.html)[^2], dance included. Whether it’s belly dance sparked by interest or later pursuing [Chinese dance](https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/culture/dance.htm)[^4]e professionally](https://feitian.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/bfa-in-classical-chinese-dance/classical-chinese-dance-courses/)[^3], the right method is crucial. Juggling work and dance, I focus on dedicated learning periods to progress, and within a year, I felt I had truly begun my dance journey.
## Have you ever thought about how your love for dance began?
As a child, I loved dance and participated in school activities. Due to family circumstances, attending a professional dance school wasn’t an option. In college, I pursued early childhood education, which led me to become a preschool teacher after graduation.
When I stumbled upon a [[belly dance class](https://www.worldbellydance.com/health-benefits-belly-dance/)[^5]](https://youtu.be/AQ3MwLuH4wM?si=2u1gGubcAC5iGJB9), I balanced work, learning, and teaching. By age 27, a growing voice inside urged me to study [Chinese dance](https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/culture/dance.htm)[^4] systematically. I yearned for [professional training](https://dancemagazine.com/what-dancers-can-learn-from-sports-performance-training/)[^6] to offer more refined content to students.
Surrounding voices of dissent were inevitable: “You’re too old,” “You’re abandoning your career.” Yet, I made a pivotal decision: I resigned from a stable job in Beijing to pursue dance training—unbeknownst to my family. The [pandemic hit](https://www.danceusa.org/ejournal/2021/08/13/dance-comeback-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-the-dance-field-and-the-future-of-dance)[^7], but once it subsided, I embarked on my dance journey.
During my studies, I met dreamers who encouraged each other. Yet, disparities were evident—some were [naturally gifted](https://www.reddit.com/r/BALLET/comments/1lq8lla/what_are_some_signs_someone_is_extremely/)[^8]: tall, slender, beautiful, flexible, and learned swiftly. I, however, was ordinary-looking, petite, a slow learner, with a body not particularly flexible. While others mastered splits effortlessly, my [vertical split](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0kS6fMXUr4)[^9] was stuck at 90 degrees, causing frustration.
“I can’t lose.” I bet everything on this, determined to succeed. The harder I tried, the more my body resisted as if it fought back. Even by the end of my studies, my [vertical split](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0kS6fMXUr4)[^9] wasn’t perfect. After nearly a year of learning, I faced harsh reality when I returned to Beijing with dreams of teaching dance.
## What happens when your [dreams clash with reality](https://www.reddit.com/r/Dance/comments/11anplv/how_do_i_cope_with_regret_and_resentment_due_to/)[^10]?
Facing rejection due to being “non-professional,” “inexperienced,” and “lacking physical prerequisites,” my dream shattered. I unexpectedly became a [dance course salesperson](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/dance-degree-skills)[^11], initially rejecting the role. Pain, struggle, and confusion haunted me. Countless nights, I questioned my choices.
One rainy evening, walking through Beijing’s streets, tears mingled with raindrops as I faced reality. I knew I couldn’t give up. I needed this job to survive in Beijing. Gradually accepting my situation brought inner peace. Outside classes, I practiced fundamentals in the dance studio.
In moments of tranquility, my elusive [vertical split](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0kS6fMXUr4)[^9] effortlessly improved, enhancing my dance expression. Reflecting now, I appreciate my sales role, as it provided courage and strength to pursue my dreams.
Before age 30, I planned to pursue a master’s degree. Learning about [Beijing Dance Academy](https://en.bda.edu.cn/admission/1490129.htm)[^13]y’s cross-examination](https://en.bda.edu.cn/schoolsdepartments/departments/1068059.htm)[^12] opportunity compelled me to act. I registered and dedicated a year to intense study. Sleepless nights found me memorizing texts until tears blurred my vision.
In December 2023, I sat in the exam hall, a sense of calm enveloping me as I handed in my papers. By February 2024, when scores were released, I realized it was time to release the notion of “[dance as a primary career](https://4dancers.org/2016/04/my-top-3-challenges-as-a-dancer/)[^14].” I needed to let go, feeling exhausted from the journey.
## Do you regret pursuing your dance dream?
Have I any regrets? No. Dance offered immense gifts, catching me when career disappointments arose and healing inner turmoil. It’s my light in the dark, my soul’s refuge. Dance instilled confidence and enriched my inner world. Like candy in my pocket, it always brings joy and strength.
Previously, I saw dance as a display of skills like backbends and splits. Now, I say dance is the body’s language, [emotional expression](https://danceabilitymovement.com/communication-expression-staying-connected-through-dance/)[^15], and embodiment of truth, goodness, and beauty. We are all dancers in life’s grand dance.
There’s no need to compare with others, only with ourselves. Professional dancers are art, honed from childhood. We can admire them without comparison, focusing on basic skills instead of high-level techniques. As long as you love it, anyone can become a dancer and dance freely.
Age is unavoidable, but it should never be a limitation. Dancers are travelers too—silent, yet making their mark. If I can achieve this, so can you.
## Conclusion
Our age and lack of background should never limit us from pursuing dance. Embrace your passion and let it guide you as it did for me.
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[^1]: Explore how dance can boost your confidence and provide a safe space for emotional expression, enhancing your personal growth and well-being.
[^2]: Discover the advantages of structured learning in dance, which can lead to more effective skill acquisition and personal development.
[^3]: Learn about the pathways and opportunities available for those interested in pursuing Chinese dance as a professional career.
[^4]: Understand the cultural importance and unique characteristics of Chinese dance, and how it can enrich your dance repertoire.
[^5]: Learn how belly dance can improve your physical fitness, cultural understanding, and provide a fun way to express yourself.
[^6]: Find out how professional dance training can refine your skills and open up new opportunities in the dance world.
[^7]: Understand the challenges and adaptations faced by dancers during the pandemic, and how it reshaped the dance industry.
[^8]: Explore the concept of natural talent in dance and how it influences learning and performance, even for those without a dance background.
[^9]: Gain insights into techniques and exercises that can help improve flexibility for achieving a vertical split, enhancing your dance skills.
[^10]: Learn how to navigate the challenges when your aspirations in dance meet real-world obstacles, and find ways to adapt and thrive.
[^11]: Explore the skills and strategies required to excel in selling dance courses, a role that combines passion for dance with sales expertise.
[^12]: Discover the unique opportunities offered by the Beijing Dance Academy for aspiring dancers, including cross-examination programs.
[^13]: Learn about the programs and opportunities available at Beijing Dance Academy for those looking to advance their dance education.
[^14]: Understand the realities and challenges of making dance your main profession, and how to navigate them.
[^15]: Discover how dance allows you to convey emotions and stories, making it a powerful tool for personal and artistic expression.