“Carol Byrd’s 1999” is printed on my first trophy—which was given to every girl who participated—from my very first dance recital. As a four -year-old, this was the greatest treasure I could ever receive. Thirteen years and a few trophies later, I still cherish that trophy, as if I won it yesterday.
The shiny gold ballerina, on top of a thick marble plaque, sits on top of my shelf in between two picture frames. The trophy, to me, represents not only my participation award, but also my youth. It was that day that I realized dancing was what I love to do.
I continued to dance for 11 years after that first recital. Having moved for Kansas when I was five to Wisconsin, the only thing I worried about was not being able to dance. Before looking for schools, my parents immediately looked for dance studios. Young Dance Academy in Oak Creek was our first and only choice.
The studio became a home away from home for me. Choosing dance as my only hobby, it consumed most of my time growing up. At 10 years old, I became a competitive dancer, while most kids my age were having sleepovers and going to the movies, I was in the studio four days a week working on perfecting my routine that I would later perform at a competition.
Dance will always be a part of my life and my first love. If it weren’t for the first trophy I won, I would not have treasured dance the way I treasure it today.