The moment before the curtain goes up and the ballet begins, all the lights backstage go out. Soon, the curtain will rise, but for now, almost palpable anticipation radiates from my fellow dancers on the dim stage. Although I’ve been performing for large audiences since I was six, nervous jitters flutter in my stomach, brain, and feet, freezing my whole body in place. Being a classically trained, pre-professional ballet dancer is easy. Sure, I could never wear sandals because...