Russian Pointe Newsletter -- April 2009

As dancers, we are constantly practicing in order to improve our technique and artistry. But there are times when we aim even higher, preparing for a crucial audition, performance or competition. At those times, we know that we have to present our very best because our future might depend on the quality of our performance on a particular day.

The idea that one moment in time could have such a tremendous impact may seem daunting. But it is essential to remember that our work, effort and striving are never in vain, even if that moment does not go as we had hoped. The improvement we achieve in preparation will affect us no matter the immediate outcome.

Last week, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) visited Chicago to inspect the city as a candidate for hosting the Summer Olympics. It has been my enormous privilege as a member of the Outreach Council for Chicago 2016 to highlight the best Chicago has to offer. In the Olympic bid, Chicago is emphasizing the city's outstanding infrastructure, our historical and modern architecture, the support of renowned leaders such as President Obama, Mayor Daley and Oprah Winfrey, and most importantly the support and collaboration of citizens who have presented with pride the many amazing qualities and resources of this great city.

As dancers, we elevate our standards and set new benchmarks when we rise to the occasion of a new opportunity. In professional life, we push ourselves to improve our work before an important deadline. As a city last week, we worked together to ensure the best possible impression on our IOC guests (despite receiving six inches of rain and snow during their visit).

It may seem artificial to show our best for an hour, a day or a week, but interesting things happen as a result of this effort. Once elevated, our standards remain elevated. Goals that we initially viewed as unreachable become part of our set of expectations, as we take action to maintain what our efforts have shown us is possible. For a dancer, the goal may be a triple pirouette or a beautifully sustained balance. For a businessperson, the goal may be to develop more efficiency in production or to create more value for customers.

Here in Chicago, we are discussing important subjects like improved public transportation, more affordable housing and increased tourism. But, although these topics are being raised during discussions about the Olympics, first and foremost in our minds is attaining and maintaining improvements and excellence regardless of whether Chicago becomes the host city in 2016. We hope that today's commitment to excellence, even if it seems idealistic, will remain part of tomorrow's set of everyday expectations, long after the Olympics of 2016 are past.

Every time we are challenged and move outside our comfort zone toward a new level of excellence, we learn just how much we can achieve. May a piece of the greatness we achieve in those moments in time remain with us throughout our everyday lives.

Aleksandra Efimova,

President