An Open Letter to JT

Dear JT,

The moment I saw you, I loved you.

I saw you walk on stage - looking like you were 6 years old..and then you told the audience you were 10.

Other people judged you on your smallness the moment they saw you.

But then you began to dance.

And boy did you dance!

In the blink of an eye you captured the hearts of so many people around the world.

Yet people still judged you on your smallness.

I silently watched you Monday, after Monday on my couch.

I was dealing with heartache - and JT - You helped me get back up!

You reminded me of something I used to know.

Dance.

You see JT,  You took me back to my own dance days.

I was judged each and every day for my smallness too

but like you, I began to dance and had the ability to become the tallest person in the room. That's the best part about dance. You can fly!

I'll never forget a piece I performed when I was around 10 or 11.

I danced to Respect by Aretha Franklin.

I was sick and tired of the world, of the girls who were bullying me in and out of class - I was tired of the universe constantly pointing out my tininess since the day I was born.

I remember realizing while standing still in the dark, seconds before the music played, that if I couldn't get my respect off stage - maybe I could get it on stage.

Maybe dance was the only way I could demand it.

I'm happy to say my plan worked.

That night I brought the house down.

Apparently I did so well, that all eyes were on me..and I was the girl people were peering down at their programs to try and find my name.

During intermission my mother was going around telling the people who were commenting on my performance, that I was her daughter.

After that dance - my own dance teacher had me move up a level.

JT, I'll never forget it! That moment was a moment I'll cherish for the rest of my life.

You reminded me that no matter how small you feel, or how small you are -

You can still be colossal.

You can be mighty.

You can be strong.

You can be mature.

Your very first piece with Robert - Stand in the Light moved me.

The song and the entire dance put my feet back on the ground - it was the light at the end of the dark and painful tunnel I was trying to get out of.

I recall a judge telling you that night, that your dance was purposely made for someone who needed to see it. I do believe I was that person.

Now here we are - the day after the finale.

You came in runner up, but I am so proud of you!

The love shown between you and Robert made me tear up as you performed Stand In The Light for one last time.

I think I was ready to cry myself, when I saw your little face look up at Robert in the end - and then you and he burst into tears.

JT - You showed me a form of love I had forgotten exists.

The kind of love I should be looking for.

The kind of love I should be chasing.

Keep dancing little guy.

Keep loving, and keep proving the world that no matter how tiny you are - you can grab that world and own it.

Here's to you!

Love,

A ballerina

 

Author's Note

Reviews

[Abhigyan]

One word: touching. That's all!