"The Dancer"

Growing up, I was always known as “the dancer.” It is a title I have always held proudly. I know for a fact that I would not be the woman I am today without my little dance studio on Monroe Street. Spending 16 years dedicating my life to the same art form and studio is one of my greatest accomplishments. (and then four more years in college… I couldn’t give it up!)

May 15, 2022, marked the first Melanie Paschal’s Dance Creations recital that I have not attended in the past 20 years. I have told many people how upsetting it was for me to not be there. While I am no longer dancing there, and haven’t for the past 5 years, there is something special about going “home.” Reuniting with my dance family brings back some of the best memories and it is so special to see everyone growing up. Spending your time at the same studio gives you the opportunity to follow the journey of some of the younger dancers as well. I remember when some of them were born and now I am seeing them enter high school. It really makes you put into perspective how amazing it is to have a core group of people in your life, no matter their age.

I am so proud of myself for moving and chasing my dreams aside from dance, but there is something in me that will always miss my time as a competitive dancer. The late-night rehearsals, the costumes, and traveling to competitions with my mom are some of the best memories of my entire life. I know for a fact that without the confidence I gained from dance, I would not have the nerve to have moved to a new state to pursue my passions.

My last few years dancing at Melanie’s gave me the courage to do anything I put my mind to. After having major Achilles surgery, and sitting out my junior year of high school, I was determined to make my senior year the best dance year possible. I was lucky to have the support system I had because not dancing (or walking) for almost a year was mentally draining. Going to the dance studio to sit every day brought me so much joy even though I wasn’t able to move, being with my dance family always brightened my spirits.

But my “luck” didn’t stop there because I had to have another surgery that senior year as well. I remember it like it was yesterday, walking into the studio sobbing thinking that I was done dancing for the rest of my life. My mom took the reins and talked to Melanie because I literally couldn’t speak without bursting into tears. Mom said, “We understand if you think it would be best for her to not compete this year. We want to do what is best for the team and Abigail doesn’t want to hold them back.” Melanie didn’t miss a beat, turned to me, and said, “You can learn the dances sitting down. You’ve got this! We will make it work” That is exactly what I did. With a cast and crutches, I got my rolling chair, marked my places, and tapped with one foot while sitting until I was cleared to dance about a month before competitions began.

Without a doubt, my senior year was the best dance year of my life. While we won plenty of awards (even a national title), the most important thing was that I never gave up. I believed in my ability to push through my struggles to achieve my goals. It wasn’t easy but it is something I will always be proud of. Thankfully, I had the best dance teacher on the planet, and she understood my struggles and never pushed me beyond my “physical” limit. I was pushed past my mental limit but after training with someone for so long they know what you are capable of achieving even if you don’t believe in yourself.

I could talk about my time at MPDC for ages, but I will leave this here for now. Don’t worry, I’m sure there will be plenty of blog posts about the memories made on little ole’ Monroe Street!

Melanie Paschal’s Dance Creations, I miss you, I love you, and I will be home soon. <3