I go outside and slam my shoes on the concrete. This is the reality for me, a ballet dancer who has to break into my pointe shoes. The world of ballet is highly competitive and feels unjust. The constant comparison to my peers has caused me to doubt my abilities and question if I am truly meant for what I love. As a perfectionist and ballet dancer, I often struggle to see my own progress and achievements because my eyes are too busy with others. But as I look down I see the blisters, blood, and indents on my feet from my pointe shoes. I realize that despite not being perfect or the top dancer in my studio, my hard work is evident. The countless hours I have spent are apparent in the number of dead pointe shoes I have gone through. The dedication…show more content… Not every dancer has this opportunity and I overlook the ability to partake in this. Arriving home at 1 am and dancing in Philadelphia at midnight in preparation for the parade displays my devotion to what I love. I frequently find myself caught up in the beautiful turnout and clean pirouettes of others, rather than focusing on what progression is occurring in myself. As I purchase my next pair of pointe shoes, I am reminded that the previous pair have brought me to where I am now. Each pair of shoes has been discarded due to extensive use. I recall the countless amount of shoes and it reminds me that even though I may not be the best in my studio, I am still determined and hardworking. I push myself everyday to be better and apply the corrections my teachers give me. It is crucial that I learn this lesson now, there will always be someone better than me. This will apply not only to my dance career, but also to the workforce, hobbies, and social life. I can no longer let my life revolve around obsessing over the elegance and near-flawlessness of those around me. Instead, I must recognize my own utter diligence and
