Why Nice Matters

​After years of data-driven analysis, Google discovered the key to great teamwork is being nice.  The same can be said for communities--our dance communities and the communities in which we live and play.  As we strive to achieve our personal best, it's easy to get caught up in the here and now with little regard for our dance mates or neighbors.  I recall when I was five years old and getting ready for my first "big" ballet performance, the unthinkable happened. One of my fellow ballerinas, who was equally excited to perform on the big stage, tripped and landed on a pencil, which became lodged in her leg.  Ouch!  All the ballerinas were horrified but the show had to go on. While we finished getting ready, our friend was rushed to a nearby emergency clinic. Thankfully she was able to return to the performance hall to see our last dance.  As we took our bows and accepted flowers from our adoring fans (parents), our injured ballerina friend sat on her father's lap with an understandably sad face. My mother quietly asked if I wanted to give my rose to my friend.  I can't remember if I was happy at the thought of giving my rose away at the time, but in the end I was glad  I did.  I'll never forget my friend's smile....or the lesson in kindness and compassion.  As Google's study aptly points out, nice matters.  In everything we say and do. 

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