My mother is a dancer. I was born in the spirit of dance. As soon as I
walked, I moved and danced on Eminem and Snoop Dogg. Quickly, I took classical dance
courses to become more graceful. However, my attention remained focused on hip-hop.
So I registered with my mother’s support to my first hip-hop contest. I had
never taken a single course of breakdance! The other children were dancing the
Harlem Shake, the Jerkin’ and so on. What about me? I walked up on stage,
petrified, and then let go on Dr Dre. I finished last and felt ridiculous.
My mom who had seen everything, helped me and just listened to me. Years
after years, I learned steps and movements to perfection. Choregraphy after
choregraphy, gesture after gesture and music after music I was progressing.
For the first time at ten years-old, I entered a breakdance competition. On
Eminem I danced my first choregraphy in public. Traumatized by my last
experience, I gave the best of myself and so I ended second.
That is when my mom was no longer satisfied, she spent more time on me,
we worked harder and more often. I had to be better. Finishing first was no longer
an option. Moorea Championship, Polynesia Championship, and Paris
Championship, all were easy to win.
However, growing up and with time, I did not want to think about winning
all the time. I discovered a new passion for paddling and left hip-hop aside.
Now, I paddle on Saturdays and dance four hours on Sunday. I don’t do any
competitions anymore and only dance for pleasure.
Tehani, 10th grader
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