It all started in 2016 after I saw a Latin dance competition. It was the beginning of my Latin dancer dream, and that dream would linger for few years to come.

When the competition ended, I started to wish that I would become an award-winning dancer, with medals and trophies of my own. I sank into a daydream, that one day, I too would be wearing a shiny dress, holding lots of medals and trophies that I’d won. But first, I needed training and that dream became my target. But how do I start?

When I asked my mother about it, she laughed and thought that my head was still in the stadium. The whole world seemed to laugh at me, but I didn’t give up. I kept on asking and after about a week she finally realized that I was serious about taking up Latin dancing. She helped me by researching dance studios and finally, we settled on classes at Yulin Latin.

The first time I walked into the dance studio, there was music everywhere and the classrooms were filled with children dancing. Dancing in their fancy dresses like butterflies, I admired and was desperate to be like them. I recognized some of them from the dance competition. They were like swans and angels to me, turning beautifully in the stadium. I met my two teachers – Yulin Li who also happened to be the owner of the studio and Lin, whose job was to correct my mistakes. I didn’t feel like they were teachers. They felt more like friends to me.

The classes were hard but I enjoyed every moment of it. When it came time for my first competition, I was nervous but I knew how important it was to me and I overcame it. When the music came on I danced with all my strength and did everything my teachers had taught me.

But this isn’t a fairy tale story. I didn’t leave the competition with a first place medal. In fact, I got a terrible score that time. Afterwards, I stayed in my room in tears for the rest of the day. My mother comforted me and asked if I still wanted to continue. Fortunately, I didn’t give up. It was a learning experience for me. I trained harder and got better.

By 2019 I had entered my second competition with the encouragement of my friends, family, and teachers. I won 6th place – and places 1 – 6 got trophies. I was ecstatic! Over the next few years I trained even harder and finally I was able to get a first-place trophy.

My time at Yulin Latin gave me freedom and it was like a paradise for me – an unforgettable memory. It taught me life lessons and helped me succeed.

For my peers looking for a new hobby, join me for a dance.

Yulin Latin 北京玉林拉丁学校
Multiple locations in Beijing, Tianjin, and Langfang.
Ph: 158 0105 5020
WeChat ID: 309103315

This article is part of jingkids’ student correspondent program. If you’d like to get involved, please contact editor@beijing-kids.com

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