“I have loved nothing but dance (specifically ballet) since I was 4 years old. I have made all my friends through dance, had my best experiences through dance, and had my heart broken by dance. I’m 19 and currently in a pre-professional ballet program with the aim of landing a company contract. Recently I’ve come home for summer break and had some rough conversations with my parents.
The short of it is they can’t continue to pay for my education, and likely won’t be able to support me very much through the apprentice/trainee stage. I don’t know if I am willing to live in poverty for ballet. I’m tired of always being told I’m not enough, hating the way I look, and having no goals past finally getting a contract. However, I feel as if a part of my soul will die if I stop dancing. How can I make this decision and/or manage my transition?”
-Anonymous
