The spotlight illuminates her graceful, yet precise choreography

She twirls elegantly with a serene expression upon her face

Creating shapes, creating art

The rewarding sound of applause sends the dancer off stage

perfect posture, head held high

the brightest smile across her face

The curtains fall, and so too does she

into her chair in the dressing room

She slumps over and carefully removes her beautiful, silken pointe shoes

She releases the tears she hid on stage 

They roll down her cheek 

smearing her perfect black eyeliner

as she tenderly massages the arches of her bruised, misshapen and swollen feet

Fresh blisters have appeared around her toes

already covered in open cuts from the hours of practice before her big moment

Raw, bright red marks on the soles of her feet throb constantly with a pain so 

unbearable

But this pain drives her to persist

Her feet keep her grounded and allow her to follow her dream

Her feet make the sacrifice.

Her feet are the unsung heroes of her craft.