First Place Winner: Jevonnah Mayo
10th Grade
April, 2006

“Your talent is God’s gift to you.  What you do with it is your gift back to God.” – Leo Buscaglia

They moved with such grace, life, love, it amazed me.  A peaceful feeling they brought, distributing their gifts, and in return, capturing all of me.  I deliberately watched their routines, trying to visualize myself on that dance stage, hoping I would reach that peak someday.  Someday I would be lifted in the air like a fragile infant and fly like an eagle.  They were certainly eagles.  I saw it in their faces.  Away from their troubles; away from the world they were.  These floating sprits reminded me of the move “Take The Lead” starring Antonio Banderas.  In this particular movie, the style of dance what was performed was called “Ballroom Dancing.”  It was this young girl that when she danced everyone would disappear.  It would be just her alone, in her own little world.  She was at peace, just like the dancers appeared to be on stage at NJPAC.

Although I sat far away, I felt as if I was sitting right in the front row.  I was not missing a step or a move as they took me on their journey.  The intimacy and connection I made with the dancers was very ironic.  I never did ballet a day in my life.  I guess it was the art of dance that held my attention; the music, the costumes, lights and scenery added to it.  It’s the arts that I built a relationship with.

I take the arts very seriously, whether it be dance, music, theatre, or visual art.  The arts are vital to the African-American culture.  Although most people do not recognize its importance, the arts are what shape our world.  This is what encouraged me to attend the ballet.  I desired to sit in the theatre and be surrounded by people who loved their craft just as much as I did.  In watching the dancers, I saw that.  On that stage, I could see people who have been practicing all their lives to get an opportunity such as this.  The long-lasting turns and spins, keeping good count and measurements did just come to them overnight.  It had to be instilled in them.  These dancers had to rehearse consistently, study their craft.  They needed to live and breathe these steps.

I’m glad that I recognized this as I watched the dancers.  They motivated me to work harder on my craft as I felt myself falling off a little.  They also motivated me to encourage someone else to never give up on their dream because it’s possible.  The sky’s the limit.  I understand that in growing up or simply living life, you’re going to have to go through many difficulties in getting what you desire.  Success does not come overnight and it is not given to you free.  You have to work hard for it.  I’m certain that these dancers went through some hardships in creating this piece, but in the end, watching the ballet, it was truly a success!

“The heights by great men reached and kept were not attached by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.” – unknown

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