If you're a dancer, the Big Apple carries even more significance. It seems as if there is a dance store, studio, or performance space on every block. 

As I was told countless times, New York City is the place to be if you're a dancer. It's certainly one of the more inspiring places I have visited. But what brought me to New York? Well, I was attending the winter term audition for the late George Balanchine's School of American Ballet (SAB).

I'm convinced that I'd like to pursue ballet as a career. As some of you may know, SAB is the official school of the New York City Ballet. Many famous dancers have graced the studios of SAB, including Ethan Stiefel. The school's reputation is absolutely stunning, and if it does not amaze you, then, it will certainly intimidate you (or at least it did me).

Bearing this all in mind, you might realize why I was nervous beyond belief. Yet the drive through NYC traffic was even more nerve wracking. I am from a small town compared to the Big Apple, so the streets were quite an experience. 

The suspense had been building since I first heard about the audition back in July. I ran across Lincoln Center towards the Rose Building, which houses SAB. My heart was pounding the the entire way. 

I had about 10 seconds to catch my breath while I waited for the elevator to get to the 5th floor. The doors eventually opened and I made my way on shaky legs into Studio #1 for registration. 

The room was filled with kids ranging from ages 10-18. The line started at a piano in the corner of the studio and wound it's way like a snake until it reached a table staffed with 4 women registering dancers. It took forever to get to the table. At one point, because the whole process was running behind, 10-14 year olds were asked to jump ahead of everyone else.

I explored the school a little bit to get a better look at everything. The dressing rooms seemed very nice and the student areas looked comfortable. The school facilities are outstanding. It looks like it would be a wonderful place to stay if you were studying dance. There are pictures and paintings of dancers on almost every wall. The school itself is astonishing. 

Back to my audition. I decided that I had my fill of snooping around and returned to stretch. I made my way into a studio that served as the waiting area. After what seemed like forever (it was probably 20 minutes) a woman with a quiet voice walked in and asked for us to make our way in for the audition. 

My heart really began to race. After reassuring myself that I could do it, I walked in. The room was pretty large. It had three levels of Barre heights that lined 3 of the 4 walls. The fourth wall at the front of the room had mirrors, plus chairs for the auditioners. 

We had to get in line on the barre starting with the number 56; I was number 68. I was hoping to be in front, but later found out it did not matter. The auditioners gathered and talked in a small circle, studying the dancers in the room for about 5 minutes. 

I noticed that a few of them had been pointing at me. I suddenly lost my breath and my heart rate quickened. I just smiled and coached myself: "you can do this, just relax." 

After a few minutes, a short woman with dark hair came to me. "Okay, we're going one at a time," the woman said. She checked out the arches in my feet, my turn out, flexibility, and hip structure. She seemed to be taking a lot of time with me, which I hope was a good sign. She said that I had done well and made her way around the rest of the room. I noticed she did not take nearly as much time with the majority of the others as much as she did with me. 

The audition went into a short barre. We then moved center and did pirouettes, small jumps in first, second, and fifth position. The audition lasted about 45 minutes and ended with the auditioners saying that would inform us within two weeks. 

I felt that I did well. I was happy just to be there. It still gives me goosebumps to think about dancing in the studios of The School of American Ballet. 

Now that the audition is over, and I have still yet to find the outcome, I can't decide which is worse: the nervous feelings and expectations of an audition or the anticipation of the verdict. Either way I look at it the whole experience was worthwhile. I'd go back and do it all over again and I am planning on it if I am not accepted this year.