The stage lights dimmed, and I took a quick look from behind the heavy black curtains into the audience. Blinded by the lights, I quickly1. It seems that a great number of eyes were looking at me. I took a deep2as the music of my dance began to play. I entered the stage and began my3, the graduation test of the classical Indian dance. After a decade of learning this art form, I had4been considered ready to take on the most difficult act. The test is the most important event in a dancer's life as it pays5to all the factors in one's life that 6the dance form: one's culture and family.
The performance is undertaken only by the most7and determined students. It is a difficult process that requires much8. For more than six months, I spent two to three hours every day9these dances. Many times, I10myself to my physical and mental breaking point, but still I would not stop. I could not give up. There was always so much more to do and so much more to11.
I12a lot about myself in those tiring hours. I learned that I was far too13to give up, and I was too proud to prove myself14after I had set an unrealistic goal. Even with physical pain and mental15, I forced myself to meet my expectation. Fortunately I made it.
