By: Iris Xu

Before the sun rises, we awaken

To apply layers of makeup upon our faces

Skipping breakfast, and changing into tight costumes

Then, as if in a blink, we find ourselves on stage

Blinding lights cast their brilliance upon us

While the audience remains concealed in darkness

The music reverberates, the beat pulsates in our chests

And as the grand finale approaches, we give it our all

With the show concluded, the audience erupts

Cheers and screams enveloping the air

With humble bows, we exit the stage gracefully

Hours pass, and the time for awards arrives

We clasp each other’s hands tightly, awaiting our placement

Finally, after days of tiring dancing, it’s time to return home

The three-hour drive becomes a journey of replenishment

Indulging in food and snatching moments of rest

Until we surrender to the comfort of our familiar beds, where dreams whisk us away.