Dance
more than art
Why dance?
I grew up in the Academy of Music, where I trained in classical piano for 12+ years. After going to college, I decided to begin studying a new art form that could still utilize my analytical skills from piano. Through the physical endurance, physics taught in my classes to understand momentum and weight, and anatomy and physiology, dance grew into more than art for me.
Skills I would like to highlight from dance are below.
Resiliency
Going into dance in college meant I not only had to work harder than my peers, my bones fused together at a younger age. This means my body physically cannot do some of the things my peers could, and I had to find ways to compensate in my body by working endless hours to gain flexibility, strength, and (sometimes unnatural) grace.
Adaptation
People who do not study dance professionally may not understand the amount of adaptation required to succeed. I learned to pick up complex patterns without prior knowledge on the dance form, how to create costumes and intricate displays without spending any money, and how to understand how to compensate for my weaknesses without showing it in a performance.
Perserverance
Dance can create enormous obstacles for people who face mental illness, but it also teaches how to overcome those obstacles. Staring at a mirror and facing insecurities head on was an every day occurance for me. Not only did I face my own harsh criticism, I faced many auditions where I was told I am not fit for the part. Over time, I grew to understand I do not fit everywhere, but I will do my best to prepare for where I want to fit most. This life lesson continues with me in and out of my pursuits of dance.
Analysis
It is a common misconception that dancers are bad at analysis. My analytical skills increased through dance training as I had to fully comprehend every miniscule detail my teacher displayed as well as adapt the content to my body and style. I learned how to look critically into my form and extend upon abstract ideas without needing a verbal confirmation or direction.
Leadership
Dance creates an atmosphere of collaboration and communication, without verbal requirements. This means that body language, physical communication, and understanding become foundational for any group of dancers. While I did not begin dance as a leader, I certainly left as one. I learned how to articulate ideas and concepts while guiding people from their own origin. After a few intensive programs, I began to teach dance to others and found myself inspired by watching other people’s success.
Dedication
Sometimes people think motivation is the biggest determinant of success. I disagree. I view motivation as fleeting, and first observed this in dance. My motivation wasn’t always where I would have liked it, but my determination to continue regardless of emotions seemed to be the difference between professional dancers and people who danced. I learned how to continue working on a project even if I didn’t “feel like it,” and how to keep an internal drive even when people around me did not understand or encourage my goals.
Performances
Studied Forms
Dance Crews
Videos
dance is the only form i have found where you must let go and stay focused at the exact same time.
Tinikling
Tinikling is a dance form that derives from the Philippines. I have been fortunate enough to study this form for 5 years now, and now teach others. I began freshman year of college for a cultural display, and became a director of choreography my senior year. To the right is a photo of the form, and a video of my first recorded performance.
Cornu
This performance was inspired by the idea of technology as a distraction during performances. Marilyn Marloff decided to create a piece of art that was designed to have the audience look at a screen and observe the dance through technology, while creating various shapes inspired by a cornucopia.
Dwayne Cyrus
Dwayne Cyrus is a former performer in the Alvin Ailey dance company. I had the opportunity to audition for him, and performed a piece of his choreography. To the right is a photo and link to what was created, collaboratively by the cast he designed and his own work.
Panddango Sa Ilow
Panddango Sa Ilow is a traditional Filipino dance form that is typically performed to honor those who have passed away. The dance includes tea light candles and a graceful sway.