Well, I don't dance. At least not the kind of dance that professionals dance. But I dance the kind of dance I like. I like to flow. And at other times, just to jump around. I like a song playing, and I like to find myself moving. I'm not great, but I do it because it’s fun and makes me feel good.
I lack creativity; the whole drawing and painting area is beyond my skills repertoire. But, this semester I decided to pursue a dance class, not only fulfill my fine arts credit, but also to fulfill my desire to connect to myself more (I took a dance class once at boarding school and fell in love with the way it made me feel).
I selected a class whose description read something along the lines of, “Movement and improvisation through dance elements and group interaction.” It seemed to be exactly the class I needed. And the best part? No previous experience required.
I am now a month into the class, and I do not regret my choice. I love that both the professor and the class encourage me to push my limits. I don't necessarily need to be the best dancer; rather, I simply need to find connection to myself and those around me--which is what I’ve been trying to do for my whole life. And if I'm anxious or frustrated that day- I simply showcase it through the movement. Or if I'm having one of those days where it's like “Wow, I lead a good life,” I show that too.
Which brings me to my main point... I think it's important for college students to take something like a dance class because it provides an outlet. It forces a break from the academic rigors many students choose to put most of their emphasis on. Instead of solely focusing on the career paths undergraduate education guides you towards, such as being a doctor or a lawyer or a teacher, take the time to tap into your creative energies. College is supposed to be about having four years to live for you. And yes, I do recognize that these four years are vital for what comes after, but wouldn’t it also be better to be a more developed person after graduating? Not just someone really good at math or science or whatever your field may be, but rather leave your undergraduate career as a wholly rounded person with a keener sense of self; academically, socially, and mentally. Because all of those things are just as important as finding a job after college.
Dance, despite my limited experience with it, has been a path away from feeling swallowed whole by the anxiety tied into the academic and the social demands of university life. It is an hour and a half every Wednesday and Friday that I can simply be. I shed concerns about exams and papers, people and things; instead, I focus on channeling emotions through movement. Maybe dance is not the right outlet for you, but I highly recommend finding some class for at least one semester that is geared toward bringing you closer to yourself.
