I dance because it helps me be less shy. I dance because it is a way to confidently express myself. When I dance I can’t be afraid, I can’t think too much. I just have to be free and I have to let go. This is why dance is one of my favorite things.
Small and Stage Frightened
I was one of those daughters corralled into a dance class, and at three years old I was pretty shy. My first dance recital was… well let’s just say it’s a good thing I had the advantage of just standing there looking cute. I didn’t do the dance at all but stood on stage looking at my toes. After the show, they gave all the dancers little medals as congratulations. I cried all the way home because I felt like I didn’t deserve one, since I did practically nothing.
But many years later, I am still taking classes and performing in recitals. Thankfully, now I am doing actual steps on stage and enjoying the experience. Dance has become one of my favorite things; maybe because I have been doing it for so many years it just seems like a necessary part of who I am.
Crash Course on Dance Styles
Dance has so many styles, and I train exclusively in four: Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Lyrical. I enjoy ballet for its structure, elegance, and foundation for all other styles of dance. There’s nothing like being sore after a hardcore ballet class. While ballet may seem dainty, the training is intense and requires more skill than most people expect.
Jazz is a bit more exciting, and probably the second most common after ballet. Think of Broadway shows for example. Jazz can be theatrical or more current; there are many creative possibilities. I love jazz because of the jumps, leaps, turns, and energetic atmosphere.
Lyrical is more emotional and, like the name implies, is based off the lyrics and meanings of songs. (However, you can also do this style to music without many words). Lyrical is more freeing and enriched with expression. Think of the show So You Think You Can Dance and those really emotional pieces.
I would say tap is probably my favorite. I love tap because once you know the basic sounds, more complicated movements are just based off those same steps and techniques. At the studio I dance at, we consider both modern and more old school tap. I think the style is so unique and when I am tapping I can’t help but having fun.
Dance as A Sport and An Art
Whether you are one of those people who considers dance a sport or not (this is a rather lengthy debate), dance does require coordination, stamina, and strength. Just like any other sport, you must practice in order to perform. I think one of the most challenging things about dance is being aware of every part of your body and how it is all connected.
Dance turns into an art when the movements and choreography have meaning and share a message. It’s not just about doing the steps, but it’s about realizing how the audience will read that movement, what emotions they will feel, what story they will follow. As a dancer, you have the freedom to express your impression on something.
How Dance Has Inspired Me
I think dance is one of my favorite things because it is freeing. While it may result in sweat and sore muscles, going to class is a way to relax from the chaos of reality and school. I also love dancing with my friends and continuing to grow with the help of my teachers. Dance has inspired me to let go more in my life, not worry so much about judgment or doing something wrong. The only way to learn new steps is to try them.
Small and Stage Frightened
I was one of those daughters corralled into a dance class, and at three years old I was pretty shy. My first dance recital was… well let’s just say it’s a good thing I had the advantage of just standing there looking cute. I didn’t do the dance at all but stood on stage looking at my toes. After the show, they gave all the dancers little medals as congratulations. I cried all the way home because I felt like I didn’t deserve one, since I did practically nothing.
But many years later, I am still taking classes and performing in recitals. Thankfully, now I am doing actual steps on stage and enjoying the experience. Dance has become one of my favorite things; maybe because I have been doing it for so many years it just seems like a necessary part of who I am.
Crash Course on Dance Styles
Dance has so many styles, and I train exclusively in four: Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Lyrical. I enjoy ballet for its structure, elegance, and foundation for all other styles of dance. There’s nothing like being sore after a hardcore ballet class. While ballet may seem dainty, the training is intense and requires more skill than most people expect.
Jazz is a bit more exciting, and probably the second most common after ballet. Think of Broadway shows for example. Jazz can be theatrical or more current; there are many creative possibilities. I love jazz because of the jumps, leaps, turns, and energetic atmosphere.
Lyrical is more emotional and, like the name implies, is based off the lyrics and meanings of songs. (However, you can also do this style to music without many words). Lyrical is more freeing and enriched with expression. Think of the show So You Think You Can Dance and those really emotional pieces.
I would say tap is probably my favorite. I love tap because once you know the basic sounds, more complicated movements are just based off those same steps and techniques. At the studio I dance at, we consider both modern and more old school tap. I think the style is so unique and when I am tapping I can’t help but having fun.
Dance as A Sport and An Art
Whether you are one of those people who considers dance a sport or not (this is a rather lengthy debate), dance does require coordination, stamina, and strength. Just like any other sport, you must practice in order to perform. I think one of the most challenging things about dance is being aware of every part of your body and how it is all connected.
Dance turns into an art when the movements and choreography have meaning and share a message. It’s not just about doing the steps, but it’s about realizing how the audience will read that movement, what emotions they will feel, what story they will follow. As a dancer, you have the freedom to express your impression on something.
How Dance Has Inspired Me
I think dance is one of my favorite things because it is freeing. While it may result in sweat and sore muscles, going to class is a way to relax from the chaos of reality and school. I also love dancing with my friends and continuing to grow with the help of my teachers. Dance has inspired me to let go more in my life, not worry so much about judgment or doing something wrong. The only way to learn new steps is to try them.