I had never been to a dance studio before.
At 10 years old, I didn’t know what to expect when I walked into Tampa Bay Dance Academy.
Upon arrival, I saw eager dancers waiting for class and parents chatting while watching their kids. A beautiful dark-haired woman greeted me, a smile beaming across her face.
“Hi, I’m Ms. Alicia…” she said confidently.
“I’m Naomi. It’s nice to meet you,” I croaked.
Almost immediately, my nerves washed away as she showed me around the studio and introduced me to my teacher. She would occasionally pop her head through the window to check in on me. In that moment, her kindness drove me to become the best dancer I could be.
I wanted to impress her. But it wasn’t just for her. I wanted to build my confidence since I started way later than my peers. I knew I would have to put in extra work to catch up. Even if it meant going home and correcting myself in the mirror with the little experience I had. I struggled for many years with my technique and form. My brain moved faster than my body and just couldn’t connect the pieces together.
I doubted myself daily.
But Ms. Alicia noticed everyone in the room no matter their ability. I knew she was watching me even though I was a mess. Despite everything, she knew how to make me feel like the most talented dancer in the room.
When I was 12, I stayed after class one night and I asked Ms. Alicia what I needed to focus on the most as a dancer. Her face lit up. “You’re almost there. Just keep extending through your feet and improving your technique,” she replied. We embraced in a tearful hug as she thanked me for asking her that question. I walked out of the room more motivated than ever. I truly believed her.
And those words have shaped me into the woman I am today.
Two years ago, I learned that Ms. Alicia was diagnosed with cancer. I was distraught and for the first time, I couldn’t believe her. I never thought she wouldn’t be a part of my life. Dance didn’t exist without her. She turned the shy and confused dancer into one with confidence and strength.
When I walked into her studio for the first time, I never intended to be on the competition team. But I fell in love with the atmosphere and I found a second home. Ms. Alicia was one of the toughest people I’ve known.
Even during her fight, she still showed up with resilience. When we were together you couldn’t tell how much pain she was in. She carried herself with so much grace and held her head up high – running around dance competitions cheering, giving pep talks, and taking pride in her students. She was the loudest right before your solo. She was the first to find you afterwards for a hug.
It gave me hope that she would defeat the odds and come back better than ever.
Now, as a dance teacher myself, I admire every little detail.
During my freshman year, she gave me the opportunity to be an assistant for the studio’s summer camp. Throughout the experience, I told myself teaching dance wasn’t for me. I was too strict and impatient with the kids and felt like I couldn’t compare to Ms. Alicia. As the fall season approached, she pulled me aside. I thought for certain she was going to tell me not to volunteer next year.
But instead, she said, “You’ve really been impressing me this summer, not just with your technique, but your ability to keep the kids focused while you teach.”
Just like when I was a dancer, her words pushed me to be a better teacher.
After her passing, the biggest thing I’ve learned is that she is still here. Over the years, I was honored to be able to soak in her knowledge and guidance. I am proud to say she is a big part of me. She transformed me into a confident, passionate, and driven young woman. She taught me to show up on the days you don’t want to, the days that are rough, and the days where you aren’t at your 100% best.
It’s bittersweet to carry on her legacy not just at my studio, but to my dancers. Ms. Alicia will always be with me, whether that be at dance, my personal life, or my new title as Ms. Naomi.
Naomi Gregg is a rising freshman at Ithaca College in New York.
This story is part of a new Largo Tribune initiative, “Guest Voices.” Guest Voices aims to share unique perspectives and personal essays on what truly drives our community. Submit your story idea here.
