Toes taped
Ribbons tied
Muscles flexed
I’m ready to fly

We are at the barre
Extending
Dipping down
Raising our legs far above us

Attitude
First right
Then left
Circling around
Smiling at the mirror

Develappe
I grasp my foot
And raise it
High above my head
gritting my teeth
I release my hand, but hold my foot there
Just for a moment

I spin across the floor
Spotting
My toes are screaming
Still I smile

Sweat is dripping off my back
My tight bun is loosening
My toes are being tortured

Dancing is not a whim
Dancing is a way of life
Once you start
You either quit
Or you endure the pain

Dancers don’t quit

To all those who say dancing is not a sport-
Let’s see you attempt that