Believe in Yourself

By Noelle Sampson, Desert Hills High School Student

Every person has a passion—that certain something that a person can’t live without. Ballet is my passion, and it has been for the past twelve years. I have danced at Westside Studio of Performing Arts since I was young. As a ballet dancer, I have learned how to work hard, make long-lasting friendships, and be resilient. But one thing I have always struggled with is self-confidence.

From a young age, I compared myself to others. For some dancers, comparison can help them work harder or encourage them to try something new. The comparison I liked to take part in was more like the companion of negative self-talk. In dance class, I would watch other girls and tell myself that I wasn’t as good as they were and that I never would be. I was constantly corrupted by my own negative thoughts about myself. Regardless of these thoughts, I knew this little negative whisper in my head could never stop me from dancing...or so I thought.

During my senior year, my dedication to dance was tested when Nutcracker season approached. Every year, Westside Studio puts together a production of the Nutcracker ballet, and I have participated in it for many years. Bigger roles are offered to senior dancers, and one role I really wanted was the flower soloist.

The negative whispers in my head kept reminding me that if I didn’t get the solo part, I might as well quit because I was never going to be good enough. Auditions came and went, and I hoped for the best but wouldn’t allow myself any more than that. When the cast list was finally posted, I searched it, looking for the role of flower soloist, and there, typed in neat and perfect letters, was my name. I could not believe it! I had reached my goal! I was so excited and could not wait to get into the studio and start dancing.

This happy excitement did not last long, however. Rehearsals proved to be quite difficult. I had a hard time perfecting the choreography and kept comparing myself to the other two girls that got the part as well. About a month into rehearsals, the whispers became louder. Even when making small mistakes, I kept criticizing myself and asking why I wasn’t good enough.

After rehearsal one day, I was dancing around for fun when my thoughts led me to imagine a world where I could no longer dance. And then it hit me...I danced for me, and that was all that mattered!

A few months later, as I was preparing to step onto the stage as the flower soloist in the Nutcracker, I pushed aside all of my negative self-talk and comparison. I felt amazing as the familiar music started to play, and I crossed the stage to perform my solo. I will never forget that feeling! I was not dancing to be the best; I was dancing because it was my passion.

My performance wasn’t perfect, but as I took my bow, there was not even the smallest negative thought in my mind.

About the Author

Noelle Sampson is a senior at Desert Hills High School where she serves as the National Honor Society president and the seminary president. She spends most of her time dancing, playing the violin, babysitting, and hanging out with friends. Noelle’s future plans include attending college and becoming a nurse.