So you think you can dance.

The lights dim, the dull roar of the anticipating crowd comes to a quiet. All I can hear is my heart beating. The orchestra begins playing their melodious tunes, I step gracefully onto the stage with my ankleted feet, chiming to the beat, a huge smile beaming on my face. This is how I felt as I began my Arangetram or dance debut.

Ever since I was a little girl, the ancient art form of classical dance has mesmerized me. It is such a transforming art form that has taught me so many skills, like discipline, tenacity, and focus. There is something spiritual about this art form. When you step on that stage, everything fades away and a strange, zen-like feeling sets in. There's no other way to describe the feeling, you just become spiritually connected to the dance, you feel as though you are one with it, and the flow just carries you into another level of calmness. My relationship with dance blossomed at a very young age. At first, it was just something that my parents had made me join so I could have something to work towards and perfect as I grew older. At one point, it became something of a weekend cardio due to the rise in strenuous academics. Eventually, I began to fall in love with the nuances of the art form. I began to enjoy the complex choreography, the rush of adrenaline, and a feeling of spiritual rejuvenation that permeated my soul as I flowed through the steps. When it came time for my arangetram, I was elated because it had been a dream for me since I started dancing. I always imagined the unforgettable sense of accomplishment and gratitude that I would feel on that day, and I felt just that. My arangetram was as rewarding as I had dreamed it would be, all those hours of blood, sweat and tears has amounted to an unforgettable night that I will cherish for years to come. And I owe all of my success to my teacher. She honestly has become like a second mother to me, her patience, compassion and endless support has lead to my success. My relationship with dance has definitely been a journey, and I can't wait to see where this journey takes me in the future!