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 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.”
A dancer in motion
When I learn a new skill, I prefer systematic approaches, dance included. Whether it's belly dance sparked by interest or later pursuing Chinese dance professionally, 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, I balanced work, learning, and teaching. By age 27, a growing voice inside urged me to study Chinese dance systematically. I yearned for professional training 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, but once it subsided, I embarked on my dance journey.
![A dancer leaps](https://footballflip.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/微信图片_2025-11-28_082726_735.jpg"Dance dreams and challenges")
During my studies, I met dreamers who encouraged each other. Yet, disparities were evident—some were naturally gifted: 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 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 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? Facing rejection due to being "non-professional," "inexperienced," and "lacking physical prerequisites," my dream shattered. I unexpectedly became a dance course salesperson, 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.
A dancer reflects
In moments of tranquility, my elusive vertical split 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's cross-examination 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." 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, 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.
A dancer in harmony
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.