Something Important to Me By: Miranda Smith

There are many things that I would consider "important to me" but one stands out above the rest. The arts have been such a huge part of my life, and I can't imagine what it would be like without them. Whether its dancing, singing, acting, or playing an instrument, it's always something that I can escape to. 

    I've been apart of the arts for as long as I can remember. Actually, my mom was on stage preforming while pregnant with me until it was physically impossible to keep doing it. Maybe that's why I'm so passionate about it. 

    I still remember my first little actors show like it was yesterday. I used to do these little performances at Acting-A-Part, a local studio, with my sister and friends. The friendships and bonds that I have formed by being part of these communities are incredible. I've always been a quiet person, and acting and theatre has been an outlet for me to sing and act and make new friends. Now that I'm older, I just participate in the school musicals which are so special to be apart of.  It's a bummer that we are most likely not going to get to do a musical this year, but I can't wait for next year. Having the chance to do shows with such great people is incredible.

    When I little, my sister and I's favorite game was the Glee Karaoke. We would play that game for hours. Just Dance was also another favorite game of ours. We would sing and dance to those songs over and over again, probably to the point where it annoyed the crap out of my parents. Singing and music wasn't just something important to me when I was younger, but still is now. I love school choir and I try to participate in as many extra singing activities as I can. And when I'm not singing with other people, I'm jamming out and singing along to music by myself.

    Dance has probably been the most important thing for me from the arts. I dance 6-7 days a week for 2 to who knows how many hours a day. Because of dance, I'm part of a family that I will never forget. The teachers are people I look up to so much. Not only do they teach us how to move and dance, but they teach us life lessons I will never forget. I know I can go to them about anything. For the friendships I've created at dance, I know they will last a lifetime. I see the people at dance more in a day then I see my own parents which really goes to show how important these people are to me and my life. Stepping away from the family part of dance, the movement from ones own body can tell so many different stories. Sometimes dances just get your blood pumping and in a great mood. Others can tell an issue or a story so powerful it leaves us teary eyed. Being able to express my emotions through movement is amazing and I'm so grateful for it. This year has been quite different because of Covid, but we do as much as we can in person and the rest virtual. There are plenty of days where I'm exhausted or in a crappy mood and I really don't feel like going to dance. But as soon as I get there, whatever I was tired over or in a bad mood about goes away when I'm dancing. I'm so thankful for all the arts and what they have allowed me to do in life.