An interview with a dance major
Q: How has dance affected your development as a person?
A: After a few years in dance I began to work harder, take corrections my teachers gave me and even listen to the corrections they gave other students. I have seen this work ethic carry on into other aspects of my life as well. The discipline I was taught as a child has helped me grow as an adult. Not only has dance challenged me to push myself, but it has also offered me a release. I use dance as a way to clear my head or express an idea or important issue, but most of all, I use dance as a form of praise. I love God more than anything and I find that I’m happiest when I’m dancing to praise His name.
Q: Do you believe dance is a form of expression or a way of life?
A: Dance can be both. If you are truly serious about your art or sport, you make it your life. Dance is the way I express myself. I may not physically be in the studio everyday anymore, but that doesn’t mean I don’t dance. In fact, sometimes I dance best outside the studio. I’m observing the world around me and I translate what I see into steps in my head. So, to answer your question, dance is my expression of life.
Q: There is the debate that dance, like gymnastics or cheerleading, is not a sport. What is your reaction to this?
A: You can’t see it, but my eyes are huge and I’m shaking my head. What I would love for people to understand is that dance is more than baseball or football could ever be because it combines art with athletic ability. Before I offend more people let me explain. A dancer must have a musical ear because no one wants to watch someone turn or flip or roll off-beat. It’s as bad as a singer being sharp or flat, painful. Not only is there music and grace, but there are years of training involved. A dancer has to have muscle, but too much would make it impossible to have the flexibility that is required. I’d like to see some who says dance isn’t a sport dance on their toes for a two-hour show while wearing an awkward costume. Dance is not just individual. You, along with your cast are a team. You bleed and blister together, you sweat together and during rehearsals you pretty much live together. So dance as a sport? Yes, athletic strength and endurance, grace and flexibility, a sense of team companionship…you decide.
Q: When you reflect on dance and its impact on your life, where do you see it taking you in the future?
A: I’ve been asking myself that a lot lately. One of my greatest desires would be to join a company, but in order to do that I need to expand my training. Whatever I end up doing in the future, I know that in some way dance will be incorporated. It’s a part of me that I can never give up. I plan on being 80 years old and still dancing.
Q: What is your favorite quote about dancing?
A: “It takes an athlete to dance, but an artist to be a dancer.” ~Shanna LaFleur.
Q: Musicians have instruments. What differentiates dance?
A: Musicians have instruments. Dancers have appendages. Our arms and legs are what we play our music on. I’m taking a dance composition course right now and part of what we’re learning is how to use every part of the body. I can use my arms and legs, but what about my pinky or my heel? Each part of the body works together to create a dance, just as each instrument combined forms music.
Q: How has the GCSU dance programsaffected your college experience?
A: Dancing at Georgia College has been nice, because it allows me a chance to learn from older dancers as well as new ones. I get to dance, but also have a life outside of the studio.
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Sep 19 2008. Filed under Spotlight.
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