04/27/2016
Check out one of our Alums, Lizz Picini, and her thoughts on being a professional dancer in NYC!
"Last November, I was at an unofficial after-party for the US Marine Corp Annual Birthday Gala. It was a time when I was having a low in the industry. I was also feeling guilty because my low was me still pursuing my dreams in the city—living a dream that some people would kill just to try it. They would kill to get cut at auditions, as silly as that sounds.
At the gala, I had the privilege of shaking the hands of so many servicemen and women and thanking them for serving our country. I also had the pleasure of speaking to a serviceman about what I do for a living. During the course of our conversation, I sheepishly laughed about what I do for a living and the silly problems I face—involving rhinestones and pirouettes—compared to what they do—risking their lives for the greater good.
In his response, he gently reminded me of the necessity for what we do as performers. He said that people in his position would not have any healthy escape from reality or glimpses of joy and hope without people like us doing what we do. He thanked me, told me that what we do matters, and asked me to never discount what we do. It was incredible to hear that from someone whom I hold with utmost respect. It was just one of those “Thank God, I’m a Dancer” moments. That’s a big thing I want to remind everyone in this industry. We often question the ups and downs we go through and ask ourselves if it’s all worth anything. We have to remember that what we do impacts other people in an incredibly positive way."
Lizz Picini, 28 Street Station, N-R.
Read more about Lizz: http://bit.ly/1YOM4pa
Prints are available at www.dancersofny.com/shop for a limited time only. Proceeds will be shared with the featured dancer.
