Erica Radermacher

For fourteen of my eighteen years of childhood I trained as a dancer at a studio in my hometown. Unlike my peers, I did not try out many other sports during my younger years. I may have played in one or two recreational soccer games, but from the moment I stepped into the studio, I knew it was my passion. Dancing came naturally to me and I moved up in the companies with the age group older than me, making me the youngest in each level I advanced. As an only child, I did not have to deal with the bothering of an older sibling, I still had to experience this behavior from my peers who always seemed to be older than me. Being one of the most elite dancers in the company, yet one of the youngest in age, had many consequences that made some parts of my experience in dance not as enjoyable. I endured many forms of bullying from age eight up until after my freshman year of high school when I finally decided enough was enough and since I did not desire a career in dance, I would not continue and would pursue other interests. Sometimes remembering the painful parts of my life as a dancer helps me to remember the many positive aspects I experienced and how it shaped me to be the woman I am today. Dancing gave me grace, poise, strength (both inside and out), resilience, the desire the stand up for what is right, even if you are standing alone. I always gave the art my all, so it returned to me the energy I put in. I am thankful for all that dancing has given to me and would mostly not go back and change my choices.