[Guest Post] Opening Up About My Passion for Dance

Emeryk Nowak,

As a young boy, I was always captivated by the rhythm of life. The way the leaves danced in the wind, the rhythm of raindrops on a tin roof, the graceful movements of athletes on a field. But it was the world of dance that truly fascinated me. It was a world I longed to be part of, but also one I was terrified to admit my interest in. Why? Because I am a boy, and boys don’t dance, or so society would have us believe.

The Fear of Being Different

Growing up, I always felt a little different. While my friends were interested in football and video games, I was mesmerized by ballet, contemporary, and jazz. Every pirouette and plié, every leap and turn, spoke to me in a language that words could never capture. But I was scared. Scared because I was a boy who wanted to dance in a world where dancing is often seen as ‘feminine.’

My fear wasn’t just about what my friends would think. More than anything, I was terrified of how my parents would react. Would they understand? Would they support me? Or would they be disappointed, confused, or even ashamed?

The Struggle Within

The struggle was real and it was internal. I felt like two people trapped in one body – the boy who wanted to fit in, and the boy who wanted to dance. I tried to suppress my passion for dance, to convince myself that it was just a phase or an odd fascination. But the more I tried to ignore it, the stronger it grew.

I would watch dance videos secretly in my room, trying to learn the moves when no one was watching. I would dream about being on stage, under the spotlight, dancing my heart out. But every time I thought about telling my parents, fear would grip me. The fear of rejection, the fear of being misunderstood.

Taking the Leap

One day, after months of internal struggle, I realized that I couldn’t keep my passion for dance a secret anymore. It was a part of me, as much as my heart or my soul. It was who I was. And I decided that it was time to take the leap.

I remember that day vividly. My heart pounded as if it were going to burst out of my chest. But I gathered all my courage and opened up to my parents about my love for dance.

To my surprise and relief, they didn’t react with disappointment or confusion. Instead, they listened quietly as I poured out my heart. They saw the passion in my eyes, the earnestness in my voice. And they understood.

The Journey Ahead

Their understanding didn’t mean that the path ahead was easy. There were still challenges to overcome – societal stereotypes, peer pressure, and even self-doubt. But having my parents’ support made all the difference.

I started attending dance classes and exploring different dance styles. Every step, every move brought me joy and satisfaction that is hard to put into words. Yes, there were times when I felt out of place, being one of the few boys in a dance class. But every time I danced, I felt free. Free to be myself, free to express myself.

Boys Dance Too

Today, as a dancer, I want to say to every boy out there who loves to dance but is scared to admit it – it’s okay. It’s okay to be different, it’s okay to break stereotypes, and it’s okay to follow your passion. Remember, your gender does not define your interests or your capabilities.

Dance is a beautiful art form, a form of expression that transcends gender stereotypes. It’s not about being a boy or a girl; it’s about being human. It’s about expressing your emotions, your passion, your creativity.

So to all the boys out there who dream of dancing – take the leap. Open up about your passion. You might be surprised by the support and understanding you receive. And even if the path is challenging, remember that it’s your path. It’s your passion. And it’s worth fighting for.

Because boys dance too. And we dance with all our heart and soul.

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Dance

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