Shikha Mishra

Inspirational

4.0  

Shikha Mishra

Inspirational

The Dance Contest

The Dance Contest

7 mins
250


Prachi was a school dance teacher and was loved by the students. Her dance classes were so amazing, that students looked forward to her classes. In a short time, she had made a special place in the hearts of the students.

It so happened as she was passing by the corridor; she heard a conversation of her few students talking about how they would quit from the dance contest organized by the school for selecting the representative for inter-school dance competition since the competition was tough.

One of the girls from the group said, Naina said Guys, I would quit this contest, this requires so much effort, time, and energy. I don't think I am ready for it. I should quit now instead of facing failure. If I don't get selected, everyone will laugh at me. I don't want to get ashamed in front of the school, so to save myself from the embarrassment it's better to quit now.

Let me tell you guys, this contest is going to be tough. Have you seen the participants list who have submitted their names for the contest? Some of them are good and are trained dancers, it won't be easy to compete with them. I have seen the list that includes names like Payal, Divya, Madhura, Preeti.

We all know they are some of the good dancers of the school. And I don't think so we non-trained dancers can compete with them.

It's better to walk away at this point and save yourself from embarrassment.

Today I am going to Prachi ma'am to tell her I won't be able to participate in this dance competition.

At least this would save me from being the laughing stock of the school.

What about you 4, are you going to participate in the contest or be intelligent enough to withdraw your name from the contest to save yourself from the embarrassment?

 The remaining 4 girls in the group were quietly listening to her and from their expressions, Prachi who was observing the group from the distance was sure that the entire group was in alignment with Naina'a view.

She was the leader of the group and the group looked up to Naina. And she was able to convince them to withdraw their names from the contest.

The sad part was the remaining 4 girls, didn't even thought to least try for the contest, instead they just blindly agreed to her view.

She had so much influence on them, sadly it was harming the group.

She noticed that it was the same group of girls who were really good dancers, all they required was to put in some more effort. She was disheartened to hear their conversation, but she loved her students and hence decided to do something about it.

As a teacher, it was her responsibility to ensure students learn the important chapter of the life of "Not Quitting when things get tough" because it was not only about this dance contest, but it was about learning important learnings of life.

She had to come up with some idea, so that they learn these important lessons of life in such a simple and effective way, that this learning stays with them forever.

On the same day when students entered the dance auditorium for practice, they saw there was a whiteboard that read 'DontQuit OnYourself - You are born to face & defeat all odds, then surrender".

Students were perplexed as to what this whiteboard was doing in the dance classroom.

Prachi saw their expressions said," Students before we start our practice session I have a small story to share with you. So please take your seats and enjoy this story.


Students, you must be wondering what this whiteboard is doing in the classroom and what is the significance of the motivational quote mentioned on it

You know these are not only motivational words but are magical words that my father reminded me of daily.

You see, I was not a good dancer, instead, I was a really bad dancer. 

The whole class started laughing since they couldn't believe what their teacher told them.

Seeing them laughing, Prachi also started laughing and said, I know you can't believe it but I never believed in myself that I could be good at dancing but there was someone who believed in more than myself and that was my father.

Though I was passionate to become a dancer, it never came so easy to me. I had my share of struggle, failures, rejections, injuries, etc. I thought about giving up on it, but these magical words of my father. refrained me from doing it. Whenever I thought to quit, I got reminded of these magical words.' Don't Quit on yourself - You are born to face & defeat all odds, then surrender".

Whenever I reached home after losing any competition or contest, my father always gave me 1 flower. 

One day I asked him, even when I lose the competition you give me a flower, what's the reason behind it?

My father said, Beta there are 2 reasons for it 1 is you love flowers, it brings a smile on your face and 2nd is it's a token to appreciate your efforts of containing your struggle instead of quitting.

I am proud of your efforts and having you as my daughter. My blessings are always with you and I know one day you would be an amazing dancer. And promise me if you ever get a chance to share this story with your dance students, don't forget to tell them this story.

Let them know how proud I am of you. Even when I am gone from this world, promise me you'll continue your dance journey and shall always remember these magical words.

He passed away a few years back. He had cancer, but till his last breath, he kept fighting with the disease. And these were his last words too" Don't Quit on yourself - You are born to face & defeat all odds, then surrender".

There was silence in the class, everyone had tears in their eyes, including Prachi. There are some moments in life when silence speaks better than words. And this was that moment of life.

Breaking the silence of the class she said, "These words encourage me to face the odds, face the challenges with courage, step up my game and not give up. I decided I'll embrace failure, but not embrace Quitting.

You know students Quitting comes easy, and sometimes you need to quit walking on that path. Quit the habit of Quitting when things get tough. So students, at any point of life if you think to Quit, just remember these magical words and see the magic it does in your life.

The entire class applauded listening to Prachi's story. It was big learning from them. They could never imagine their favorite teacher had undergone so many hardships and struggles to be the best dancer.

And they considered themselves fortunate enough that she was their dance teacher.

Prachi further said, Students, let's take a break of 5 mins and then we'll start the practice. As Prachi was busy seeing the list of the students, Naina along with her group of 4 girls came to talk to her.


Naina said, "Prachi ma'am, Today we came intending to withdraw our names from the contest. But a big Thanks to you for encouraging and motivating us. Ma'am, we may not be the best dancers, but would surely be participating in the competition. We promise you, we'll give our best and shall make you proud of us.

Prachi was delighted to hear this from them. She said, "Naina I am so proud of you all to even participate in the competition. I promise you I'll extend whatever support possible from my end. All the best for the competition.

Not only Naina and the group was selected to represent the school for the competition but they also won the inter-school dance competition.

The whole school was proud of the dance group and Prachi who made this possible. She was felicitated by the school for this victory.

Today while she was alone in the dance auditorium, she closed her eyes and remembered her dad. And as expected she heard the familiar voice "Don't Quit on yourself - You are born to face & defeat all odds, then surrender".

She said, Papa, this victory is the result of your magical words. Though you are no more with me, yet I always find you guiding and supporting me.

Love you, Papa!!


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