There was something special about today’s dance class. Instead of the typical warm-ups/stretches, across the floor, etc. We sat in a circle, introduced ourselves on a whole different level. My jazz instructor was having an emotional breakdown and she asked us, “Why do you dance? I dance because it’s the only thing that keeps me sane. It’s my everything.”
Other students raised their hands and talked about how much they loved dance and some students opened up a little bit more about their life story and recent tragedies. It took me a little time to think about what I wanted Ms. Lisa to hear from me. I raised my hand and she called my name. I said…
“I’m a musician and I sing more than I dance actually. And I was always so used to learning dance in an educational environment. When it came down to playing instruments and singing, it was self-taught or I learned from my parents or my short years of piano lessons. I danced all throughout high school and prior to that as well, but my first year of college, I took a break. Last semester came and I decided to take a jazz class because I’ve been planning to minor in dance. And when I took the class, it reminded me of high school. NOT THAT I MISS HIGH SCHOOL! *cue laughing* but it reminded me that I can’t sit still. And with all the stress from other courses, it’s so nice to get up and move again. Yes, we can mix singing and dancing together, but I view them as two completely different arts. I can’t even really explain what it is, but there’s something that dancing does, that singing doesn’t. Expressing my feelings through song and voice has a different effect than expressing my feelings through my own body. I can’t pinpoint exactly why, but there’s something about dance that I absolutely cannot let go. I want to dance until my bones break. I can’t dance when I’m 70, well maybe I can, but not like this. But I know I’ll be able to sing when I’m that age. We’re so young and I don’t want to take my body for granted.”
After she let class go, I stayed around for a couple of minutes and gave her a huge hug and said, “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” She said, “No…thank you! And by the way, I can totally tell you sing, your voice is very warm. I can really tell!” To be honest, I don’t know what that means, but she said it with a smile, so I’ll take it! She’s amazing, and I can’t name any other kind of class that does something like this. With the way class was held today, my classmates and I created a bond. Now we know why we’re all here. It’s our outlet. I don’t strive to be the best dancer in the world, but it’s definitely something I’ve enjoyed for years and years. I probably won’t do anything with my degree in dance, but I’ll certainly be proud of it. Ms. Lisa Ross is by far the best professor on Sac State’s campus.
Okay so morals of the story. Do what you love, follow your heart and you truly don’t know someone’s life story. “
