The Performer Life
My New York Anniversary
On Nov. 19, 2014, I moved to NYC. Every year in November, my New York anniversary brings back lots of memories. All of us have decisions in our lives that change the course of who we are forever. I know for me, moving to NYC was that pivotal decision.
Being a ballet dancer is what brought me to New York. When I moved here at 18, I had no idea what was ahead for me. I didn’t know I would make amazing friends and build a life here. I was only planning on staying in the city for a few months. Here I am six years later.
The Beginning
I grew up outside of Philadelphia, which is only two hours from New York. The short distance drew me there time and time again until my big move at 18. I fell head over heels in love with NYC when I was only two years old. I obviously don’t remember it, but my mom always tells the story of my first time in NYC. My mom had to go to the city overnight for work and decided to bring me and my aunt. Even though I was just a toddler, my mom says my face lit up as I looked out of the car window, seeing the sights of the city for the first time. In every picture from this trip, I am beaming from ear to ear. It must have been the New York energy, but from a young age, I couldn’t get enough of this city.
When I was four, my parents took me to see my first Broadway show. We saw “Beauty and the Beast.” I loved watching movie musicals, like “Singing in the Rain,” so I was in awe when I saw one of my favorite Disney movies come to life onstage. One of my favorite childhood photos is of my dad holding me with the “Beauty and the Beast” marquee in the background. There is something foreshadowing about the photo that makes my heart feel so full whenever I look at it. It’s almost as if living in New York to pursue a career in theater was meant to be.
As the years went on, I always looked forward to our family day trips to New York. In high school, I was always going up for auditions for various ballet programs. My dance friends and I would take the train up, audition and then explore the rest of the day until our train home. One of my favorite memories was walking around Times Square with my best friend after auditioning for American Ballet Theatre’s summer dance intensive. It was freezing cold, but that didn’t stop up from sightseeing!
The Middle
When I was 18, I went through a really challenging time. I was living in San Antonio and dancing in the ballet company there. I put up a happy front, but on the inside, I was depressed. There was one week where it all came out. My mom was visiting and I just completely broke. I was laying on the coach sobbing and she asked me what I wanted to do. I told her I just want to move to New York City.
I was uncertain about everything, except the fact that I needed to be in New York. Something dormant inside of me for so long finally burst out. Even though I didn’t know what my future would bring, I knew I needed to make a change. It was a defining moment in my life. By listening to my heart and my gut, I changed the course of my life for the better.
The Continuation
I know, I know. I should have named this section “The End.” It just didn’t feel right. My New York love story is nowhere near over. Over the past six years, I’ve grown so much. I lived on my own and figured out what being an adult really means. I had amazing days and bad days. I’ve been a shoulder to cry on and leaned on my friends’ and family’s shoulders as well.
The one thing that has been a constant over the past few years is the feeling I get when I wake up in the morning. Waking up in my New York City apartment fills me with hope, especially this year. If I could describe New Yorkers in one word, it is resilient. New Yorkers bounce back from hardship and come back stronger. We truly are New York tough.
My anniversary this year means more to me than ever before. If I could get through this year, I know I can get through anything. I can’t wait to look back this time next year and see the progress and change in New York and in myself.
The Discussion
Has there been a defining moment in your life? What decision are you most proud of? Let’s get the conversation going in the comments below!
