Hi!

Hi everyone, Marielle here. Welcome to the first blog of the subsidiary of Dance Thrive Support Network, Dance Diaries. I created the Dance Thrive Support Network as a way for dancers to watch relatable content that regard prevalent issues in the dance industry, such as mental health, body image, and the competitive nature of dance. Dance Diaries is a way for me to discuss these topics using a different medium: writing.

I have been writing for as long as I have been dancing, and the plethora of diaries stacked in the corner of my room are alongside the piles of old, dead pointe shoes, which is a testament to my joint passions. My dancing journey began at the age of two; twirling around the room during mommy-and-me classes rapidly developed into a life long passion for ballet, motivating me to audition for the School of American Ballet in 2011. When I was accepted in 2012, this joy had only grown, and performing with the New York City Ballet allowed me to express my artistry differently. However, along with the joy of performing came severe feelings of imposter syndrome and competition. Being so committed to art was exhausting, and especially as a 6th grader, I sometimes craved being able to participate in "normal" childhood activities. In retrospect, I appreciate the opportunities I was given during this time, though. I learned how to be disciplined, concentrated, and truly love something on a profound level.

After being accepted into the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School in 2021, I was introduced to numerous different styles, and being a "bunhead" wasn't the title I liked conforming to anymore. Though naive, I craved new material, techniques, and, most importantly, a new environment. Balancing academics and artistry was a difficult task, but being constantly surrounded by so much talent was motivating and refreshing, to say the least.

As someone who experienced both a supportive and limiting environment, I knew that I wanted to impact the art that has given me so much. Creating Dance Thrive Support Network has been my outlet and my "virtual diary," and has allowed me to connect with so many other dancers in our community.

So, what can you expect from this blog? It's my new and improved online diary, a place where I'll share raw, unfiltered content about the dance world. Whether you're a teen dancer or professional, this blog is for you. We're here to provide the support and insight you need to thrive in the dance world.

I will write alongside two other members, Hannah Brandt and Monica Riccardo. They will provide their own introductions later on in the month.

We're excited to share our thoughts, experiences, and advice with you. We hope you enjoy reading our blog as much as we enjoy writing it. Here's to the future of Dance Diaries!