In true Candace perfectionist fashion, I rarely create things that I truly feel proud of. I’m very thankful to say that this is not the case with this piece. Growing up as a competitive dancer who essentially never won anything, this piece is my story as a performer. I knew I wasn’t the worst at dancing, but it was clear to me that I was not good enough. For an already insecure teenage girl, living in this mindset was dangerous. My growth and my opportunities were hindered because of my lack of self confidence - because, speaking from experience, these feelings are crippling. The anxiety, frustration, and helplessness is sometimes too much to bear. It’s confusing, as a performer, to have such a large desire to be seen - to want to be watched and have people clap for you and think you are incredible - but also to have such overwhelming embarrassment when performing because you already know you are only 6/10 and you know anyone who sees you will think the same. Forever feeling stuck as the background dancer/supporting role - both terrified of and longing to be the dancer front and center. Taking in the responses I have received since presenting this piece, it’s clear that I am not the only one who has ever felt this way. Freshmen to seniors, moms, daughters, performers or not, I have heard your thank you’s and seen your tears and am thankful to know that I am not alone. I hope this piece is a reminder of that for you as well. A special thank you to my beautiful cast, who have been there with me, physically and emotionally, from the beginning. Your storytelling abilities and your technique transformed this piece far beyond anything I could have imagined it to be and for that I am so very grateful. Also - another special thank you to @this_isalex_ who took on the task of designing the lighting for this piece and very beautifully took this story to a whole new level. Lastly, thank you to @okcudance_ for giving me the knowledge and space to create something so precious like this. If you made it this far - your brain is wrong! You are not 6/10!!! You are 10/10 always all the time and I love you & Jesus loves you! 🤍