To anyone who feels like they’re not making progress in their dance journey – keep going

I remember watching Lauren Gottlieb in ABCD and thinking, Wow, I want to dance like that one day. It felt like a distant dream, one of those “maybe in another lifetime” kind of wishes. But fast forward to now—I not only got to take a class from her at Live2Dance Seattle, but she saw something in me. She saw a dancer with potential and literally bowed down on one knee – the kindest gesture reminding me truly how far I’ve come 🙏🏽

I started dancing when I was 4, training in Bharatanatyam for 14 years and completing my Arangethram. Over the years, I explored Bollywood, hip-hop, contemporary, kuthu, and bhangra. In college, I was elected captain of my dance team, leading us to competitions and feeling like I was at my peak—until life had other plans.

While performing bhangra, I tore my shoulder, with 2 years of surgery and recovery. Following that, even more health issues. When I moved to Seattle, I felt like my dance career had taken a hit. Where do I even restart?

I found Live2Dance and started dancing again—this time, just for fun. No pressure, no expectations. I wanted to fall in love with movement again, without the injuries. Slowly, I began training in hip-hop, taking guest workshops, learning from as many instructors as I could. And then—Lauren’s words and encouragement reminded me: My journey is not done yet. This is only the beginning.

Progress isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s in the tiny moments—the extra hour you put in, the self-doubt you push through, the times you show up even when you don’t feel ready. You may not see it now, but trust me, one day you’ll look back and realize you’ve come further than you ever imagined.

Keep dancing. Keep believing. Your moment is coming. 💫