Almost three months later, I received my phone call. I felt like I was riding a huge wave of luck: like I had been given a special gift. For me, becoming a Junior Rockette meant moving my entire family to Chicago. Long contemplation left my family and me with sleepless nights. Although it would be a great experience for me, it would involve too many unnecessary changes. I declined the offer, but promised to attend all of Junior Rockette and Rockette's extravaganzas in the future. As my life revolved around dance, I decided to audition closer to home for the Fox Theater, Muny Kids, and the American Ballet Theater Studio Company. Luckily, I was chosen for every spot, but only accepted the one with the American Ballet Theater Studio Company in St. Louis, Missouri. As I enter my third season with the company, I remain more grateful than ever, but I attribute my success to years of hard work, dedication, and a natural sense of dance precision. Today, as I prepare for our 2017 edition of The Nutcracker, I must arrive at rehearsals strong, fit and prepared with a positive attitude. Rehearsals require endurance and concentration: we practice around fifteen hours a week for four months to perfect The Nutcracker. I believe I helped keep the sports tape industry going by using them to prevent blisters caused by my spikes.