The Benefits of Dance
- Nicollette C.
- Sep 20, 2020
- 4 min read
I started dancing when I was two years old and I love it almost as much as singing. My first class was a tap class that I took through the city's activities book. At the age of 5, I joined the Corona Dance Academy studio. I took Jazz and Hip Hop. About three years later, my mom convinced me to join a ballet class. I was hesitant when she signed me up, because as a young girl of color, I almost NEVER saw a ballerina with skin color even remotely close to mine. I was scared that I would show up to class and instantly be judged, but at the same time I was excited. I've always looked up to the older girls that could float around the stage on the top of their toes. So, there were so many mixed emotions running through my little head, but I took the jump any way. From there I went on to LOVING ballet. I started watching videos and I was always excited to be a part of something so beautiful. I continued to dance day after day. I wasn't in the studio every single day, but I was took my work home with me. I would dance in my room, while watching tv, and I would even replay the routines and my own choreography in my head when I was in the car or at school. (Nothing I don't do now) After 8th, I decided to take a break from dance.
At this time in my life, I was going through a lot of personal issues. I definitely didn't feel like myself. Like starting high school wasn't hard enough, but adding on family/friend issues and losses, along with mental health struggles, was too much to take on. So, I decided it was best to just focus on school. By pure luck, I was still able to keep active and find a way to do what I love. After auditioning for the dance team at my high school (and not making it), I made the choice to audition for the color guard team. Despite almost all of my friends from middle school telling me not to, I wanted to. It looked cool and it was a goal of mine to be a part of team at my school. I will never regret taking that giant step into a new experience, because it was honestly the best part of my four years in high school! After finding a new home, I didn't want to go back to a dance studio. I fell in love with something new!
But then high school ended and I instantly knew something was missing in my life. That's when I knew that I needed to dance again. I had to admit to myself that I missed being onstage, having pounds of makeup on my face, being covered in glitter, smelling like hairspray, and being blinded by the beautiful lights while leaping like a gazelle, or as my friends would say, "a banana peel". Going into college was going to be a challenge, so I thought I should get back to doing what I love and what was familiar. When I started dancing again it just felt right and brought back so much joy into my life that was much needed after another round of tremendous change.
My favorite type of dance has always been between ballet and lyrical. I like the structure and the emotion that it brings me. My theory is that because of my love for writing and singing, lyrical dance connects to me on a deeper level. Before I choreograph any dances, I have a habit to always read the lyrics. I listen to the song on repeat and I write and take notes about what I feel and how the music affects me. Eventually, I get up and I just let the music move me. (It's a great way to release stress and be active!)
One of the things I love the most about dance is how much work it is. Dance is mostly seen as an art form and people are always fighting over whether or not dance deserves to be a sport. I always have and always will say YES! After spending the last 17 years dancing and pushing my body to limits I didn't even knew existed, the answer has to be YES! It's amazing to see the different ways that dancers can move their bodies. The strength. The passion. The beauty. All of these things come together to make the sport into a beautiful art form. You don't have to look too hard to see it!Throughout my life I have played almost every single sport there is. I have been on swimming teams and played tennis. I have done gymnastics and dribbled on a basketball court. But the most work my body has ever put in has been on a dance floor. I highly suggest a dance class if you are trying to work on yourself mentally and/or physically!
Benefits of Dance (from Healthline):
Improves mental functioning
Improves balance and strength
Improves cardiovascular strength
Challenges your brain
Helps boost your mood
Can be inclusive to everyone
Can be gentle on your body (depending on the style)
Favorite Dance Exercises (when not in the studio):
Leave your comments below! What dance does for you? What dance workouts you love to do?
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