"So you just dance all day?"

I had a very frustrating conversation with someone I met this weekend. I'm sure that we've all had this conversation on more than one occasion, but for some reason this particular one struck a chord with me and the way I have been feeling lately.

It all starts with the typical question, "What's your major?" And then after my reply the "oh, that's really cool." But after a couple of seconds of thinking it over, they always come back with the dreaded after thought-- "So do you just dance all day? Do you have to take, like, normal classes? What do you want to do with that?" I realize that this person is not trying to be rude or hurtful- they truly just have no idea what being a dance major entails. Sometimes I wish that we could have a "switch your major" day, where everyone has to go experience another major for one day.

They would realize that dance majors can't just sit in the back of a lecture hall on facebook or twitter during their classes. They have to be physically and mentally involved with every single class they walk into. Lose focus for any amount of time and risk being behind the whole class, or even worse, injuring yourself or someone else. They have to be ready to put themselves out there and take risks at the drop of a hat. Don't feel like going to class? Not really an option. Dance majors push themselves everyday to keep their bodies and minds in shape. Not to mention that we fulfill all of the same requirements that any other arts & sciences major completes…and a good majority of us are double majors taking way past the limit of credit hours (much to Jessica's dismay…) And as far as the future goes, we all have ideal career goals that we would like to accomplish. But we aren't in this program to have concrete pathways or financial security for the rest of our lives (wouldn't that be nice?). We're here because we genuinely love what we do and it's worth the risk and the fear of the unknown.

I've met some of the most intelligent, hard-working people I know in the OSU Dance Department. I just want to thank everyone for showing me what dedication and passion really look like. I am so fortunate to wake up everyday and get to do something that I love to do with people who push me improve myself in every way possible and support me on the days that it's hard to keep pushing. Even though people on the outside don't necessarily understand what it means to be a dance major, I am so grateful to be a part of a department that not only has amazing dancers and students, but just plain incredible people.

I love you guys! :)