impact.

This past weekend I learned the importance of being so completely human with what I do. I've always said that I wanted to change the world. I remember I would always tell my girl how badly I wanted to make an impact. I don't know what it was, but the light hit just right this past weekend.

I traveled to Richmond for a dance convention/competition (which is the best because you get to take class AND perform. Its great.). This past weekend was beautiful, I completely let go and allowed myself to just express myself and learn and not become so stressed about being perfect (which I do too often). I decided that I wasn't going to blow my mind up with oh my god, I can't mess up- cause ya know what? Mistakes are what make us human.

I was a overwhelmed by the number of people who came up and told me how much I touched them or how much they loved to watch me do what I love to do. And that means so much more than someone saying "So awesome, your leap was so high.... you did so many turns.... your solo placed in the top 5." Those things are wonderful to be appreciated for, but when it comes to touching someones soul- 5 turns into a front flip double aerial switch leap grande jete coupe turning lay out won't substitute.

A woman came up to me and told me how if I was 30 years old I would totally be her boyfriend (apparently assisting ballet is the new hot vampire thing or whatever), which I found hilarious... but the point being- she told me she had been recording me throughout the weekend and she wanted to show it to two of her male students she had back home at her studio. My heart literally skipped a beat. There's something about being a role model for a kid you used to be (and still are) that is worth a bazillion and one trophies/scholarships/dollars.

BUT the most incredible thing to happen to me this weekend involved a girl and a slip of paper. After  I finished assisting an amazing amazing contemporary class (DEAR GOD SO EMOTIONAL... but really.) A girl walked up to be with soft smile on her face and handed me a slip of paper that said the following:

Thank you for inspiring me today.

With my eyes completely watered up, I thought to myself, "This, this is why I dance."

Making an impact on someone else's life is truly one of life's greatest gifts.

from that dancer guy to you,

Tony