“Practice makes perfect.”
I first heard that when I was seven, just before stepping onto a badminton court for the first time. Back then, it sounded like a motivational poster. Now, all these years later, I’m beginning to understand it more deeply – through dance.

When we started the new choreography to Mirchi, I felt surprisingly confident. Compared to the last routine, it seemed easier. I caught on faster, or so I thought.
I told myself, Maybe I’ve finally got the hang of this.

But watching the first video back was humbling.

Even after practicing those opening steps over and over, the way my body moved didn’t match how it had felt. The moves were barely there.

And yet, my teacher sees something different. She sees growth. She reminds me just how far I’ve come. For this, I am grateful. 

Watching those clips again, I notice another layer:
Confidence.

On the days I felt good about myself, how I looked, how I showed up – my performance reflected that.
But on the days I felt less-than, bloated, tired, self-critical – the energy faded. The difference was clear.
The camera didn’t just capture my steps. It captured my self-talk.

Self-Talk.
The vibe of the song felt nostalgic and electric. To me, Mirchi had “rowdy boy” energy. The kind that reminded me of a memory in my teenage years, of swaggering boys at Majestic City. That attitude, that edge, stayed with me while practicing. I even had a specific outfit in mind to match that mood. Something expressive and full of intention.

But at the very last minute, I changed my mind. I threw on an oversized t-shirt instead. It was an attempt to hide my body. I’d put on a few pounds and didn’t feel good enough to wear what I had envisioned.

And that choice showed up in my performance. Not just in the outfit, but in how I moved, how I carried myself. And in my expressions, or rather the lack thereof. 

I’m quite critical of the final video. But if I’m honest, it’s not the dancing I’m judging. It’s myself. Every unhealthy choice I’ve made in recent weeks and months is the first thing I see. What I really see is my lack of discipline.

Still, even in that criticism, there’s a spark of something else:
Inspiration. Motivation.

A quiet reminder that I can take steps toward the version of myself I want to see. A healthy body, a positive mind, a more grounded presence.

This choreography, this whole dance journey has done more than challenge me.
It inspires me.

To keep going.
To commit to myself.
To keep showing up, even on the hard days.

Because every time I do, I get a little closer to becoming the version of myself I want to be, and I know is already within me.