RDC Has Changed My Life Completely - Taylor's Perspective

​Royal Dance Conservatory means the world to me, it has become my second home. RDC has helped me grow as a dancer and a person. Before RDC dance was just a hobby of mine not so much a passion. I started to want to challenge myself more in dance. I wanted to compete and challenge myself, but I lived in a small town and that wasn't offered at my dance studio. When I moved to Winnipeg I knew I wanted to go to RDC.

When I came to RDC I was immediately challenged and pushed out of my comfort zone. I was challenged in a way I had never been before. My passion for dance only grew stronger thanks to RDC. I had a great connection with my teachers and other dancers. I loved coming to dance. As the year went by I started to improve dramatically. I joined the advanced jazz and lyrical class and my teacher helped me grow so much as a dancer. My teachers helped me improve physically but they also helped me gain confidence and self esteem. 

My first year are RDC I auditioned for the competitive team. And I made it! My first year competing at RDC was and amazing experience. I felt like I had so much practice time in the studio and when it was time to compete I felt ready to go. I love competing, the costumes, the quick changes, makeup, and cheering on my teammates. I love every minute of it! I didn't care what I won or what we placed I was just happy to be there doing what I love. 

RDC has become my second home and family. I have made some life long friends. I love the whole team at RDC. We all get along so well and are such close friends. I love going to dance everyday and seeing my friends. We have some great memories together, like going on trips, almost ripping the barre off the wall, and the random things we talk about in class. I love being around my team and teachers, it is my happy place. 

The next year at RDC, big changes happened and I was really exited because Miss Nicole was taking over RDC and I was looking forward for all the new and exiting changes! I auditioned for the competitive team again and I got my first solo! I was so happy because this is what I have worked for. A little into the year miss Nicole noticed all the hard work I was putting into my routines and decided to give me a second solo! A jazz solo.  was so happy because I knew that I earned it. It made me feel great that Miss Nicole had noticed my hard work. That is what I love about RDC. We are a small studio so dancers get so much individual time and teachers notice your hard work. I am not just a number at RDC and I love that. 

I wouldn't have improved as much as a dancer in that last two years if it weren't for Miss Nicole. I love working with Miss Nicole, all of her classes are my favourite, not only is she a great teacher she's a great choreographer too! Working with Miss Nicole has helped me improve so much. She is always there to encourage me. She helps me boost my confidence and self esteem up. When it was time for the first competition of the season I was so nervous, this was my first time competing a solo. I was scared that I was going to forget my dance and I started to panic. Miss Nicole was with me the whole time she calmed me down by making me laugh and telling me that I got this. She pushes me to do my best. She works so incredibly hard and puts everything into the studio. That inspires me work hard at everything I do. Miss Nicole has helped me grow so much as a dancer and a person by encouraging me not only to push myself physically but to stop thinking negatively and believe in myself. 

I love my dances this year. Especially my jazz solo because it's super challenging and has pushed me. When I was first learning it there were some tricks I had never done before and didn't think that I could even do, but with a lot of practice, hard work and the support of Miss Nicole, I surprised myself with the amount of improvement I made. It was because of her confidence in me that I believed in myself and by competition I was ready and excited to perform my solo. 

I love going onstage and performing because I know the whole team will cheer and support me. 

RDC has changed my life completely. Dance means everything to me, and has helped me in every aspect of my life. Dance is my outlet, it is my way to express myself and release my feelings. Dance has shown me that working hard you can accomplish anything. I can't wait for next season to start.

Taylor W. (Age 16)
Competitive Company
​Royal Dance Conservatory