It is Everywhere if You Look for It

Unplugging from Stress to Be Present

I find myself purposely disconnecting from the news and social media. If it weren’t for running a business, I’d probably get rid of it altogether. I’ve made a conscious choice to unplug from the noise and focus on joy. And the truth is, joy is everywhere—if you take the time to look for it.

Life brings a rollercoaster of emotions every single day. Some are so strong they can take over your entire body and soul. Joy can be like that—if you let it, if you look for it.

I feel my heart race and my eyes well up when I witness true, authentic joy. Like when an unknown filmmaker or animator wins a prestigious award and can hardly speak because of their excitement. Or when a singer doesn’t just perform with a trained voice but pours every fiber of their being into a song—you just know they are doing what they were meant to do in this world. I’m amazed by artwork or sculptures that took years to create, knowing the dedication behind them. Even in the simplest moments, joy shines through—watching people on a dance floor at a party, letting the music take over. I don’t care if they “can” dance; it’s their joy that moves me.

Finding Joy in the Journey of Dance

This past weekend was our mid-year dance performance. Our ballet students, from six-year-olds to senior graduates, along with our competitive teams, took the stage. Backstage, I wear a headset, helping run the show, which gives me the privilege of seeing so much joy up close. I love watching first-time dancers about to step on stage—the stage lights spilling into the wings, their excitement, nervousness, and joy all rolled into one moment. It’s not just the younger dancers but also the older teens and adults who have never danced on a stage before. Think about that. That is the first time in their lives they will feel that thrill. Perhaps some of us take that moment of joy for granted?

Then there are the graduating dancers, experiencing a different kind of joy—their final performance. The last time they get to dance alongside friends they’ve known for years. They may think they’re feeling sadness, but I believe it’s joy. They just don’t realize it yet.

Dance as a Source of Pure Joy

As we head into competition and recital season, I encourage you to let go of the pressure to make everything perfect. It never will be, and we all know that. Something will always be slightly off. Unplug from the stress a little and look around. Let the joy of others wash over you. As studio owners, we provide a space that brings joy into the world. Let that sink in. Yes, at times, the studio brings stress and anxiety, but when those moments happen, remember to “find the joy.” It’s everywhere—in the studio, backstage, at a show or competition.

And don’t forget to shut off the studio brain so you can find joy in your own life—with your family, your children, or even in a quiet moment alone.

Let me tell you, sitting on a patio in Naples with pizza and limoncello brought me great joy. Good food brings me joy.

This might sound sentimental, but I wish I had focused on this earlier in my studio career. How many moments have I missed because I was stressing over a lighting cue or a dancer forgetting their entrance? How many memories slipped by because I had to answer an email or handle a registration? I remember taking registrations over the phone while my family and I were driving to a cottage for a getaway—how many of us do that?! At the time, it all seemed urgent, but if I had just looked around, I would have seen joy somewhere.

EnJOY the Journey

I suppose this reflection comes from recognizing how easy it is to get caught up in negativity, division, and stress of the world around us. It’s a current that pulls you in, and once you start swimming in it, there’s no treading water. In the immortal words of Dory—“just keep swimming.”

But wouldn’t it be better to swim in an ocean full of joy?

As Rhee would say “EnJOY the journey”.

Find Joy with Your Fellow Dance Educators

As you navigate the ups and downs of studio ownership, know that you’re not alone. The DanceLife Teacher Conference is a space where studio owners and teachers come together to learn, grow, and reconnect with their passion. If you’re looking for fresh inspiration, practical tools, and a supportive community, this is the place to be. Take the time to invest in yourself—because when you thrive, so does your studio. EnJOY the journey with us!