Creative Practice Blog #8

 October 20, 2024

    Welcome to my eighth blog post! This week I am highlighting community through the artistic mediums of dance and photography.

    Growing up I never quite felt like I belonged to the dance community.  I didn’t start dancing until sixth grade, which left me feeling perpetually behind at my studio. Even by my senior year, I wasn’t skilled enough to join the competition team. Watching others dance while feeling like I wasn’t “enough” was discouraging. Although I loved dancing, the constant comparison left me feeling burnt out. Everything changed when I got to college. Last year, I joined Extreme Dance Company, a student dance organization that welcomes everyone, whether they have 15 years of experience or none at all. This community is built on inclusivity and support—completely unlike the dance environment I had known before. For the first time, I feel like I truly belong. I can dance without fear of judgment or comparison.

    My goal for this week was to showcase this sense of belonging in my art. I danced like no one was watching and took photos that highlighted both the graceful movements of the dancers and the unwavering support from the audience. As a result, this week had many positive impacts upon my overall health. Dance, being a great form of exercise, benefited by physical well-being. Beyond that, the joy I felt from dancing and being with my friends significantly improved my mental health. Practicing photography also benefited my mental health. Taking photos allowed me to focus on the beauty of dance and the connections formed, reminding me of the love I have for this community.









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