For as long as I can remember, I have been involved in dance. Whether I was taking classes and performing, a part of the school’s dance team, assisting with a dance team in college or bringing my own girls to tap and ballet, dance has been a big part of my life.
I started when I was about three in a tumbling class in Monroe. I don’t remember a lot about it, other than I had the nickname Pink because there was another Jamie in the class (who went by Blue) and we tumbled to the rubber duckie song. I have been told I struggled to roll over in my summersault and it was pretty adorable.
From there I went on to take classes at the Newton YMCA and Showtime Dance School, also located in Newton. I was often in classes with girls much older than me where I learned all of the basics and started the process of becoming a performer.
The year I entered middle school I also started with a new dance studio opening in Monroe, Steppin’ Out. It was there where I was able to dance with my friends and start my competition career. It was a blast going to class and we thought we were pretty hot stuff at the time.
In high school, during my sophomore year, I made the PCM Drill Team. I think it has since changed to “dance team” but the group is one in the same.
I was once again able to participate in a medium that I loved with friends and enjoyed almost every minutes of it. Like most things in high school, there was unnecessary drama but we always pulled through to put on a great performance.
Post high school I helped with a dance team in Solon while I attended the University of Iowa. I was eye opening how much coaches have to put up with and how hard it can be to get high schoolers to listen and trust that what you are saying is for their benefit. While it was a lot of fun, I definitely figured out I do not want to teach any time soon.
After college I helped here and there with some of my friends teams and I always enjoy attending the annual state drill team competition in December. I even went to try outs for the barnstormer dance team with a friend who was interested and realized I didn’t have near enough glitter or abs to make the team. It was a good laugh, though.
After having two girls, I knew that dance was once again going to be in my life. My oldest started classes when she was three years old and my youngest followed the next year.
For the most part they love dance, especially my youngest. Our only struggle is stopping what we are doing to get ready and go, but once they are there, it is a great time. Nothing is better than watching my tiny dancers up on stage with their big smiles and cute dance moves.
Another dance opportunity for the girls is the annual dance team clinic put on by the PCM Dance Team. In our third year, the girls go and learn a dance for a few hours and then perform during the spring showcase held by the team.
This year the girls didn’t disappoint, especially my oldest who told me she was suppose to be sassy while dancing. I also realized it had been 15 years since I was out on the floor performing for the final time during my senior year.
Time really does fly but I am excited to watch my girls start their journey in dance, wherever it may lead.
Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com