My first year of college is coming to a close. In less than a month, I will be back home in Los Angeles baking in the sun. When I think back to the things I did that really impacted my first year, I would have to say getting involved with a Dance Company on campus.
When I first came in as a new college student, I was set on not pursuing dance after high school. I did four years of dance in high school, but I was hoping to get into another sport that I had not done in a while, like tennis or volleyball. I had this mindset until I started going to free dance workshops that were offered by the various dance clubs offered on campus. I felt great every single time because I hadn't danced whatsoever for three months straight, which was the longest period of time that I've not danced.
My love for dance started to bubble up again from inside and the strong mindset that I had begun to melt away. The people I met at these workshops were so excited to meet all the new dancers and everyone was so welcoming.
So, I did it. I tried out for the DePaul Dance Company and I made it onto their Modern and Lyrical teams. And, wow, am I so happy that I did that. I met an awesome new dance family and I have been able to continue to nurture my own craft of dance. I've been exposed to new styles and choreography, which has been absolutely wonderful. Although I can not dance as often as I used to, dance has an even larger significance to me now.
See also: Participating In Dance Marathon Made Me A Better Person
I've learned the importance of going with the flow more now.
Dance used to be something that needed to be sharp, clean and perfectly executed. These principles still apply to my college dance still, don't get me wrong, but I've been able to practice more dance improvisation with other people, which has an entirely different energy. You let the music take you away and at times, the people you improve with guide you through movement.
Everything is based on the idea of trusting yourself and your teammates. Some of the best dancing that I've seen are simply at practices, seeing my teammates improving. It's amazing the things we come up with by just literally dancing without thinking. Taking in the music and letting your body take over.
Dance's definition has evolved for me.
It used to be a simple escape. Now, it's an escape and it's flow. This was a change that I never imagined would happen, but it did and I am so happy it did. I'm taking a lot of my time for dance again and although it can get crazy, I learn something new everyday with dance.
