At our annual winter dance showcase, Mia stood backstage, feeling the weight of her nerves settle heavily in her chest. This was her first time performing in front of an audience, and she could barely catch her breath. Weeks of rehearsals had led to this moment, but the fear of making a mistake felt insurmountable. Her hands trembled as she stood among the other dancers, all of them ready to take the stage, but for Mia, the idea of stepping into the spotlight felt like a mountain too steep to climb.

In the dressing room, her dance teachers noticed her growing anxiety and responded with the same patience and care they had shown throughout the process. They didn’t rush her. Instead, they worked with her in small, manageable steps, gently walking through the routine one more time. They didn’t force her to perform, but rather met her where she was in her journey—acknowledging her fear while reinforcing the confidence she had built. There was no pressure to be perfect, only encouragement to trust in what she had already learned. They reassured her that no matter what happened on stage, she was already enough. Slowly, her body started to remember the flow of the dance, and her breath began to steady.

When Mia’s class was finally called to go backstage, she felt a mixture of fear and determination. The butterflies in her stomach fluttered wildly, but something had shifted in her. The support from her teachers had given her a quiet strength, a sense that she didn’t need to be flawless—she only needed to show up. As she stepped onto the stage, the nerves were still there, but they were no longer overwhelming. With each movement, she found her rhythm, connecting with the music and the space around her. The audience’s applause was warm, not just for the dance, but for the courage Mia had shown in the face of her fear.

For Mia, the experience wasn’t just about performing; it was a reflection of the mission of Because Justice Matters. We don’t just teach dance—we nurture resilience, self-confidence, and the belief that every student has the strength to overcome challenges. Mia’s journey from fear to performance was a testament to that mission, a reminder that with support, patience, and persistence, she could find the courage to stand tall.

*Name changed for confidentiality.

Winter Dance Showcase 2024