Sweat beads my brow, and the smell of my own exertion and the sound of my gasping breath makes me fling myself into the music all the harder. A spell has been cast over me, something inside me connects with the rhythm, the music and the dance. A motivation spawned by a continuous hunger to win, standing atop the first place podium. Recognition is not my aim, but recalling in the regional competition the Oireachtas would prove that my sacrifice, determination, and passion paid off. Balancing good grades and extracurricular activities comes at a cost, but when hard work and passion harmonize there is no other feeling than self content.

I am a champion Irish dancer, when most people picture Irish dancing they think of river dance, or Michael Flatly. Yes both styles of dancing are very similar in fact river dance is driven from the traditional roots of Irish dancing. River dance started as a brief intermission piece at Ireland's hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest, revolutionizing the perception of Irish dance, by taking it from the old straight-laced and rule-bound competition format to a modern and dramatic form of dance that is more for the entertainment factor. River dance made Irish dancing more known to world, expanding it outside the country of Ireland. with their spread of Irish dance through river dance there are now different regional qualifiers around the world to compete at the top level, but this doesn't come easy.

Regional Oireachtas are open only to dancers from their defined region, and serve as qualifying round. I personally fall into the Southern Region Oireachtas, comprised of thirteen states and nearly one hundred dance schools, happening once a year in the month of December. Placing in the top five would secure me a world qualification. Months of practice every day proved exhausting, but I became efficient. I attended two hours of soccer and volleyball practice, then came home to dance for another two hours, and finished off my day with a substantial amount of homework. Sometimes it is necessary to sacrifice certain aspects of your life for a long term goal. I remember nights in the dance studio, drenched with sweat and legs flaming. Sometimes I had to ask myself why I chose to juggle such a demanding schedule. But I realized that nothing satisfies me more than dancing and allowing my feet to be a part of the music.

I was prepared to meet my challenge, feeling as if I could do my steps in my sleep, and After three vigorous months of practice, I was on my way to Washington D.C. where the regional competition would be held. I will never forget my excitement that day as I stepping onto the stage in my sparkly green dress, curly wig, and makeup that made me look like a Barbie doll. The auditorium was packed to the brim. I felt so small in that moment being the only one on the gigantic stage, and as curtains opened the crowd became silent. I took a deep breath and began to dance. I can still hear the metronome ticking, the violin's throbbing beat coursing through my body, and the blur of the audience under the gleaming lights. I had come so far following in the inspiration of my brother, a world class Irish dancer. It all came down to this one dance that I had practiced for so long. When they announced my victory, an electrifying current passed through my body. I had qualified in the Southern Region Championship and more importantly, I was off to the national Irish Dance Championships!

Through my experiences as a dancer, I have engaged in an invaluable experience and life lesson. Never sacrifice passion. Passion is the difference between success and failing. It is my passion that will direct my future success along with working hard to achieve my goals.