Little Black Boxes

Sometimes it's funny when a dream starts to come true. Dreaming is easy. Everyone can dream ... and most people do. It's following your dreams and making them a reality that people struggle with.

I've always considered myself pretty lucky. I grew up with parents that supported all the crazy things I wanted to do. When I was five years old I memorized every line to The NeverEnding Story. Then I would put on a performance every afternoon in the living room. I remember telling my mom that I needed to have a medallion just like the main character, Bastian. My mom searched around the house until she finally found a medallion that resembled the real thing. I was so pumped about it that I started acting out the movie twice a day.

Later that year, when I went to my friend's dance recital, I told my parents that I wanted to start dancing too. That fall, I was enrolled in tap classes. I'm pretty sure my tap shoes were my first love. And, when I wanted to compete, they signed me up, bought my expensive little gold costume and my mom was up at 5 a.m. to curl my long brown hair. Of course I was nervous, so it's a good thing my dad was there to make me laugh.

And through many pairs of tap shoes and reading my articles for the school newspaper, I was still supported. So, yes, I've always considered myself pretty lucky. Not just because I've always had a good support team, but because I've always realized what I wanted to do, and I've done it. You can have the best supporters in the world, but if you don't support and believe in yourself, then it's not going to happen.

At first, when you realize you want something, it's always scary. You don't know if you're going to be good or bad. Sometimes at first you are bad. But, if it's something you really enjoy and you want to accomplish it, don't give up.

Back in September, when I had this bright idea to start Go Go dancing, I was scared. Dancing in an auditorium in Wisconsin with 12 other girls is a little bit different than dancing on a black box ... in a bar ... with strangers and dollar bills around. But, after a stage name was created, a photo shoot took place and a couple of gigs happened, I was so glad I ran (or should I say danced) with this dream. And someday, wait for it, I'll be on fliers. I'm already thinking of bringing a little bit of tap into the Go Go world. You'd be surprised at what you can accomplish on a little black box.

We all have "little black boxes" whether it be a football field, a camera or a stage for your band to play on. If you can dream it, you can do it. And my hope for everyone is that when they score a touchdown, they have fans cheering. When they take photographs, they have someone to admire their talent. When the play on stage, they have someone special in the audience who looks at them and knows they're the greatest.

Dream big ... do bigger. Cherish those who support you.

Just so everyone knows, my mom still supports my dreams. I'm sure she's doubted my sanity a few times, but she did get me a pair of lace leggings for "my dancing." That moment reminded me of all the tap shoe boxes I've opened.