Entry #1. The Greatest Freedom

Melissa Hayden once said, “Learning to walk sets you free. Learning to dance gives you the greatest freedom of all: to express with your whole self the person you are”. I believe dance to be one of the most beautiful, exciting art forms. I started dancing when I was three years old and continued taking lessons until I graduated last year. Dance has always infused my life with freedom and joy, while teaching me what hard work and discipline look like. Regardless of what I feel on any given day, I feel better when I dance. As cliché as it may sound, my worries disappear as I pirouette or grand jeté across the floor! Dance has always been a safe space for me.

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In the last year, I recently started teaching dance and I have made it my mission for my classes to be a safe space for these children. I have found that teaching is almost more fulfilling than dancing myself. Sharing these moments with young ones and seeing their passion for dance ignite is so special. It is something I wouldn’t trade for the world. I currently teach at elementary and middle schools in their afterschool programs, and I love taking my time to enter into these kids’ worlds. I enjoy learning about their day at school or hearing why they feel sad. Then, I encourage them to get out of their shell and dance. I love seeing them try new things and leave the class happier than when they came. I aspire to make dance feel freeing like my dance teachers did for me when I was in classes.


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    Dance has saved me and it is an honor to share something I love so much with the kids that I teach. I am eagerly looking forward to seeing where these little dancers go! Whether they go on to dance for years like I did, or they just do it for this specific season in their after school program, I hope that dance shapes them in a way that they remember forever.

Comments

  1. AidanFebruary 17, 2024 at 10:50 AM

    Sup Anna. This was very sweet to read. It put a smile on my face the entire time. It's clear that you have such a passion for not only dancing but sharing this incredible outlet of self expression and emotions with others. I have never taken a lesson myself, but I have started incorporating ecstatic dance in to my life for the last 3 years and I can completely agree that it overwhelms you with the feeling of joy and freedom.

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  2. John-Paul M.February 18, 2024 at 9:21 PM

    Hello Anna! It's JP! I just have to say I find it very sweet knowing that you find fulfillment in teaching children to dance. You were once in their shoes trying to find yourself as a child and you know exactly what other kids may be experiencing. It can be stressful even to kids with having new experiences! Having someone like you to understand the obstacles that can come with dancing is absolutely crucial for a healthy and successful environment in any class setting! I hope you continue finding fulfillment in your classes!

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