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“I didn't realize how much people look up to me in the clique of dancesport till I observed a person's facial expression change from sour to pure joy.” ~Peter Su

The clerk asked for where I got the coupon card, then realizing that it is easier to get an answer by looking at the back of it, she continued to flip it around and find out where it originated: Studio 2720… the ultimate in dancesport in Canada. Where teachers come to learn and top competitors practice.

I asked for a 7 1/2 extra wide modern shoe with glossy leather. To an outsider, these small informations means jack: coupon from studio 2720 and the style of shoes. To us in the know, it means I am competing at the top level of dancesport in modern. There's only about 100 of us in Canada out of the million of people. There's only 100 of us because we have to walk through all the sorrows and loneliness to come to the top. Out of the 100 of us, only 50 actively competing while the rest struggle to find a partner.

It is then she know she can talk normally, without having to explain any of the terms to me. Terms such as latin, modern, standard, pivot, frame, coucaracha… dancesport.

I have to keep in mind that people worship those on the top for their spirit and determination and from what they must go through to reach the top.