Is it too late to start dancing?

I started dancing at the age of ten. I was not coordinated, and a lot of my family members did not believe dance was going to be for me. My grandpa asked my mom jokingly one time if I was just dancing for fun. Meaning, did I know I didn’t have any talent? It was true though, I was not graceful, and I did not seem to show any promise. I had balance issues from losing my hearing as a child and I started dancing at a relatively late age. Can you imagine though, what if I thought, “Mm, it is too late for me?” Where would I be now? I would not have graduated from college with a degree in dance and I would not be happily teaching dance today! I seriously would have missed out on so much.
 
I think it is a big misconception when people think dance is not for them, they aren’t coordinated enough, or it’s too late. Martha Graham was an important innovator in the style of modern dance, and speaks to this in two of my favorite quotes: “Great dancers are not great because of their technique; they are great because of their passion,“ and, “You are unique, and if that is not fulfilled, then something has been lost.”
 
It is never too late, and one is never to uncoordinated to dance! Dance is for everyone. Dance opens a messaging system to the soul that shows who we really are. It isn’t important if one can’t do a perfect triple pirouette, but with practice and consistency, one has already taken the first step on their own journey through dance. 

​Alyson Balls

Can you spot Ms. Alyson?