1. The incredible feeling of stretching tight muscles at the start of class.
2. And the feeling of knowing you're more flexible than usual on a particular day.
3. Cracking. Your. Bones.
4. Making a perfect bun on the first try.
5. When it stays in place for the whole day.
6. And at the end of the day, washing out three pounds of hairspray.
7. When you get to release your emotions during a combination.
8. Finally getting to take class after being out from an injury.
9. Finally hitting that turn or jump after practicing for what feels like years.
10. Even better, hitting it when someone is watching.
11. And then when you just lay there for a few minutes after class, regaining your breath.
12. Getting through an entire hour of ballet without a leotard wedgie.
13. The unbelievable feeling of a post-class stretch.
14. Taking off your dance shoes and feeling like your feet have just been released from prison.
15. And how amazing your feet feel afterward in any shoes that aren't dance related.
16. Peeling off your sweaty tights after ballet class.
17. Finally being able to pee after taking off several layers of clothes.
18. And then slothing around in comfy clothes until you have to wear tights again.
19. Taking off your dance makeup after a performance.
20. Actually, just the feeling of being clean after class.
21. And finally, relaxing at home after a long day.
That is, until you have to do it all again tomorrow.
