<p>Im from germany so my essay is far from flawless...this is how far I have come. The prompt asks if there is anything about my background that is worth writing about what the admission officers wont see when evaluating my transcripts. Please criticise, I really need the advice. Thank you!!!!</p>
<p>I feel my heart pounding against my chest as if it was going to burst into a million pieces. I am holding my breath, trying to stretch my torso a little bit more, tightening my abs and positioning my arms. Any minute now, the curtain will rise and I will have to give my best. Despite my fluttering nerves, I enjoy the thrill of being on stage. As the spotlights come on, my feet start carrying me across the platform, my immersion(?) making it impossible for me to feel the strain. The music guides me through the performance like an invisible hand, accentuating my almost automatic movements. As it comes to a halt, I finish my act, trying to seize control of my wavering hands. You did better yesterday. Your arms were not coordinated with your head movements. Your feet were sloppy and there were moments when you completely disregarded the music. My teacher looks at me with his unkempt hair he always has shortly before a big performance. Today was the final rehearsal for The Nutcracker and you could noticeably sense the tension. It wasnt bad. You do not lack of gracefulness, but still it seems like something is holding you back! You yourself are the only obstacle that has to be overcome. I wouldnt have given you this role if I didnt believe in you. I know Ballet is hard-even the best dancers dont achieve perfection! Its about your radiance, your stage presentation that draws people in, not your flawlessness. You have to dance with your heart and soul, do you understand? I nod my head. Good. Again!</p>
<p>For five years, dance has been my constant companion. Balancing dance and school has been a struggle, but the experience I have gained has been well worth the effort. I remember my initial reluctance towards joining the pink ruffle wonderland(which I eventually found is nothing of the sort!). When I turned fourteen, I finally discovered my passion for dance, regretting that I didn't listen to my mother who wanted me to start ballet back when I was 5 years old. I had to cope with some of the physical constraints that came with starting at a more advanced age, such as limited hip turnout, weak feet and at that time, poor flexibility. While other girls in my class were practicing double pirouettes, I was still working on building up the essential muscles for basic ballet movements. Fortunately, my teacher saw potential in me and placed me in an intensive class for young, aspiring dancers when I turned 16. Since then, I have been dancing wholeheartedly 5 times a week, up to 3 hours a day. To me, dancing is not just a form of exercise, but a way of expressing your emotions through an art form, just like painting, singing or writing. My teacher was a great inspiration to me since he believed that even the smallest movement, if executed with heart, would affect so many more than a technically impeccable but numb performance. Dance teaches so much more than just the art. I learned respect towards our teachers, discipline in the manner of showing up to class and working on improving yourself daily, and teamwork as my group, always had to pull together. Dancing the sugarplum fairy this past winter was an amazing opportunity for me. I worked with incredible people that have taught me so much more than any book could ever teach, but especially I gained confidence in myself and learned what I want, not just in dance, but also in life.</p>