The stage lights dimmed, and I took a quick look from behind the heavy black curtains into the audience. Blinded by the lights, I quickly 1. It seemed that a great number of eyes were looking at me. I took a deep 2 as the music of my dance began to play. I entered the stage and began my 3 , the graduation test of the classical Indian dance.
After a decade of learning this art form, I had 4 been considered ready to take on the most difficult act. The test is the most important 5 in a dancer's life as it pays respect to all the factors (因 素) in one's life that 6 the dance form: one's culture and family. The performance is undertaken only by the most focused and 7 students. It is a difficult process that requires much commitment (付出，投入). For more than six months, I spent two to three hours every day 8 these dances. Many times, I 9 myself to my physical and 10 limit, but still I would not 11 . I could not give up. There was always so much more to do and so much more to learn.
I 12 a lot about myself in those tiring hours. I learned that I was far too stubborn (固执) to give up, and I was too proud to prove myself 13 after I had set an unrealistic goal. Even with physical pain and mental 14 , I forced myself to meet my 15. Even when I was at the end of my 16 , there was always something driving me on, forcing me not to give up.
Fortunately, I17. What I had done 18 the success. It was in those hours 19 I learned what a dancer 20.
