In our journeys to progress at a skill or hobby, many of us look to role models for guidance and inspiration. Sofia Overby tells us about the moment she became a role model herself.
Ballet has always been a huge part of my life and holds a special piece in my heart. When I was little, I always looked forward to slipping on my pink skirt and tiny pink ballet slippers. Each class I would have so much fun twirling in circles and jumping up and down. I am pretty sure my mom also saw this as a way of getting my energy out.
Around ten minutes before class ended, the “older girls” would arrive in their black leotards and hair in a neat bun. Every time they came I would point my feet harder, jump even higher, and stand up a little straighter. After class, I begged my mom to stay for five more minutes as I sprinted to the window and stood on my tippy toes with my ankles wobbling. My eyes wide open, barely blinking, so I would not miss a millisecond of the “older girls” doing their graceful barre work. They all danced so beautifully with their heads held up high leaping across the stage in their pointe shoes.
As time passed, those girls started growing up and graduating, as I started getting more and more involved in dance, and adding more hours of it to my schedule. Before I knew it, I started wearing black leotards and putting my hair in a neat bun.
Last year I performed in nine recital dances. The feeling of being onstage was magical. The pale lights hitting the floor and the red seats filled with people and younger kids watching. This made me pour my heart out on the dance floor.