essay on what dance means to me

EVERYTHING IS PERSONAL. INCLUDING THIS BLOG.

Isabella Gasparini

May 21, 2020

What does dance mean to you?

O que a dança significa para você.

Para português, escolha EN/ PT no menu de opções acima

Dance is a form of expression that has been around since the start of civilization. Our ancestors danced to the gods in religious, celebratory, life and death rituals, to express something that transcends the power of words. But dance has also become a form of existing. And interestingly, this is something I have started to ask myself: why do we dance? Why is dance such a big part of our lives, regardless of it being a profession or not? Some of us have an urge to let loose on the dance floor, some choose to spend precious evenings watching dance at the theatre, some have dedicated their lives to dance since they were babies...

In the lockdown period, a lot of people have turned to online dance lessons as a way of getting their dose of exercise, having fun, or staying connected. The Royal Opera House has been streaming performances like The Winter’s Tale and Anastasia and thousands of people have connected to watch. Dance is playing its part, like it always has in the history of humanity, in getting us through difficult times.

I decided to dig deeper into what dance means to me personally and to society as a whole, revisiting the origins of classical ballet and modern dance. As always, I turned to my bookshelf for guidance and found an old book called Dançar a Vida ( Dancing your Life) by Roger Garaudy.

To dance is to experience and express, with the utmost intensity, the relationship of man with nature, with society, with the future and with the gods. To dance is, first of all, to establish an active relationship between man and nature, it is to participate in the cosmic movement and dominion over it.’

I don’t remember having read this book before; if I did, I don’t think I could fully comprehend it. I guess what Garaudy means is that dancing is something spiritual, a way of connecting us with nature or a higher power and celebrating our existence. It is innate to who we are as human beings, a way of forging relationships with each other and with the world around us.

When I was little, I could never explain why I enjoyed dancing so much. ‘I dance to express myself’, I’d say, but only because that was what I heard other dancers say. I couldn’t explain why. I can describe it now as something that makes my spirit elevate, when I feel in my element. Simpler to say: it just makes me happy! I remember my ballet teacher telling me: ‘You don’t get to pick dance, dance picks YOU!’

Fifteen years ago, it did feel to me like I was making a very conscious decision that "I" was picking dance. I was moving to another country to pursue my career, but perhaps there was a bit of truth in what my teacher was saying after all. I don’t think I would have endured the physical and mental demands of ballet if I didn’t feel a strong pull, a spiritual calling, that sense of being ‘chosen’ to deliver a message and to show who I really am.

For some, dancing means a way of excelling or 'being the best'. Some people are driven by its athletic side, the fitness or mastering of 'tricks'. Many stick to it because they are very talented and have the right physique, but I truly believe that if you don’t have your heart in it, it gets harder and harder to sustain any satisfaction down the road. When you choose dance as a profession, it becomes a lifestyle that requires commitment, dedication, and discipline. It is a short lived career; sadly, for there is only so much the body can take. Most dancers stop in their forties, or when the body doesn’t respond well to the physical demands of classical ballet, they will turn to other kinds of dance.

Dancing as a hobby, on the other hand, can be practiced at any age and any time in our lives. It can aid the development of children and teenagers and improve the well-being and health of adults and the elderly. The benefits of dance are endless! Besides being a form of exercise, it inspires creativity and develops a certain attitude about life, giving you the skills to succeed in other areas, be it personal or professional.

'What is dance? It is the physical expression of relationships, feelings and ideas through movement and rhythm. Math is not taught just to create mathematicians, writing not just to create the next generation of novelists. The same goes for the arts. It is taught to create well-prepared citizens who can apply the skills, knowledge and experience of being involved in the arts in their careers and lives.’

- Cecilia Kerche (renowned Brazilian dancer)

A young girl starts ballet at the age of three or four because of her parents, or because she wants to wear a pink tutu and a sparkly tiara. But as she grows, she discovers that there is more to it than being a princess, she falls in love with the music and that challenging movement. The weekday lessons turn into weekend rehearsals and monthly travels to festivals and competitions. Growing up in a close and safe environment, this little group of friends now face the same fears and expectations and they share the same dream. And even when some give up dancing to follow a different path, whatever that may be, they find themselves surrounded by the happiest memories.

Dance brings people together. For me, it gave me lifelong friendships, a second family. One friend became a doctor, the other an architect, entrepreneur, veterinarian... and each in their own way have become happy and successful and continue to love dance in their own way, especially because dance taught us how to fight for our dreams, how to live with our differences and be supportive of each other. It gave us something to feel very proud of, moments we will cherish forever - and it gave us a lot to look forwards to: our reunions and celebrations of each other's life achievements!

'Dance only finds its greatest success when it is the expression, or the hope, of a collective life.' (Garaudy)

Dance means connecting with others, with an audience who watches us tell a story, with fellow dancers who exchange that adrenaline on stage. I love looking into people's eyes when I’m dancing with them. Finding those moments when I catch someone’s eyes gives me the greatest feeling, as if we share a little secret. I can read into people's facial expressions and tell when they are trying hard not to laugh at something, which can easily turn into me having an uncontrollable urge to laugh as well. These moments are terrifying (and so unethical) but they are some of my best memories. If one gets the giggles on stage, that's it. It is very contagious, precisely because it's wrong! But we all need a bit of fun at work!

There is such a powerful exchange of energy between us dancers. If I’m standing on stage or watching someone from the wings - someone I really admire - the next minute, I feel ecstatic and I'm trying to match their enthusiasm with my own dancing. Wouldn't this be the true meaning of feeling inspired? True artists can make me forget technique even exists.

'Every dance implies participation: even when it is a performance, it is not only with the eyes that we' follow 'it, but with the outlined movements of our own body. Dance somehow mobilizes a certain sense, by which we are aware of the position and tension of our muscles [...] This sixth sense establishes, thanks to a phenomenon of muscular resonance, the contact between the dancer and the participant.' - Garaudy

The way I see people react to performances so enthusiastically makes me believe that there truly is a deeper connection between the artist and his/her audience, one that goes beyond the visual. It is as if they relive the feelings expressed by the dancer. I am fascinated by those who tell me that they come to the Royal Opera House every night and watch the same ballet six, seven, eight times! I don’t know if I could have the same level of commitment, but I do find tremendous joy and relief in knowing that an audience feels what I feel when I am out there performing.

Life is all about giving and receiving. I have witnessed the excitement in people’s faces as they watch the dancers come out of stage door at the end of a show. They want pictures and autographs, they give you smiles and flowers and make you forget it has been a long, long day. I think of the audience a lot when I’m dancing. I try to really engage with them, communicate with my eyes and smile, even when I can't make out their faces in total darkness.

At the start of the pandemic, in light of all that was going on in the world, our theatre was still full! People were putting their health at risk not to miss a show, and that really touched me. Even with all the reasons to avoid the theatres, they write so passionately that they will be there, seating in the auditorium, as soon as the doors reopen. I find it so incredible, and I'm so grateful for their appreciation and love for this artform.

There have been times when I thought my job wasn't doing enough to help mankind. Was I being too self-centred? Shouldn’t I have become a doctor, or teacher, or be doing something that would have a bigger impact on society? Am I just part of an elitist art? Not long ago, I realised that I am only beginning to grasp how much dance can touch people’s lives and improve mental and emotional well-being.

I came across the webpage of an author and ballet-lover, Kate Eberlen. Kate had recently released a novel inspired by her passion for dance ( Only You is currently #1 Bestseller in Ballet on AmazonUK), but the blog post I found wasn’t about the book itself. It caught my attention because it was called ‘ How dance saved my life ’, where she opens up to how dance has helped her get through an extremely difficult period in her life. By attending tea dances and making trips to the theatre, she found strength and courage to face every obstacle.

'I admire the dancers' almost superhuman physical skills, the precision, the bravery, the technique, but it is the artistry of combining these with music and storytelling, that transports me to a place where I feel emotions more strongly and see beauty more clearly. For me, watching ballet is like getting a shot of pure happiness.'

Read Kate’s blog here. https://www.kateeberlen.com/article.php?id=30

The fact is, we never know the repercussions of any of our actions, how much we are affecting those who we come in contact with through dance or those who watch us from afar, perhaps seating in the audience and appreciating our dancing like it was their own body and spirit taking flight. Stories like Kate's make me feel so proud of what I do and helps me believe in the transformative power of dance. It is not just an escape from reality, but a way for others to live a happier and more fulfilling life. It brings us joy!

Dance is not just my job or my way of living. It is a journey of self-discovery and how I share and receive happiness, how I best use my gifts to serve others. It is my attempt to make the world a better place.

And what does dance mean to you?

#lifestyle #literature #ballet #royalballet #mytop5 #lockdown

Essay on Dance

500 words essay on dance.

Dancer refers to a series of set of movement to music which we can either do alone or with a partner. Dancing helps us express our feelings and get active as well. If we look back at history, dance has been a part of our human history since the earliest records. Thus, an essay on dance will take us through it in detail.

My Hobby My Passion

Dance is my favourite hobby and I enjoy dancing a lot. I started dancing when I was five years old and when I got older; my parents enrolled me in dance classes to pursue this passion.

I cannot go a day without dance, that’s how much I love dancing. I tried many dance forms but discovered that I am most comfortable in Indian classical dance. Thus, I am learning Kathak from my dance teacher.

I aspire to become a renowned Kathak dancer so that I can represent this classical dance internationally. Dancing makes me feel happy and relaxed, thus I love to dance. I always participate in dance competitions at my school and have even won a few.

Dance became my passion from an early age. Listening to the beats of a dance number, I started to tap my feet and my parents recognized my talent for dance. Even when I am sad, I put on music to dance to vent out my feelings.

Thus, dance has been very therapeutic for me as well. In other words, it is not only an escape from the world but also a therapy for me.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Hidden Language of the Soul

Dance is also called the hidden language of the soul as we use it to express ourselves when words fall short. The joy which comes with dancing helps us get over our sorrow and adversity sometimes.

Moreover, it is simply a translator for our hearts. What is most important to remember is that dance is not supposed to be perfect. There is no right way of dancing, as long as your heart is happy, you can dance.

When we talk about dance, usually a professional dancer comes to our mind. But, this is where we go wrong. Dance is for anybody and everybody from a ballet dancer to the uncle dancing at a wedding .

It is what unites us and helps us come together to celebrate joy and express our feelings. Therefore, we must all dance without worrying if we are doing it right or not. It is essential to understand that when you let go of yourself in dance, you truly enjoy it only then.

Conclusion of the Essay on Dance

All in all, dance is something which anyone can do. There is no right way or wrong way to dance, there is just a dance. The only hard part is taking the first step, after that, everything becomes easier. So, we must always dance our heart out and let our body move to the rhythm of music freely.

FAQ of Essay on Dance

Question 1: Why is Dance important?

Answer 1: Dance teaches us the significance of movement and fitness in a variety of ways through a selection of disciplines. It helps us learn to coordinate muscles to move through proper positions. Moreover, it is a great activity to pursue at almost any age.

Question 2: What is dancing for you?

Answer 2: Dancing can enhance our muscle tone, strength, endurance and fitness. In addition, it is also a great way to meet new friends. Most importantly, it brings happiness to us and helps us relax and take a break from the monotony of life.

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What dancing means to me, it's like dreaming with your feet..

The definition of dance is to "move rhythmically to music, typically a set sequence of steps". That is such a broad definition of what dance really is. To me, dance is everything. Dance is an art form. Dance is a lifestyle. If I didn't have dance, I would definitely not be the person I am today.

I don't remember my first dance class when I was three, or the first time I stepped foot onstage at that age, but the time I can remember being on stage was when I was about five years old. I was confident about my dance steps and then I heard the applause; I knew in that moment that I wanted to hear applause all the time. I remember my first dance competition and being so nervous for the awards and then they called our dance and we had done did so well ! As the years went on, the competitions became second nature and I couldn't wait for those early morning drives to each competition. I knew in those moments that I found something that I was good at and something that I really cared about.

I remember the day I first did a double pirouette or when I first landed a perfect leap. Nothing beats those feelings because you finally accomplish something you have been working towards for months, sometimes, even years. At dance I was considered a "turner", so I always took risks with turns and the amount of them I would attempt. Dance is the best art form to experiment because if you don't get it right, you can just do it again. It's not permanent like paint on a canvas. The stage is your canvas but when you make your mark, you can make a million mistakes and then undo them the next time.

Dance is like dreaming with your feet. When I dance, I forget every worry I have or anything that is going on. Whether school isn't going well or friend drama anything like that, when I put on my dance shoes, all of that goes away. When I feel connected to a song, there is nothing else in my head except me and the song.

A great family experience is created with people you are with everyday,doing something you love and mine being dance is just even more special. When you dance to a song with a group of people and you are successful with it, it automatically becomes "your song" with those people.

Nothing compares to dance for me. It is my life and I don't go a day without watching dances on YouTube or jotting down counts and steps in a notebook after listening to a section of a song. If you have never danced before, just go to a beginner's dance class and it may just change your life, just how dance changed mine.

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25 beatles lyrics: your go-to guide for every situation, the best lines from the fab four.

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The End- Abbey Road, 1969

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Dear Prudence- The White Album, 1968

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

Because- Abbey Road, 1969

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

All You Need Is Love, 1967

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

We Can Work It Out- Rubber Soul, 1965

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Come Together- Abbey Road, 1969

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

I Wanna Hold Your Hand- Meet The Beatles!, 1964

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band-1967

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Strawberry Fields Forever- Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Rain- Paperback Writer "B" side, 1966

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

Here Comes The Sun- Abbey Road, 1969

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

Saw Her Standing There- Please Please Me, 1963

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

Michelle- Rubber Soul, 1965

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

Revolution- The Beatles, 1968

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Eleanor Rigby- Revolver, 1966

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

With A Little Help From My Friends- Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Hey Jude, 1968

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

Yesterday- Help!, 1965

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

Let It Be- Let It Be, 1970

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all i got to give if you say you'll love me too. i may not have a lot to give but what i got i'll give to you. i don't care too much for money. money can't buy me love.

Can't Buy Me Love- A Hard Day's Night, 1964

All you need is love, love is all you need

All You Need Is Love- Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly. all your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise.

Blackbird- The White Album, 1968

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

In My Life- Rubber Soul, 1965

While these are my 25 favorites, there are quite literally 1000s that could have been included. The Beatles' body of work is massive and there is something for everyone. If you have been living under a rock and haven't discovered the Fab Four, you have to get musically educated. Stream them on Spotify, find them on iTunes or even buy a CD or record (Yes, those still exist!). I would suggest starting with 1, which is a collection of most of their #1 songs, or the 1968 White Album. Give them chance and you'll never look back.

14 Invisible Activities: Unleash Your Inner Ghost!

Obviously the best superpower..

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

1. "Haunt" your friends.

Follow them into their house and cause a ruckus.

2. Sneak into movie theaters.

Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health , says science

Considering that the monthly cost of subscribing to a media-streaming service like Netflix is oft...

Free movies...what else to I have to say?

3. Sneak into the pantry and grab a snack without judgment.

Late night snacks all you want? Duh.

4. Reenact "Hollow Man" and play Kevin Bacon.

America's favorite son? And feel what it's like to be in a MTV Movie Award nominated film? Sign me up.

5. Wear a mask and pretend to be a floating head.

Just another way to spook your friends in case you wanted to.

6. Hold objects so they'll "float."

"Oh no! A floating jar of peanut butter."

7. Win every game of hide-and-seek.

Just stand out in the open and you'll win.

8. Eat some food as people will watch it disappear.

Even everyday activities can be funny.

9. Go around pantsing your friends.

Even pranks can be done; not everything can be good.

10. Not have perfect attendance.

You'll say here, but they won't see you...

11. Avoid anyone you don't want to see.

Whether it's an ex or someone you hate, just use your invisibility to slip out of the situation.

12. Avoid responsibilities.

Chores? Invisible. People asking about social life? Invisible. Family being rude? Boom, invisible.

13. Be an expert on ding-dong-ditch.

Never get caught and have the adrenaline rush? I'm down.

14. Brag about being invisible.

Be the envy of the town.

But don't, I repeat, don't go in a locker room. Don't be a pervert with your power. No one likes a Peeping Tom.

Good luck, folks.

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned..

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

1. The importance of traditions.

Sometimes traditions seem like a silly thing, but the fact of it is that it's part of who you are. You grew up this way and, more than likely, so did your parents. It is something that is part of your family history and that is more important than anything.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

No matter how many times they get on your nerves or make you mad, they are the ones who will always be there and you should never take that for granted.

3. How to give back.

When tragedy strikes in a small town, everyone feels obligated to help out because, whether directly or indirectly, it affects you too. It is easy in a bigger city to be able to disconnect from certain problems. But in a small town those problems affect everyone.

4. What the word "community" really means.

Along the same lines as #3, everyone is always ready and willing to lend a helping hand when you need one in a small town and to me that is the true meaning of community. It's working together to build a better atmosphere, being there to raise each other up, build each other up, and pick each other up when someone is in need. A small town community is full of endless support whether it be after a tragedy or at a hometown sports game. Everyone shows up to show their support.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

People say this to others all the time, but it takes on a whole new meaning in a small town. It is true that life is about the journey, but when you're from a small town, you know it's about the journey because the journey probably takes longer than you spend at the destination. Everything is so far away that it is totally normal to spend a couple hours in the car on your way to some form of entertainment. And most of the time, you're gonna have as many, if not more, memories and laughs on the journey than at the destination.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

Word travels fast in a small town, so don't think you're gonna get away with anything. In fact, your parents probably know what you did before you even have a chance to get home and tell them. And forget about being scared of what your teacher, principle, or other authority figure is going to do, you're more afraid of what your parents are gonna do when you get home.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

Everyone deserves a chance. Most people don't have ill-intentions and you can't live your life guarding against every one else just because a few people in your life have betrayed your trust.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

While small towns are not always extremely diverse, they do contain people with a lot of different stories, struggle, and backgrounds. In a small town, it is pretty hard to exclude anyone because of who they are or what they come from because there aren't many people to choose from. A small town teaches you that just because someone isn't the same as you, doesn't mean you can't be great friends.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

In a small town, you learn that it's okay to be who you are and do your own thing. You learn that confidence isn't how beautiful you are or how much money you have, it's who you are on the inside.

10. How to work for what I want.

Nothing comes easy in life. They always say "gardens don't grow overnight" and if you're from a small town you know this both figuratively and literally. You certainly know gardens don't grow overnight because you've worked in a garden or two. But you also know that to get to the place you want to be in life it takes work and effort. It doesn't just happen because you want it to.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

If you're from a small town, you know that you will probably only meet a handful of people in your life who ACTUALLY know where your town is. And forget about the people who accidentally enter into your town because of google maps. You've gotten really good at giving them directions right back to the interstate.

12. How to be humble.

My small town has definitely taught me how to be humble. It isn't always about you, and anyone who grows up in a small town knows that. Everyone gets their moment in the spotlight, and since there's so few of us, we're probably best friends with everyone so we are as excited when they get their moment of fame as we are when we get ours.

13. To be well-rounded.

Going to a small town high school definitely made me well-rounded. There isn't enough kids in the school to fill up all the clubs and sports teams individually so be ready to be a part of them all.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

In a small town, good luck holding a grudge. In a bigger city you can just avoid a person you don't like or who you've had problems with. But not in a small town. You better resolve the issue fast because you're bound to see them at least 5 times a week.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

One of my favorite things about growing up in a rural area was being able to go outside and go exploring and not have to worry about being in danger. There is nothing more exciting then finding a new place somewhere in town or in the woods and just spending time there enjoying the natural beauty around you.

16. To be prepared for anything.

You never know what may happen. If you get a flat tire, you better know how to change it yourself because you never know if you will be able to get ahold of someone else to come fix it. Mechanics might be too busy , or more than likely you won't even have enough cell service to call one.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

It's okay to ask for help. One thing I realized when I moved away from my town for college, was how much my town has taught me that I could ask for help is I needed it. I got into a couple situations outside of my town where I couldn't find anyone to help me and found myself thinking, if I was in my town there would be tons of people ready to help me. And even though I couldn't find anyone to help, you better believe I wasn't afraid to ask.

18. How to be creative.

When you're at least an hour away from normal forms of entertainment such as movie theaters and malls, you learn to get real creative in entertaining yourself. Whether it be a night looking at the stars in the bed of a pickup truck or having a movie marathon in a blanket fort at home, you know how to make your own good time.

19. To brush off gossip.

It's all about knowing the person you are and not letting others influence your opinion of yourself. In small towns, there is plenty of gossip. But as long as you know who you really are, it will always blow over.

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you..

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

You have taught me that you don't always have to strong. You are allowed to break down as long as you pick yourself back up and keep moving forward. When life had you at your worst moments, you allowed your friends to be there for you and to help you. You let them in and they helped pick you up. Even in your darkest hour you showed so much strength. I know that you don't believe in yourself as much as you should but you are unbelievably strong and capable of anything you set your mind to.

Your passion to make a difference in the world is unbelievable. You put your heart and soul into your endeavors and surpass any personal goal you could have set. Watching you do what you love and watching you make a difference in the lives of others is an incredible experience. The way your face lights up when you finally realize what you have accomplished is breathtaking and I hope that one day I can have just as much passion you have.

SEE MORE: A Letter To My Best Friend On Her Birthday

The love you have for your family is outstanding. Watching you interact with loved ones just makes me smile . You are so comfortable and you are yourself. I see the way you smile when you are around family and I wish I could see you smile like this everyday. You love with all your heart and this quality is something I wished I possessed.

You inspire me to be the best version of myself. I look up to you. I feel that more people should strive to have the strength and passion that you exemplify in everyday life.You may be stubborn at points but when you really need help you let others in, which shows strength in itself. I have never been more proud to know someone and to call someone my role model. You have taught me so many things and I want to thank you. Thank you for inspiring me in life. Thank you for making me want to be a better person.

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life..

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Don't freak out

This is a rule you should continue to follow no matter what you do in life, but is especially helpful in this situation.

Email the professor

Around this time, professors are getting flooded with requests from students wanting to get into full classes. This doesn't mean you shouldn't burden them with your email; it means they are expecting interested students to email them. Send a short, concise message telling them that you are interested in the class and ask if there would be any chance for you to get in.

Attend the first class

Often, the advice professors will give you when they reply to your email is to attend the first class. The first class isn't the most important class in terms of what will be taught. However, attending the first class means you are serious about taking the course and aren't going to give up on it.

Keep attending class

Every student is in the same position as you are. They registered for more classes than they want to take and are "shopping." For the first couple of weeks, you can drop or add classes as you please, which means that classes that were once full will have spaces. If you keep attending class and keep up with assignments, odds are that you will have priority. Professors give preference to people who need the class for a major and then from higher to lower class year (senior to freshman).

Have a backup plan

For two weeks, or until I find out whether I get into my waitlisted class, I will be attending more than the usual number of classes. This is so that if I don't get into my waitlisted class, I won't have a credit shortage and I won't have to fall back in my backup class. Chances are that enough people will drop the class, especially if it is very difficult like computer science, and you will have a chance. In popular classes like art and psychology, odds are you probably won't get in, so prepare for that.

Remember that everything works out at the end

Life is full of surprises. So what if you didn't get into the class you wanted? Your life obviously has something else in store for you. It's your job to make sure you make the best out of what you have.

Top Creators

1. Brittany Morgan, National Writer's Society 2. Radhi, SUNY Stony Brook 3. Kristen Haddox , Penn State University 4. Jennifer Kustanovich , SUNY Stony Brook 5. Clare Regelbrugge , University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Personal Narrative: My Passion For Dance Essay

Music is a form of expression. It is a way of communicating an idea and telling a story. But music can be used in various ways. Throughout my life, I’ve found the power of music within my passion for dance. I enjoy finding different instrumental pieces and discovering how I can create movement based on them. However, my favorite part about creating choreography is letting myself go and using my experience in theatre to understand the power of conveying a story. I decided to follow this passion when we were assigned to create a creative assignment based off of one of the topics we’ve covered this year in World History Class.

I have always been really interested in change and learning about how an individual is able to go against society to express themselves. This has been a representation of a lot of occurrences throughout my own life. When I first came to America in the 2nd grade, I spoke no English and had to discover, like Napoleon Bonaparte did, how to fit in while staying true to my identity. In addition, in joining a professional dance company in the city, I had to go against the standards of having to be a college graduate in their 20s.

I decided that my own talents and abilities should enable me to succeed and thus took a risk in auditioning for this company. Napoleon followed a similar philosophy throughout his life, abandoning the social expectations and letting his own skills and talent override his status. In establishing these similarities between Napoleon and myself, I decided that the best way to represent his life is through choreography. The analysis and specific connection to Napoleon Bonaparte to the piece of choreography that I created is described below.

This piece of choreography is performed to the song, “Elementi Della Terra”. This song is solely instrumental and gave me the vibe of wartime and chaos. The reason I chose this piece of music is because of Napoleon’s origins in Corsica and his leadership during the chaos in France. Napoleon was born in 1769 in Corsica. Corsica was a small island, often compared to Italy because of their overlaps. However, Corsica was proud of its individual independence because of the threat of France along with other external powers. Economically.

Corsica had fewer resources than France and thus was in no position to compete against them. Corsica has to really battle for its independence, hating France because of its desire to annex it and take its sovereignty away. This idea motivated the beginning position of the piece. I decided to begin low and close to the ground to represent Napoleon’s challenge in growing up in such a surrounding, where he knew that his own island was inferior and in danger. However, I slowly and carefully, as seen by the heel- toe pattern, began to get up and stand tall.

This movement resembled Napoleon’s Corsican pride. However, the sudden breaks and flickers of the arms resemble the constant fight Corsica had in maintaining its independence. At :20, 1 concave in and my arms surround my body as a representation of the Corsica unity and their shared struggle of fighting France and its power. These flickers end as I walk forward, tall and proud, with arms stretched in opposite directions. This movement was inspired by the idea that Corsica was proud of its identity and its ability to stay independent regardless of the threat of France.

However, my body breaks and collapses in the next movement at:40, showing the collapse of this independence as France takes it over. I took my time as I looked up to demonstrate the idea of Corsica looking at France, in fear and hatred. Looking up sent my head back as I took a few steps back and rolled my head. This was the idea that France took more than just Corsica’s independence. It also metaphorically took Napoleon’s father from him. Napoleon’s father willingly became the middleman or link of communication in the French and Corsican interaction.

The reason for the sudden step back originates from the betrayal that Napoleon feels his father is engaging in. He is not able to forgive him and metaphorically look straight at him, which is why I incorporated the head roll. Reaching out my head in the next part demonstrates how Napoleon’s father pulled Napoleon’s hand in granting him a scholarship to military school. This was possible for Carlo, Napoleon’s father, by embracing his upper class status. I jerked my hands into a gun position at:57, to show Napoleon’s abrupt position in this military school.

He was unlike the other students there. They were the sons of wealthy second estates members. In addition, these were culturally pure French students and thus they viewed Napoleon as an outsider, an Italian who can barely speak the French language. His receiving of the scholarship was also a sign of his lower status. The next phrase represents what | imagined to be going inside Napoleon’s head at this point. He is conflicted because he doesn’t fit in and, remembering my experience when I was just two years younger than his age at this point, I remember that it was a challenging experience.

The next part of the movement includes placing my hands to form two parallel lines at 1:08. This usage of this gesture resembles Napoleon’s need for self-defense. Thus, the arm reach in the next step motivates the rest of the movement to actually go in the opposite direction. This movement ends with the same parallel lines formed by the hands. The hands then reach out as a way to ask for companionship but the head throws the body over to the other side, falling to the floor. This movement again resembles Napoleon’s struggle in being considered an outsider.

Like a normal nine year old, I made the assumption that he wanted friends but was turned down because of his identity. However, the next part is powerful because I decided to stand up and wipe myself off. This phrase concludes with my walking tall and proud to demonstrate Napoleon’s decision not to try to fit in or succumb to his loneliness. Rather, he decides to take pride in his Corsican identity. My hands extend out into fists and finally release into open hands, demonstrating Napoleon’s decision to now be himself, and not hold back.

The next aspect of Napoleon’s life begins as I walk straight, looking around me, and tossing my arms up beside me. This resembles his early experiences as a military leader. The reason my body concaves and I take a few steps back is because of Napoleon’s hesitance and the obstacles he faces because of his status. I walk on the tip of my toes at 1:55 to represent how Napoleon was almost walking on eggs. He had to be careful in his decisions and had to make himself credible as a military leader in order to be considered credible. The next as represents his struggle of trying to be successful and let his talents override his social position.

I jump up, attempting to reach something, to represent Napoleon’s efforts to prove himself even though he wasn’t born as royalty. The next phrase is very sharp and explosive to represent this attempt to experience the values of the French Revolution. The idea that even though he wasn’t born to the upper class, equivalent to the 1st or 2nd estates, he should still be able to succeed and be an individual is evident by the many leg movements. I specifically chose leg movements to resemble the desire to step through and dominate regardless of the obstacles he faced.

In the next section, I fall to the ground, pick myself up and fall again. This represents Napoleon’s battles. The standing up represents his victories. These victories include the Battle of Toulon, in which the British attacked and Napoleon used his military strategies to kick them out. However, I fell to represent the failures that he had throughout his career as well. However, when I stay seated and push myself back, with my chest out, I am depicting Napoleon’s ability to maintain his victorious image to the French. He did so by bribing the spies to only speak of his victories to the France.

In addition, he used visual propaganda by establishing paintings of himself succeeding as a military leader. The movement I used to depict this visual and verbal proof includes turning my back and then returning to sitting position at 2:19. The reason I chose to incorporate this movement is because even though he failed, he did so with his back to France, meaning that they could only see his victories. The next part of the piece represents Napoleon’s discovery that he can do better than the Directory, offering more efficiency. The head roll at 2:22 represents this discovery.

This discovery consists of the idea that he wants to use the philosophy of embracing what was successful for his social mobility onto the masses. The pointing in the next section represents the social reforms and the Napoleonic Code that he created, which applied to everyone regardless of how they were born. These reforms included Lycees, which existed from 1801 and on. They were free magnet schools for males. This offered them to test into one of three subject studies. The idea was that they would be educated and thus could serve in the government and contribute to their society when they were older.

Gathering my arms and collecting them visually depicts what Napoleon did to the chaos in France through the concordat of 1801. By brining the Church relations back into the picture, he created stability and unity. Thus by forming my hands in a circular formation and creating a complete circle with my head roll at 2:30, I am representing the communal bond that now existed in France thanks to his reforms. When I stand up, I present Napoleon’s role as a military leader and his role as a powerful dictator of sorts. I recreate the parallel shape with my arms.

But, at 2:36, I let it break. The reason for this lies behind the idea that although Napoleon valued order and organization, he also valued trust within his soldiers. Thus, he fought alongside them, willing to engage in menial tasks rather than ordering them from afar. The next phrase, starting at 2:43 represents Napoleon’s genius military strategy. The movements I chose reminded me of war and battle, specifically of a determined figure leading his army. The arm reaches beginning at 2:59 represent the strength of Napoleon’s army.

They were able to succeed at many battles because of his genius military strategy and the communal bond he formed by fighting alongside them. At 3:06, my body begins telling the story of Napoleon’s rise to power and the creation of the consulate. The transition into this section is very smooth similar to Napoleon’s transition into replacing the Directory with the Consulate in 1799. He is able to do this because he appeals to all different types of people. Primarily, he appeals to the peasants who identity with his story and trust that he can rid the chaos in France.

In addition, he appeals to surviving conservatives and nobility who appreciate the fact that he creates a Republic rather than a dictatorship. Lastly, he appeals to the soldiers as mentioned earlier, and to the Moderates in the directory who aren’t happy with the progress of the directory. The sharp movements that follow resemble his desire for order, efficiency, stability in France, and power ultimately. This is visible in his obsession with Natural Boundaries and his ultimate role in being an Emperor.

In creating this choreography, I was able to do something that I truly love to do- applying my academic knowledge to my passion. I really enjoy these types of opportunities because they help me perceive information in a new way. In addition, I was able to find similarities within history to my life today. Of course, my experiences are very different from that of 18th century Napoleon Bonaparte, but we do share some similarities. This project helped me find yet another way in which music and dance can be used to convey a story, even a historical Napoleon Bonaparte type of story.

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Essays About Dance: Top 5 Examples Plus Prompts

If you are writing essays about dance, see our essay examples and prompts below to inspire and guide you for your next essay.

Dance refers to a sequence of rhythmic body movements, usually in sync with a beat or music. The earliest historical dance records can be found in cave paintings and are suggested to be associated with religious purposes. Today, one can dance for several reasons. It can be a channel to express their emotions and ideas, release energy, conduct a ritual, celebrate a tradition, or simply exercise.

Check out our round-up of five great essays that can inspire you in writing your piece about dance:

1. Are Humans The Only Species That Enjoy Dancing? by Jason Goldman

2. ballet and modern dance: using ballet as the basis for other dance techniques by helen kantilaftis, 3. bollywood dance explained by lucy townsend, 4. essay: when i broke up with ballet by stephanie wolf, 5. explained: breaking rules, moves and format by aarish ansari, 1. dance as a passion., 2. types of dances. , 3. health benefits of dancing., 4. preserving traditional dance., 5. the most iconic dance moves of all time. , 6. protecting choreographic works., 7. dance as an expression of culture., 8. animals that dance., 9. dance as a source of livelihood., 10. life values learned from dancing..

“Snowball became famous on the internet when videos were uploaded of the twelve-year-old cockatoo appearing to dance to a Backstreet Boys song. He seems to bob his head up and down in sync with the beat of the song… Could it really be that humans aren’t unique in their abilities to dance?”

The article amusingly explores certain animals that are proven to have a beat for dancing. While videos of dancing animals are a rave on social media, the article reveals that the discovery of dancing animals may have been as early as the time of Charles Darwin. The naturalist discovered and theorized that birds use dance to pick their mates, a process that a study showed is more common in humans than we thought.

“Ballet is like the mother of all dance techniques. Most Western dance styles today can be traced back to ballet, and its codification has been extremely influential in all styles of dance.”

Ballet can improve one’s musicality, awareness, tempo, strength, and agility. Kantilaftis explains that other dances borrow many techniques and moves from ballet. For example, if you take hip-hop or jazz class, chances are there will be movements that could be enhanced by learning ballet first. The author then provides tips on how dancers can incorporate ballet to enhance their routines and be well-rounded dancers overall. You might also be interested in these essays about color .

“Bollywood dance is easy on the eye. Dramatic facial expressions and cinematic pizzazz mean any viewer, dance aficionado or not, can follow the story. But beneath the fizz is a series of historic symbols and traditions, which originate in India’s numerous traditional dance forms.”

No good Indian film is complete without the famous Bollywood dance. In this article, the author uncovers the symbolisms behind the hand gestures, facial expressions, neck movement, footwork, and vibrant costumes in Bollywood dance. It turns out that each movement and accessory contribute to telling a story with themes ranging from weather to animals and destinations.

“After 12 years of fighting for my dance career, it became clear this was not an injury from which I could bounce back. My body had already been through too much, and I felt fatigued from chasing my dreams. While I had always had outside interests, I was now forced to really look at what life would be like post-dancing.”

A former ballet dancer talks about her heartbreaking story of ending a dance career over two decades ago. The breakup was the inevitable consequence of an irreversible injury, causing emotional shock over a loss of identity. Several years forward, Wolf admits that she remains to grieve over the end of her dancing chapter but continues to find new sources of hope to continue living.

“From the streets of New York in the 1970s to the grand stage of the Olympic Games, breaking has charted a course not many would have thought was possible… breaking has evolved into a proper dance sport, with a fixed set of rules that make for fair competition.”

The article celebrates breakdancing’s breakthrough to be part of the Olympic 2024 as a silver medal event. In addition, the article dives into the signature moves that define breakdancing and judges’ criteria for selecting the winning breakdancers.

10 Prompts On Essays About Dance

For more essay ideas, take a pick from one of our prompts below:

If you have a passion for dancing, write your story about how you have discovered this passion. Describe what dancing does to your mind and body. Write about your dance style, how often you dance and what kinds of music you love dancing to. If you’re not into dancing but know others who are passionate about this art form, interview them instead.

Research about the different kinds of dances. There are many popular ones, such as ballroom, ballet, contemporary, hip-hop and jazz. To narrow down the scope of this prompt, pick five that interest you the most. Then, describe each and elaborate on their influence on art, culture, and society.

Dance can strengthen cardiovascular health, reduce stress and improve balance and flexibility. Cite other physical and mental health benefits of dancing. Explain how each of these contributes to one’s overall well-being. For example, some communities have been promoting dance to fight obesity and strengthen heart muscles. You can also add how your community encourages dance in its health programs.

Modern dance is so pervasive that it is feared to bump off folk dance from the stage. Recount the ways your country or community is preserving its traditional dances. Describe these dances and provide a brief historical overview of their importance to your country or community’s culture. Finally, think and write about what other efforts should be taken to allow traditional dances to share the spotlight with modern dance.

Many of us have witnessed different dance crazes, from the moonwalk popularized by Michael Jackson to the shimmy dougie and the fierce hair whip. Analyze what makes this dance move iconic enough to bring the whole world to dance to one beat and movement.

Choreography is protectable copyrighted work. Provide dancers with a guide on how they can best protect the copyright of their dance masterpieces. Outline copyright protection issues, such as cross-border jurisdictions and digital piracy. Then, provide tips on how performers can best enforce their copyright. For example, one way is to register their work at the intellectual property office of their country.

Waltz across several traditional dances and show how each of these dances helps express a community’s culture, identity, and belief system. Research the kinds of dance that are deeply embedded in a tradition. Describe the movements involved in this dance and how they symbolize the community’s beliefs and ideals. Then, add how communities pass on the dance to preserve it from generation to generation.

Build on our essay example on dancing animals. List down the animals that studies are found to possess some dancing prowess. Describe their dancing styles and discover the factors that entice them to dance. For example, is dancing for them mere entertainment, or does it serve a more practical purpose, as with birds?

Find out what the average income of a dancer or choreographer is. Interview dancers and ask about their level of satisfaction with their current income. Dive deep into the barriers that prevent their incomes from rising and what reforms they would like to see in choreographers’ and performers’ livelihoods. You can also write about how entertainment platforms have expanded the industry’s earning opportunities.

Dancing is not just a skill or a hobby. It could be a way to learn essential life lessons that will help you get ahead and conquer challenging experiences. Enumerate the lessons one can learn from dancing. Discipline, determination, and creativity are just a few. Explain how one develops these traits from dance and why it makes for a great extracurricular activity for children.

For help with this topic, read our guide explaining how you can achieve persuasive writing .

If you’d like to learn more, our writer explains how to write an argumentative essay in this guide.

Yna Lim is a communications specialist currently focused on policy advocacy. In her eight years of writing, she has been exposed to a variety of topics, including cryptocurrency, web hosting, agriculture, marketing, intellectual property, data privacy and international trade. A former journalist in one of the top business papers in the Philippines, Yna is currently pursuing her master's degree in economics and business.

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Essay Samples on Dance

What does dance mean to me: a personal exploration.

What does dance mean to you? Dance, an art form that transcends language and culture, holds a special place in my heart. As I reflect on what dance means to me, I am drawn into a world of expression, emotion, and connection. This essay will...

Michael Jackson's Iconic Legacy of Music and Dance

Michael Jackson was an iconic figure all around; His talent consisted of his music and dance style together with his ability to easily put on a show putting him at the top of his chain. He was such a massive influencer in the entertainment industry...

Michael Jackson

Martha Graham's Unique Style And Her Influence On Choreography

Dance is much more than a way to entertain an audience. It is a powerful voice to communicate emotions and messages to the world. Choreography has the opportunity to be influenced by what is happening during a specific time period. As well, choreography can prompt...

Martha Graham
Visual Arts

The Role of Dance and Art in My Personal Identity

“Ta-din-din-dha, ta-din-din-dha.” The music of the tabla created a rhythmic lull, guiding my tired feet during a Thursday evening kathak class. It wasn’t until my second year of medical school that I decided to pursue kathak, an Indian classical dance form often likened to tap...

The Remarkable Legacy of Jerome Robbins

Jerome Robbins was born on October 11, 1918, in Wisconsin, New Jersey, USA. He has a strong interest in dance since he was a child and is deeply fascinated by the art of expressing his inner rich emotional world through his body language, dreaming of...

Fiddler on The Roof

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The Cultural Background of the Kathak Dance

To start off we shall look at how the history this epic holds value in the north of india through one of the most well known classical indian dance forms- Kathak. Kathak is known for its balance and graceful delicacy that manages to depict a...

The Cultural History and Diversity of India

Indian cultural history has been enriched by customs, traditions and rituals brought by invaders and immigrants. Many Indian customs, cultural practices and languages are examples of this mixture through the centuries. It is in India that many religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism, have...

Cultural Diversity

The Important Role of Dance in Musical Theater

Musical theater is where directors, choreographers and or producers can experience either major flops or gain a tremendous success. Great loss and or success all stems from the integrity of collaboration and purpose of all those involved in the creative team. When musical theater becomes...

African West Coast'S Dances Of Masks Ritual: A Vivid Portrayal

Abstract Religious ritual is a significant action that expresses our deepest understandings of the world. Religious rituals are common in almost all religions and therefore the common topic of attraction for anthropologists. In this research paper, I observed a form of religious ritual which is...

African Masquerades

The Magnificence of the Indian Classical Dance, Kathak

Contemporary performances of Indian Classical Dance offer to be a platform for presenting and understanding ideas about nationalism, anti-colonial discourses, and the formation of an ideology of a modern nation-state in India. My aim is to explore the concept of decolonizing the body in post-colonial,...

The Review of the Dance Performance: Candle Dance

The Candle Dance is performance by a group of musicians with dancers to dance. In the beginning, this dance was only staged by 5 to 7 female dancers, but along with its development there was perform by a pairing in pairs of men and women....

Dance Performance Review

Embodiment of Dance Variety in a Dance Presentation

The current study embodiments different styles of dance likewise ballet, rythmic gymnastic, oriental, tap, modern, jazz and contemporary dance. Analyses the technical skills, performative skills and the physical skills for each dance I have been experienced to and further the style I personally chosen for...

Classical Ballet Teachers' Intentional and Unintentional Influence on Body Dissatisfaction

Classical Ballet Teachers’ intentional and un-intentional influence on their students’ body dissatisfaction and self-image Introduction Dance could be understood as a phenomenon, where classical ballet in particular, may be considered a niche of its own. Classical ballet dancers are widely known as people who like...

How Attending Dance Classes Improved My Life

Introduction As a representative of the first generation of the Nigerian-Canadian diaspora, I had a specific experience regarding dance art. In particular, this experience was expressed in the perception of dances as a set of energetic and dynamic movements of the human body that can...

African Diaspora

Dance Impact on Children’s Development

Introduction “If we want our children to move mountains, we first have to let them out of their chairs” (Sowder, 2014). Dance is a performing art that impacts the health of the whole child. It is an art form in which one communicates and expresses...

Development

Dancing in the 1920’s Compared to Dancing Now

“Dancers are the athletes of God”. 'Good morning/afternoon honourable judges, teachers, staff, parents, and fellow students'. That quote was made by Albert Einstein. As u know Albert Einstein is scientist but he did love dance. Dancing is considered a sport that allows you to express...

Competition
Personal Growth and Development

The Historical Influence of Ballet

Ballet is oft thought to be a stiff, boring, all-pink form of dance. But it’s resounding influence on culture, social dynamics, and politics in history show that this delicate art is not to be dismissed. The complex art form that is ballet sprung from an...

Gender Roles in Romantic Ballet

The female role in the Romantic Ballet took a huge tole in performances, while the males became more of an assistance to them as they gave the illusion of effortless and weightless movements that involved two people. The females became the dominate gender as everything...

Gender Roles

The Origins and Future Development of Classical Ballet

Most people think that classical ballet originated in France. This is because the terms for all of the movements in classical ballet are in French, but in fact, classical ballet first originated in Italy. Only in the 16th century was classical ballet brought to France...

Riveting Themes and Expressive Dancing In 'Black Swan'

Riveting themes and expressive dancing tie the suspenseful film, “The Black Swan”, into a thrilling masterpiece. This gripping film follows the undertaking of a timid ballerina who struggles to succeed in the ambitious world of a professional ballerina. Released in the Christmas season of 2010,...

The Time I saw the Diwali Festival Dance

On the 2nd of November I went to see the live performance of Diwali Dance Party at the Town Hall in Flushing Queens. The event, lasted for four hours and showcased the Indian traditional dances, music, clothing and food. There were also workshops at the...

Breaking the Mould and the Breaking Bad

After being informed of the Local Authority’s interest in exhibiting works that ‘break the mould’, I have performed research to find practitioners that fit this category. Breaking the mould is a subjective concept, but it does have the ability to be defined as ‘putting an...

Breaking Bad
Stereotypes

Dirty Dancing - An Iconic Dance Film

The eighties were a time of change for many women around the globe. The fight against the sexual stereotypes set by the media, art, and advertising of the previous decades starts to become stronger. People start realizing that beyond women's basic rights, such as voting...

Film Analysis

Metaphors Of A Dancing Beast

I suspected that she wanted something with me, something to do with our carnality. I was always a beast wanting to taste her blood, her fire. In business we were always very committed, in each meeting we felt the excess of seriousness that we had...

Personal Experience

How To Survive: Competition Season As A Cheerleader

If you ask anyone, “Do you think cheer is a sport?” most people will say no, it is not a sport. However, most of these people do not understand how much goes into being a cheerleader. Many people tend to think of typical football cheerleading...

Cheerleading
Competitive Sports

Best topics on Dance

1. What Does Dance Mean to Me: A Personal Exploration

2. Michael Jackson’s Iconic Legacy of Music and Dance

3. Martha Graham’s Unique Style And Her Influence On Choreography

4. The Role of Dance and Art in My Personal Identity

5. The Remarkable Legacy of Jerome Robbins

6. The Cultural Background of the Kathak Dance

7. The Cultural History and Diversity of India

8. The Important Role of Dance in Musical Theater

9. African West Coast’S Dances Of Masks Ritual: A Vivid Portrayal

10. The Magnificence of the Indian Classical Dance, Kathak

11. The Review of the Dance Performance: Candle Dance

12. Embodiment of Dance Variety in a Dance Presentation

13. Classical Ballet Teachers’ Intentional and Unintentional Influence on Body Dissatisfaction

14. How Attending Dance Classes Improved My Life

15. Dance Impact on Children’s Development

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The Impact of The Rite of Spring on Contemporary Dance

Neurological pain tolerance and dancers, the history of jazz dance in america, the art of ballroom dance and its complexity, collective identity and dance in modern urban society, dance exposes socio-political psychology, social media and its effects in the dance world, neoliberalism and the art of dancing, the handicapped and the disabled in ballroom dancing, an argument of the qualification of dancers as athletes, my first dance experience and lessons learned, mikhail nikolayevich baryshnikov: the story of ballet dancer, dance performance review: the rocky horror show, history of the performance of ballet and indlamu dance in south africa, the best music for ballroom dancing, the influence of martha graham on present day move, the symbolism of ballroom dancing, where to learn ballroom dancing, bollywood dancing history and origin, the biography of agnes de mille.

Dance is a performing art form consisting of sequences of movement, either improvised or purposefully selected. This movement has aesthetic and often symbolic value.

The most popular types of dance are: ballet, ballroom, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, tap dance, folk dance, irish dance, modern dance, swing dance.

Fred Astaire, Michael Jackson, Carmen Amaya, Martha Graham, Patrick Swayze, Gillian Murphy, Margot Fonteyn, Michael Flatley, Isadora Duncan and many others.

Dancers are known to be disciplined, focused and high achievers who tend to be successful students and hard workers. Because of high physical demand on their bodies, most professional dances retire from dancing during their mid-30s. Researches prove that dancing also reduces stress and tension for the mind and body. Dancers have better coordination, agility and flexibility.

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The Essence of Dance

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What Dancing Means to Me

From the age of four, I have been learning the renowned art form of the Indian Classical dance style, Bharatnatyam. At first I did not realize the value it would have in my life, but today, I could not be more grateful that my parents enrolled me in the Vedanta Dance Academy at such a young age. Just like most young dancers, and most children in general, I was clumsy and lacked the grace dancers need to execute a successful performance. However, I persevered and eventually that phase passed. I continued learning dance throughout the years and it was always my favorite outlet. It seemed that when everything else was continuously changing in my life, dance was my constant, my haven, and my passion.

At the age of thirteen I was finally ready to give my solo graduation dance performance, known as an Arangetram, which is a three hour long dance debut in which a dancer gives his/her graduation performance that not only marks the end of the amateur phase, but also marks the beginning of a whole new journey filled with opportunities to perform as a certified “expert”. In order to prepare for this tedious, but definitely fulfilling event, I was required to practice a minimum of five hours a day for two months to improve my dexterity in dance. Over time, I was able to build up my endurance, grace, and technique to cumulatively create synergy and ultimately perform with utmost elegance and precision. Performing evoked a feeling unlike any other and it was one of those indescribable moments when I truly felt like there was no one else in the world and reality was composed of just the dance floor and me.

Aside from the performances, dance has also given me many other benefits. It has allowed me to make life-long friends and memories that I will forever cherish and it has taught me to be disciplined, respectful, and passionate. Furthermore, dance has ensured that I never forget where I came from. As Bharatnatyam originates in India, this art form in particular helps connect me to my roots. From the age of five I have been dancing in cultural shows held at our local temple with styles ranging from Bollywood fusion to Bharatnatyam and those shows hold some of my best memories.

I hope that my dance memories continue as I proceed on my dance journey here at Penn State. I have joined two dance teams here at college as my method of decompression. I have joined the Indian Classical team called Penn Natya and the Bollywood fusion team called JaDhoom, both of which compete with other collegiate dance teams across the country. In the midst of all the chaos that comes with college life, dance serves as my stress reliever so joining these dance teams will definitely serve as my nonacademic getaway. Dancing allows me to take a break from reality and get lost in the music as my thoughts drift away into nothing but happiness.

2 thoughts on “ What Dancing Means to Me ”

I just looked up Bharatnatyam and I loved watching it (I’ve seen many ballets inn my life and Bharatnatyam seems much more interesting). You successfully caught my attention because of how passionate you are about it! I can’t believe you were able to balance five hours per day of training with other responsibilities. That is something to be proud of!

I love your post! It was so interesting to hear exactly what dance has done for you throughout your life. I loved how you explained some of the terms and some of the processes in studying Bharatnatyam. I had never heard of it before, and so getting some information about it was helpful. I think it is so cool how you’ve joined two dance teams as well.

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What dancing means to me…

Dance for me is like the air. Without dancing, I wouldn’t be able to leave… If you start dancing once, it is forever. The body and the soul suffer if you deprive them of it. Dancing is love…

For me, dance is an inspiration, feeling, rhythm and way of life. By learning to understand and communicate through dance, you learn much more about the movement, as such, in all its forms, and you get a different kind of aesthetics and perception of space

For me, dancing is a total example of occupation and art, bringing happiness and completeness, because it can combine form and content directly. Only in the bosom of dance the form and the content are not distant and our effort to unite them is only a question of sincerity. It is the articulation of reality and its notion of it without intermediaries such as language, logic, culture, etc., that is, in its primacy it is expressed in a tight and sufficient way, without need of context and conditionality.

While dancing, the gesture itself is already an expression. It is the reality of this art that must make sense. As far as it is Primary Reflection of Reality (how unintelligible these two concepts combine to dance), it is absolutely necessary to have a way to work with our energy and to be happy.

Dancing is a very good thing. Movement is everything. Even if you’re still, you’re still moving. Your heart jumps from inside and sings and you are such a high and bright, calm, because you are alive, otherwise you can not move if you die, though. Besides, it’s nice, because moving is the best…

If you move, because inside you wants to and you can not do it, then you dance because you want because you feel because you breathe. The dance comes from the inside out, not from outside – for me it is quite simple. Love = dance. The other is parliament and gymnastics. Soul is important. Without a soul there is no dance. A movement with soul makes your dancing different

Dance has excited me long before I entered the competition floor and figured out what a technique, class, stand, pace … as I was small, it was just the inspiration to mimic this energy that makes the dancers move and the audience to does not look away from them

Dance was and is an opportunity – to find yourself in front of others and at the same time to put on a mask and not to be judged. Opportunity to experiment, explore, demonstrate, be free or limited in your own fears. Ability to overcome yourself. It satisfies many needs. To me, it is very often the “tweaking” of the ego – they all look, want, explore, and thus create a particular energy field that you can experience only there “on stage, in the dark or under the spotlight

In the dance you have to feel free and then it shows a new world. I do not know if the emotion moves the dance or the dance moves the emotion, but they can not do without one another. Going through different styles, I understand that the technique is necessary for dance like the words of speech, but without “filing” you can not write a bestseller, only the lyrics of a song – all understand and sing, but never bark or tear, build a relationship, and give the performer that mystical energy. Dance is not climbing the ladder to some glory and grandeur, but opening and closing the door, collapsing and flying

The dance has always made me feel like a toddler – boldly and indiscriminately and with very poor coordination. Because the dance is immense and rebellious. You can never be good enough.

Creativity is a mysterious inner process that remains closed for connoisseurs. We can not see Michelangelo working. We can only imagine the very process of the great artists and sculptures, while in the dance we have been given the unique opportunity to witness the creation of a masterpiece, a living masterpiece that is happening in front of the audience. And I still think that dance is a state of mind and is embedded in us as the primary expression of emotion, just as the smile, just some gesture of joy or of another emotional state

Of course, I’m talking about his most primitive existence within us, not about the good and great virtuosos in the ballet, for example. The dance has developed a lot over the years in the thousands of dusty halls around the world, but I think that before going into the hall and the opera has come out of ourselves. With its therapeutic property, dance becomes a drug for dancers, dance can heal, we all know it and that’s why we dance

With love for dance…

Article by Aleksandar Bonev 7/15/2018

North Shore Dance Society – Glencoe, IL

660 Vernon Ave

#nsdsbonev #americansmooth #ballroomdancing #socialdancing #dancegroupclass #glencoeillinois #dance #music #privatedancelessons

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What It Means To Be Asian in America

The lived experiences and perspectives of asian americans in their own words.

Asians are the fastest growing racial and ethnic group in the United States. More than 24 million Americans in the U.S. trace their roots to more than 20 countries in East and Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

The majority of Asian Americans are immigrants, coming to understand what they left behind and building their lives in the United States. At the same time, there is a fast growing, U.S.-born generation of Asian Americans who are navigating their own connections to familial heritage and their own experiences growing up in the U.S.

In a new Pew Research Center analysis based on dozens of focus groups, Asian American participants described the challenges of navigating their own identity in a nation where the label “Asian” brings expectations about their origins, behavior and physical self. Read on to see, in their own words, what it means to be Asian in America.

Introduction

This is how i view my identity, this is how others see and treat me, this is what it means to be home in america, about this project, methodological note, acknowledgments.

No single experience defines what it means to be Asian in the United States today. Instead, Asian Americans’ lived experiences are in part shaped by where they were born, how connected they are to their family’s ethnic origins, and how others – both Asians and non-Asians – see and engage with them in their daily lives. Yet despite diverse experiences, backgrounds and origins, shared experiences and common themes emerged when we asked: “What does it mean to be Asian in America?”

In the fall of 2021, Pew Research Center undertook the largest focus group study it had ever conducted – 66 focus groups with 264 total participants – to hear Asian Americans talk about their lived experiences in America. The focus groups were organized into 18 distinct Asian ethnic origin groups, fielded in 18 languages and moderated by members of their own ethnic groups. Because of the pandemic, the focus groups were conducted virtually, allowing us to recruit participants from all parts of the United States. This approach allowed us to hear a diverse set of voices – especially from less populous Asian ethnic groups whose views, attitudes and opinions are seldom presented in traditional polling. The approach also allowed us to explore the reasons behind people’s opinions and choices about what it means to belong in America, beyond the preset response options of a traditional survey.

The terms “Asian,” “Asians living in the United States” and “Asian American” are used interchangeably throughout this essay to refer to U.S. adults who self-identify as Asian, either alone or in combination with other races or Hispanic identity.

“The United States” and “the U.S.” are used interchangeably with “America” for variations in the writing.

Multiracial participants are those who indicate they are of two or more racial backgrounds (one of which is Asian). Multiethnic participants are those who indicate they are of two or more ethnicities, including those identified as Asian with Hispanic background.

U.S. born refers to people born in the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territories.

Immigrant refers to people who were not U.S. citizens at birth – in other words, those born outside the U.S., Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories to parents who were not U.S. citizens. The terms “immigrant,” “first generation” and “foreign born” are used interchangeably in this report.

Second generation refers to people born in the 50 states or the District of Columbia with at least one first-generation, or immigrant, parent.

The pan-ethnic term “Asian American” describes the population of about 22 million people living in the United States who trace their roots to more than 20 countries in East and Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The term was popularized by U.S. student activists in the 1960s and was eventually adopted by the U.S. Census Bureau. However, the “Asian” label masks the diverse demographics and wide economic disparities across the largest national origin groups (such as Chinese, Indian, Filipino) and the less populous ones (such as Bhutanese, Hmong and Nepalese) living in America. It also hides the varied circumstances of groups immigrated to the U.S. and how they started their lives there. The population’s diversity often presents challenges . Conventional survey methods typically reflect the voices of larger groups without fully capturing the broad range of views, attitudes, life starting points and perspectives experienced by Asian Americans. They can also limit understanding of the shared experiences across this diverse population.

A chart listing the 18 ethnic origins included in Pew Research Center's 66 focus groups, and the composition of the focus groups by income and birth place.

Across all focus groups, some common findings emerged. Participants highlighted how the pan-ethnic “Asian” label used in the U.S. represented only one part of how they think of themselves. For example, recently arrived Asian immigrant participants told us they are drawn more to their ethnic identity than to the more general, U.S.-created pan-ethnic Asian American identity. Meanwhile, U.S.-born Asian participants shared how they identified, at times, as Asian but also, at other times, by their ethnic origin and as Americans.

Another common finding among focus group participants is the disconnect they noted between how they see themselves and how others view them. Sometimes this led to maltreatment of them or their families, especially at heightened moments in American history such as during Japanese incarceration during World War II, the aftermath of 9/11 and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond these specific moments, many in the focus groups offered their own experiences that had revealed other people’s assumptions or misconceptions about their identity.

Another shared finding is the multiple ways in which participants take and express pride in their cultural and ethnic backgrounds while also feeling at home in America, celebrating and blending their unique cultural traditions and practices with those of other Americans.

This focus group project is part of a broader research agenda about Asians living in the United States. The findings presented here offer a small glimpse of what participants told us, in their own words, about how they identify themselves, how others see and treat them, and more generally, what it means to be Asian in America.

Illustrations by Jing Li

Publications from the Being Asian in America project

Read the data essay: What It Means to Be Asian in America
Watch the documentary: Being Asian in America
Explore the interactive: In Their Own Words: The Diverse Perspectives of Being Asian in America
View expanded interviews: Extended Interviews: Being Asian in America
About this research project: More on the Being Asian in America project
Q&A: Why and how Pew Research Center conducted 66 focus groups with Asian Americans

One of the topics covered in each focus group was how participants viewed their own racial or ethnic identity. Moderators asked them how they viewed themselves, and what experiences informed their views about their identity. These discussions not only highlighted differences in how participants thought about their own racial or ethnic background, but they also revealed how different settings can influence how they would choose to identify themselves. Across all focus groups, the general theme emerged that being Asian was only one part of how participants viewed themselves.

The pan-ethnic label ‘Asian’ is often used more in formal settings

“I think when I think of the Asian Americans, I think that we’re all unique and different. We come from different cultures and backgrounds. We come from unique stories, not just as a group, but just as individual humans.” Mali , documentary participant

Many participants described a complicated relationship with the pan-ethnic labels “Asian” or “Asian American.” For some, using the term was less of an active choice and more of an imposed one, with participants discussing the disconnect between how they would like to identify themselves and the available choices often found in formal settings. For example, an immigrant Pakistani woman remarked how she typically sees “Asian American” on forms, but not more specific options. Similarly, an immigrant Burmese woman described her experience of applying for jobs and having to identify as “Asian,” as opposed to identifying by her ethnic background, because no other options were available. These experiences highlight the challenges organizations like government agencies and employers have in developing surveys or forms that ask respondents about their identity. A common sentiment is one like this:

“I guess … I feel like I just kind of check off ‘Asian’ [for] an application or the test forms. That’s the only time I would identify as Asian. But Asian is too broad. Asia is a big continent. Yeah, I feel like it’s just too broad. To specify things, you’re Taiwanese American, that’s exactly where you came from.”

–U.S.-born woman of Taiwanese origin in early 20s

Smaller ethnic groups default to ‘Asian’ since their groups are less recognizable

Other participants shared how their experiences in explaining the geographic location and culture of their origin country led them to prefer “Asian” when talking about themselves with others. This theme was especially prominent among those belonging to smaller origin groups such as Bangladeshis and Bhutanese. A Lao participant remarked she would initially say “Asian American” because people might not be familiar with “Lao.”

“[When I fill out] forms, I select ‘Asian American,’ and that’s why I consider myself as an Asian American. [It is difficult to identify as] Nepali American [since] there are no such options in forms. That’s why, Asian American is fine to me.”

–Immigrant woman of Nepalese origin in late 20s

“Coming to a big country like [the United States], when people ask where we are from … there are some people who have no idea about Bhutan, so we end up introducing ourselves as being Asian.”

–Immigrant woman of Bhutanese origin in late 40s

But for many, ‘Asian’ as a label or identity just doesn’t fit

Many participants felt that neither “Asian” nor “Asian American” truly captures how they view themselves and their identity. They argue that these labels are too broad or too ambiguous, as there are so many different groups included within these labels. For example, a U.S.-born Pakistani man remarked on how “Asian” lumps many groups together – that the term is not limited to South Asian groups such as Indian and Pakistani, but also includes East Asian groups. Similarly, an immigrant Nepalese man described how “Asian” often means Chinese for many Americans. A Filipino woman summed it up this way:

“Now I consider myself to be both Filipino and Asian American, but growing up in [Southern California] … I didn’t start to identify as Asian American until college because in [the Los Angeles suburb where I lived], it’s a big mix of everything – Black, Latino, Pacific Islander and Asian … when I would go into spaces where there were a lot of other Asians, especially East Asians, I didn’t feel like I belonged. … In media, right, like people still associate Asian with being East Asian.”

–U.S.-born woman of Filipino origin in mid-20s

Participants also noted they have encountered confusion or the tendency for others to view Asian Americans as people from mostly East Asian countries, such as China, Japan and Korea. For some, this confusion even extends to interactions with other Asian American groups. A Pakistani man remarked on how he rarely finds Pakistani or Indian brands when he visits Asian stores. Instead, he recalled mostly finding Vietnamese, Korean and Chinese items.

Among participants of South Asian descent, some identified with the label “South Asian” more than just “Asian.” There were other nuances, too, when it comes to the labels people choose. Some Indian participants, for example, said people sometimes group them with Native Americans who are also referred to as Indians in the United States. This Indian woman shared her experience at school:

“I love South Asian or ‘Desi’ only because up until recently … it’s fairly new to say South Asian. I’ve always said ‘Desi’ because growing up … I’ve had to say I’m the red dot Indian, not the feather Indian. So annoying, you know? … Always a distinction that I’ve had to make.”

–U.S.-born woman of Indian origin in late 20s

Participants with multiethnic or multiracial backgrounds described their own unique experiences with their identity. Rather than choosing one racial or ethnic group over the other, some participants described identifying with both groups, since this more accurately describes how they see themselves. In some cases, this choice reflected the history of the Asian diaspora. For example, an immigrant Cambodian man described being both Khmer/Cambodian and Chinese, since his grandparents came from China. Some other participants recalled going through an “identity crisis” as they navigated between multiple identities. As one woman explained:

“I would say I went through an identity crisis. … It’s because of being multicultural. … There’s also French in the mix within my family, too. Because I don’t identify, speak or understand the language, I really can’t connect to the French roots … I’m in between like Cambodian and Thai, and then Chinese and then French … I finally lumped it up. I’m just an Asian American and proud of all my roots.”

–U.S.-born woman of Cambodian origin in mid-30s

In other cases, the choice reflected U.S. patterns of intermarriage. Asian newlyweds have the highest intermarriage rate of any racial or ethnic group in the country. One Japanese-origin man with Hispanic roots noted:

“So I would like to see myself as a Hispanic Asian American. I want to say Hispanic first because I have more of my mom’s culture in me than my dad’s culture. In fact, I actually have more American culture than my dad’s culture for what I do normally. So I guess, Hispanic American Asian.”

–U.S.-born man of Hispanic and Japanese origin in early 40s

Other identities beyond race or ethnicity are also important

Focus group participants also talked about their identity beyond the racial or ethnic dimension. For example, one Chinese woman noted that the best term to describe her would be “immigrant.” Faith and religious ties were also important to some. One immigrant participant talked about his love of Pakistani values and how religion is intermingled into Pakistani culture. Another woman explained:

“[Japanese language and culture] are very important to me and ingrained in me because they were always part of my life, and I felt them when I was growing up. Even the word itadakimasu reflects Japanese culture or the tradition. Shinto religion is a part of the culture. They are part of my identity, and they are very important to me.”

–Immigrant woman of Japanese origin in mid-30s

For some, gender is another important aspect of identity. One Korean participant emphasized that being a woman is an important part of her identity. For others, sexual orientation is an essential part of their overall identity. One U.S.-born Filipino participant described herself as “queer Asian American.” Another participant put it this way:

“I belong to the [LGBTQ] community … before, what we only know is gay and lesbian. We don’t know about being queer, nonbinary. [Here], my horizon of knowing what genders and gender roles is also expanded … in the Philippines, if you’ll be with same sex, you’re considered gay or lesbian. But here … what’s happening is so broad, on how you identify yourself.”

–Immigrant woman of Filipino origin in early 20s

Immigrant identity is tied to their ethnic heritage

A chart showing how participants in the focus groups described the differences between race-centered and ethnicity-centered identities.

Participants born outside the United States tended to link their identity with their ethnic heritage. Some felt strongly connected with their ethnic ties due to their citizenship status. For others, the lack of permanent residency or citizenship meant they have stronger ties to their ethnicity and birthplace. And in some cases, participants said they held on to their ethnic identity even after they became U.S. citizens. One woman emphasized that she will always be Taiwanese because she was born there, despite now living in the U.S.

For other participants, family origin played a central role in their identity, regardless of their status in the U.S. According to some of them, this attitude was heavily influenced by their memories and experiences in early childhood when they were still living in their countries of origin. These influences are so profound that even after decades of living in the U.S., some still feel the strong connection to their ethnic roots. And those with U.S.-born children talked about sending their kids to special educational programs in the U.S. to learn about their ethnic heritage.

“Yes, as for me, I hold that I am Khmer because our nationality cannot be deleted, our identity is Khmer as I hold that I am Khmer … so I try, even [with] my children today, I try to learn Khmer through Zoom through the so-called Khmer Parent Association.”

–Immigrant man of Cambodian origin in late 50s

Navigating life in America is an adjustment

Many participants pointed to cultural differences they have noticed between their ethnic culture and U.S. culture. One of the most distinct differences is in food. For some participants, their strong attachment to the unique dishes of their families and their countries of origin helps them maintain strong ties to their ethnic identity. One Sri Lankan participant shared that her roots are still in Sri Lanka, since she still follows Sri Lankan traditions in the U.S. such as preparing kiribath (rice with coconut milk) and celebrating Ramadan.

For other participants, interactions in social settings with those outside their own ethnic group circles highlighted cultural differences. One Bangladeshi woman talked about how Bengalis share personal stories and challenges with each other, while others in the U.S. like to have “small talk” about TV series or clothes.

Many immigrants in the focus groups have found it is easier to socialize when they are around others belonging to their ethnicity. When interacting with others who don’t share the same ethnicity, participants noted they must be more self-aware about cultural differences to avoid making mistakes in social interactions. Here, participants described the importance of learning to “fit in,” to avoid feeling left out or excluded. One Korean woman said:

“Every time I go to a party, I feel unwelcome. … In Korea, when I invite guests to my house and one person sits without talking, I come over and talk and treat them as a host. But in the United States, I have to go and mingle. I hate mingling so much. I have to talk and keep going through unimportant stories. In Korea, I am assigned to a dinner or gathering. I have a party with a sense of security. In America, I have nowhere to sit, and I don’t know where to go and who to talk to.”

–Immigrant woman of Korean origin in mid-40s

And a Bhutanese immigrant explained:

“In my case, I am not an American. I consider myself a Bhutanese. … I am a Bhutanese because I do not know American culture to consider myself as an American. It is very difficult to understand the sense of humor in America. So, we are pure Bhutanese in America.”

–Immigrant man of Bhutanese origin in early 40s

Language was also a key aspect of identity for the participants. Many immigrants in the focus groups said they speak a language other than English at home and in their daily lives. One Vietnamese man considered himself Vietnamese since his Vietnamese is better than his English. Others emphasized their English skills. A Bangladeshi participant felt that she was more accepted in the workplace when she does more “American” things and speaks fluent English, rather than sharing things from Bangladeshi culture. She felt that others in her workplace correlate her English fluency with her ability to do her job. For others born in the U.S., the language they speak at home influences their connection to their ethnic roots.

“Now if I go to my work and do show my Bengali culture and Asian culture, they are not going to take anything out of it. So, basically, I have to show something that they are interested in. I have to show that I am American, [that] I can speak English fluently. I can do whatever you give me as a responsibility. So, in those cases I can’t show anything about my culture.”

–Immigrant woman of Bangladeshi origin in late 20s

“Being bi-ethnic and tri-cultural creates so many unique dynamics, and … one of the dynamics has to do with … what it is to be Americanized. … One of the things that played a role into how I associate the identity is language. Now, my father never spoke Spanish to me … because he wanted me to develop a fluency in English, because for him, he struggled with English. What happened was three out of the four people that raised me were Khmer … they spoke to me in Khmer. We’d eat breakfast, lunch and dinner speaking Khmer. We’d go to the temple in Khmer with the language and we’d also watch videos and movies in Khmer. … Looking into why I strongly identify with the heritage, one of the reasons is [that] speaking that language connects to the home I used to have [as my families have passed away].”

–U.S.-born man of Cambodian origin in early 30s

Balancing between individualistic and collective thinking

For some immigrant participants, the main differences between themselves and others who are seen as “truly American” were less about cultural differences, or how people behave, and more about differences in “mindset,” or how people think . Those who identified strongly with their ethnicity discussed how their way of thinking is different from a “typical American.” To some, the “American mentality” is more individualistic, with less judgment on what one should do or how they should act . One immigrant Japanese man, for example, talked about how other Japanese-origin co-workers in the U.S. would work without taking breaks because it’s culturally inconsiderate to take a break while others continued working. However, he would speak up for himself and other workers when they are not taking any work breaks. He attributed this to his “American” way of thinking, which encourages people to stand up for themselves.

Some U.S.-born participants who grew up in an immigrant family described the cultural clashes that happened between themselves and their immigrant parents. Participants talked about how the second generation (children of immigrant parents) struggles to pursue their own dreams while still living up to the traditional expectations of their immigrant parents.

“I feel like one of the biggest things I’ve seen, just like [my] Asian American friends overall, is the kind of family-individualistic clash … like wanting to do your own thing is like, is kind of instilled in you as an American, like go and … follow your dream. But then you just grow up with such a sense of like also wanting to be there for your family and to live up to those expectations, and I feel like that’s something that’s very pronounced in Asian cultures.”

–U.S.-born man of Indian origin in mid-20s

Discussions also highlighted differences about gender roles between growing up in America compared with elsewhere.

“As a woman or being a girl, because of your gender, you have to keep your mouth shut [and] wait so that they call on you for you to speak up. … I do respect our elders and I do respect hearing their guidance but I also want them to learn to hear from the younger person … because we have things to share that they might not know and that [are] important … so I like to challenge gender roles or traditional roles because it is something that [because] I was born and raised here [in America], I learn that we all have the equal rights to be able to speak and share our thoughts and ideas.”

U.S. born have mixed ties to their family’s heritage

“I think being Hmong is somewhat of being free, but being free of others’ perceptions of you or of others’ attempts to assimilate you or attempts to put pressure on you. I feel like being Hmong is to resist, really.” Pa Houa , documentary participant

How U.S.-born participants identify themselves depends on their familiarity with their own heritage, whom they are talking with, where they are when asked about their identity and what the answer is used for. Some mentioned that they have stronger ethnic ties because they are very familiar with their family’s ethnic heritage. Others talked about how their eating habits and preferred dishes made them feel closer to their ethnic identity. For example, one Korean participant shared his journey of getting closer to his Korean heritage because of Korean food and customs. When some participants shared their reasons for feeling closer to their ethnic identity, they also expressed a strong sense of pride with their unique cultural and ethnic heritage.

“I definitely consider myself Japanese American. I mean I’m Japanese and American. Really, ever since I’ve grown up, I’ve really admired Japanese culture. I grew up watching a lot of anime and Japanese black and white films. Just learning about [it], I would hear about Japanese stuff from my grandparents … myself, and my family having blended Japanese culture and American culture together.”

–U.S.-born man of Japanese origin in late 20s

Meanwhile, participants who were not familiar with their family’s heritage showed less connection with their ethnic ties. One U.S.-born woman said she has a hard time calling herself Cambodian, as she is “not close to the Cambodian community.” Participants with stronger ethnic ties talked about relating to their specific ethnic group more than the broader Asian group. Another woman noted that being Vietnamese is “more specific and unique than just being Asian” and said that she didn’t feel she belonged with other Asians. Some participants also disliked being seen as or called “Asian,” in part because they want to distinguish themselves from other Asian groups. For example, one Taiwanese woman introduces herself as Taiwanese when she can, because she had frequently been seen as Chinese.

Some in the focus groups described how their views of their own identities shifted as they grew older. For example, some U.S.-born and immigrant participants who came to the U.S. at younger ages described how their experiences in high school and the need to “fit in” were important in shaping their own identities. A Chinese woman put it this way:

“So basically, all I know is that I was born in the United States. Again, when I came back, I didn’t feel any barrier with my other friends who are White or Black. … Then I got a little confused in high school when I had trouble self-identifying if I am Asian, Chinese American, like who am I. … Should I completely immerse myself in the American culture? Should I also keep my Chinese identity and stuff like that? So yeah, that was like the middle of that mist. Now, I’m pretty clear about myself. I think I am Chinese American, Asian American, whatever people want.”

–U.S.-born woman of Chinese origin in early 20s

Identity is influenced by birthplace

“I identified myself first and foremost as American. Even on the forms that you fill out that says, you know, ‘Asian’ or ‘Chinese’ or ‘other,’ I would check the ‘other’ box, and I would put ‘American Chinese’ instead of ‘Chinese American.’” Brent , documentary participant

When talking about what it means to be “American,” participants offered their own definitions. For some, “American” is associated with acquiring a distinct identity alongside their ethnic or racial backgrounds, rather than replacing them. One Indian participant put it this way:

“I would also say [that I am] Indian American just because I find myself always bouncing between the two … it’s not even like dual identity, it just is one whole identity for me, like there’s not this separation. … I’m doing [both] Indian things [and] American things. … They use that term like ABCD … ‘American Born Confused Desi’ … I don’t feel that way anymore, although there are those moments … but I would say [that I am] Indian American for sure.”

–U.S.-born woman of Indian origin in early 30s

Meanwhile, some U.S.-born participants view being American as central to their identity while also valuing the culture of their family’s heritage.

Many immigrant participants associated the term “American” with immigration status or citizenship. One Taiwanese woman said she can’t call herself American since she doesn’t have a U.S. passport. Notably, U.S. citizenship is an important milestone for many immigrant participants, giving them a stronger sense of belonging and ultimately calling themselves American. A Bangladeshi participant shared that she hasn’t received U.S. citizenship yet, and she would call herself American after she receives her U.S. passport.

Other participants gave an even narrower definition, saying only those born and raised in the United States are truly American. One Taiwanese woman mentioned that her son would be American since he was born, raised and educated in the U.S. She added that while she has U.S. citizenship, she didn’t consider herself American since she didn’t grow up in the U.S. This narrower definition has implications for belonging. Some immigrants in the groups said they could never become truly American since the way they express themselves is so different from those who were born and raised in the U.S. A Japanese woman pointed out that Japanese people “are still very intimidated by authorities,” while those born and raised in America give their opinions without hesitation.

“As soon as I arrived, I called myself a Burmese immigrant. I had a green card, but I still wasn’t an American citizen. … Now I have become a U.S. citizen, so now I am a Burmese American.”

–Immigrant man of Burmese origin in mid-30s

“Since I was born … and raised here, I kind of always view myself as American first who just happened to be Asian or Chinese. So I actually don’t like the term Chinese American or Asian American. I’m American Asian or American Chinese. I view myself as American first.”

–U.S.-born man of Chinese origin in early 60s

“[I used to think of myself as] Filipino, but recently I started saying ‘Filipino American’ because I got [U.S.] citizenship. And it just sounds weird to say Filipino American, but I’m trying to … I want to accept it. I feel like it’s now marry-able to my identity.”

–Immigrant woman of Filipino origin in early 30s

For others, American identity is about the process of ‘becoming’ culturally American

A Venn diagram showing how participants in the focus group study described their racial or ethnic identity overlaps with their American identity

Immigrant participants also emphasized how their experiences and time living in America inform their views of being an “American.” As a result, some started to see themselves as Americans after spending more than a decade in the U.S. One Taiwanese man considered himself an American since he knows more about the U.S. than Taiwan after living in the U.S. for over 52 years.

But for other immigrant participants, the process of “becoming” American is not about how long they have lived in the U.S., but rather how familiar they are with American culture and their ability to speak English with little to no accent. This is especially true for those whose first language is not English, as learning and speaking it without an accent can be a big challenge for some. One Bangladeshi participant shared that his pronunciation of “hot water” was very different from American English, resulting in confusions in communication. By contrast, those who were more confident in their English skills felt they can better understand American culture and values as a result, leading them to a stronger connection with an American identity.

“[My friends and family tease me for being Americanized when I go back to Japan.] I think I seem a little different to people who live in Japan. I don’t think they mean anything bad, and they [were] just joking, because I already know that I seem a little different to people who live in Japan.”

–Immigrant man of Japanese origin in mid-40s

“I value my Hmong culture, and language, and ethnicity, but I also do acknowledge, again, that I was born here in America and I’m grateful that I was born here, and I was given opportunities that my parents weren’t given opportunities for.”

–U.S.-born woman of Hmong origin in early 30s

During the focus group discussions about identity, a recurring theme emerged about the difference between how participants saw themselves and how others see them. When asked to elaborate on their experiences and their points of view, some participants shared experiences they had with people misidentifying their race or ethnicity. Others talked about their frustration with being labeled the “model minority.” In all these discussions, participants shed light on the negative impacts that mistaken assumptions and labels had on their lives.

All people see is ‘Asian’

For many, interactions with others (non-Asians and Asians alike) often required explaining their backgrounds, reacting to stereotypes, and for those from smaller origin groups in particular, correcting the misconception that being “Asian” means you come from one of the larger Asian ethnic groups. Several participants remarked that in their own experiences, when others think about Asians, they tend to think of someone who is Chinese. As one immigrant Filipino woman put it, “Interacting with [non-Asians in the U.S.], it’s hard. … Well, first, I look Spanish. I mean, I don’t look Asian, so would you guess – it’s like they have a vision of what an Asian [should] look like.” Similarly, an immigrant Indonesian man remarked how Americans tended to see Asians primarily through their physical features, which not all Asian groups share.

Several participants also described how the tendency to view Asians as a monolithic group can be even more common in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The first [thing people think of me as] is just Chinese. ‘You guys are just Chinese.’ I’m not the only one who felt [this] after the COVID-19 outbreak. ‘Whether you’re Japanese, Korean, or Southeast Asian, you’re just Chinese [to Americans]. I should avoid you.’ I’ve felt this way before, but I think I’ve felt it a bit more after the COVID-19 outbreak.”

–Immigrant woman of Korean origin in early 30s

At the same time, other participants described their own experiences trying to convince others that they are Asian or Asian American. This was a common experience among Southeast Asian participants.

“I have to convince people I’m Asian, not Middle Eastern. … If you type in Asian or you say Asian, most people associate it with Chinese food, Japanese food, karate, and like all these things but then they don’t associate it with you.”

–U.S.-born man of Pakistani origin in early 30s

The model minority myth and its impact

“I’ve never really done the best academically, compared to all my other Asian peers too. I never really excelled. I wasn’t in honors. … Those stereotypes, I think really [have] taken a toll on my self-esteem.” Diane , documentary participant

Across focus groups, immigrant and U.S.-born participants described the challenges of the seemingly positive stereotypes of Asians as intelligent, gifted in technical roles and hardworking. Participants often referred to this as the “model minority myth.”

The label “model minority” was coined in the 1960s and has been used to characterize Asian Americans as financially and educationally successful and hardworking when compared with other groups. However, for many Asians living in the United States, these characterizations do not align with their lived experiences or reflect their socioeconomic backgrounds. Indeed, among Asian origin groups in the U.S., there are wide differences in economic and social experiences.

Academic research on the model minority myth has pointed to its impact beyond Asian Americans and towards other racial and ethnic groups, especially Black Americans, in the U.S. Some argue that the model minority myth has been used to justify policies that overlook the historical circumstances and impacts of colonialism, slavery, discrimination and segregation on other non-White racial and ethnic groups.

Many participants noted ways in which the model minority myth has been harmful. For some, expectations based on the myth didn’t match their own experiences of coming from impoverished communities. Some also recalled experiences at school when they struggled to meet their teachers’ expectations in math and science.

“As an Asian person, I feel like there’s that stereotype that Asian students are high achievers academically. They’re good at math and science. … I was a pretty mediocre student, and math and science were actually my weakest subjects, so I feel like it’s either way you lose. Teachers expect you to fit a certain stereotype and if you’re not, then you’re a disappointment, but at the same time, even if you are good at math and science, that just means that you’re fitting a stereotype. It’s [actually] your own achievement, but your teachers might think, ‘Oh, it’s because they’re Asian,’ and that diminishes your achievement.”

–U.S.-born woman of Korean origin in late 20s

Some participants felt that even when being Asian worked in their favor in the job market, they encountered stereotypes that “Asians can do quality work with less compensation” or that “Asians would not complain about anything at work.”

“There is a joke from foreigners and even Asian Americans that says, ‘No matter what you do, Asians always do the best.’ You need to get A, not just B-plus. Otherwise, you’ll be a disgrace to the family. … Even Silicon Valley hires Asian because [an] Asian’s wage is cheaper but [they] can work better. When [work] visa overflow happens, they hire Asians like Chinese and Indian to work in IT fields because we are good at this and do not complain about anything.”

–Immigrant man of Thai origin in early 40s

Others expressed frustration that people were placing them in the model minority box. One Indian woman put it this way:

“Indian people and Asian people, like … our parents or grandparents are the ones who immigrated here … against all odds. … A lot of Indian and Asian people have succeeded and have done really well for themselves because they’ve worked themselves to the bone. So now the expectations [of] the newer generations who were born here are incredibly unrealistic and high. And you get that not only from your family and the Indian community, but you’re also getting it from all of the American people around you, expecting you to be … insanely good at math, play an instrument, you know how to do this, you know how to do that, but it’s not true. And it’s just living with those expectations, it’s difficult.”

–U.S.-born woman of Indian origin in early 20s

Whether U.S. born or immigrants, Asians are often seen by others as foreigners

“Being only not quite 10 years old, it was kind of exciting to ride on a bus to go someplace. But when we went to Pomona, the assembly center, we were stuck in one of the stalls they used for the animals.” Tokiko , documentary participant

Across all focus groups, participants highlighted a common question they are asked in America when meeting people for the first time: “Where are you really from?” For participants, this question implied that people think they are “foreigners,” even though they may be longtime residents or citizens of the United States or were born in the country. One man of Vietnamese origin shared his experience with strangers who assumed that he and his friends are North Korean. Perhaps even more hurtful, participants mentioned that this meant people had a preconceived notion of what an “American” is supposed to look like, sound like or act like. One Chinese woman said that White Americans treated people like herself as outsiders based on her skin color and appearance, even though she was raised in the U.S.

Many focus group participants also acknowledged the common stereotype of treating Asians as “forever foreigners.” Some immigrant participants said they felt exhausted from constantly being asked this question by people even when they speak perfect English with no accent. During the discussion, a Korean immigrant man recalled that someone had said to him, “You speak English well, but where are you from?” One Filipino participant shared her experience during the first six months in the U.S.:

“You know, I spoke English fine. But there were certain things that, you know, people constantly questioning you like, oh, where are you from? When did you come here? You know, just asking about your experience to the point where … you become fed up with it after a while.”

–Immigrant woman of Filipino origin in mid-30s

U.S.-born participants also talked about experiences when others asked where they are from. Many shared that they would not talk about their ethnic origin right away when answering such a question because it often led to misunderstandings and assumptions that they are immigrants.

“I always get that question of, you know, ‘Where are you from?’ and I’m like, ‘I’m from America.’ And then they’re like, ‘No. Where are you from-from ?’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah, my family is from Pakistan,’ so it’s like I always had like that dual identity even though it’s never attached to me because I am like, of Pakistani descent.”

–U.S.-born man of Pakistani origin in early 20s

One Korean woman born in the U.S. said that once people know she is Korean, they ask even more offensive questions such as “Are you from North or South Korea?” or “Do you still eat dogs?”

In a similar situation, this U.S.-born Indian woman shared her responses:

“I find that there’s a, ‘So but where are you from?’ Like even in professional settings when they feel comfortable enough to ask you. ‘So – so where are you from?’ ‘Oh, I was born in [names city], Colorado. Like at [the hospital], down the street.’ ‘No, but like where are you from?’ ‘My mother’s womb?’”

–U.S.-born woman of Indian origin in early 40s

Ignorance and misinformation about Asian identity can lead to contentious encounters

“I have dealt with kids who just gave up on their Sikh identity, cut their hair and groomed their beard and everything. They just wanted to fit in and not have to deal with it, especially [those] who are victim or bullied in any incident.” Surinder , documentary participant

In some cases, ignorance and misinformation about Asians in the U.S. lead to inappropriate comments or questions and uncomfortable or dangerous situations. Participants shared their frustration when others asked about their country of origin, and they then had to explain their identity or correct misunderstandings or stereotypes about their background. At other times, some participants faced ignorant comments about their ethnicity, which sometimes led to more contentious encounters. For example, some Indian or Pakistani participants talked about the attacks or verbal abuse they experienced from others blaming them for the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Others discussed the racial slurs directed toward them since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Some Japanese participants recalled their families losing everything and being incarcerated during World War II and the long-term effect it had on their lives.

“I think like right now with the coronavirus, I think we’re just Chinese, Chinese American, well, just Asian American or Asians in general, you’re just going through the same struggles right now. Like everyone is just blaming whoever looks Asian about the virus. You don’t feel safe.”

–U.S.-born man of Chinese origin in early 30s

“At the beginning of the pandemic, a friend and I went to celebrate her birthday at a club and like these guys just kept calling us COVID.”

–U.S.-born woman of Korean origin in early 20s

“There [were] a lot of instances after 9/11. One day, somebody put a poster about 9/11 [in front of] my business. He was wearing a gun. … On the poster, it was written ‘you Arabs, go back to your country.’ And then someone came inside. He pointed his gun at me and said ‘Go back to your country.’”

–Immigrant man of Pakistani origin in mid-60s

“[My parents went through the] internment camps during World War II. And my dad, he was in high school, so he was – they were building the camps and then he was put into the Santa Anita horse track place, the stables there. And then they were sent – all the Japanese Americans were sent to different camps, right, during World War II and – in California. Yeah, and they lost everything, yeah.”

–U.S.-born woman of Japanese origin in mid-60s

As focus group participants contemplated their identity during the discussions, many talked about their sense of belonging in America. Although some felt frustrated with people misunderstanding their ethnic heritage, they didn’t take a negative view of life in America. Instead, many participants – both immigrant and U.S. born – took pride in their unique cultural and ethnic backgrounds. In these discussions, people gave their own definitions of America as a place with a diverse set of cultures, with their ethnic heritage being a part of it.

Taking pride in their unique cultures

“Being a Pakistani American, I’m proud. … Because I work hard, and I make true my dreams from here.” Shahid , documentary participant

Despite the challenges of adapting to life in America for immigrant participants or of navigating their dual cultural identity for U.S.-born ones, focus group participants called America their home. And while participants talked about their identities in different ways – ethnic identity, racial (Asian) identity, and being American – they take pride in their unique cultures. Many also expressed a strong sense of responsibility to give back or support their community, sharing their cultural heritage with others on their own terms.

“Right now it has been a little difficult. I think it has been for all Asians because of the COVID issue … but I’m glad that we’re all here [in America]. I think we should be proud to be here. I’m glad that our families have traveled here, and we can help make life better for communities, our families and ourselves. I think that’s really a wonderful thing. We can be those role models for a lot of the future, the younger folks. I hope that something I did in the last years will have impacted either my family, friends or students that I taught in other community things that I’ve done. So you hope that it helps someplace along the line.”

“I am very proud of my culture. … There is not a single Bengali at my workplace, but people know the name of my country. Maybe many years [later] – educated people know all about the country. So, I don’t have to explain that there is a small country next to India and Nepal. It’s beyond saying. People after all know Bangladesh. And there are so many Bengali present here as well. So, I am very proud to be a Bangladeshi.”

Where home is

When asked about the definition of home, some immigrant participants said home is where their families are located. Immigrants in the focus groups came to the United States by various paths, whether through work opportunities, reuniting with family or seeking a safe haven as refugees. Along their journey, some received support from family members, their local community or other individuals, while others overcame challenges by themselves. Either way, they take pride in establishing their home in America and can feel hurt when someone tells them to “go back to your country.” In response, one Laotian woman in her mid-40s said, “This is my home. My country. Go away.”

“If you ask me personally, I view my home as my house … then I would say my house is with my family because wherever I go, I cannot marry if I do not have my family so that is how I would answer.”

–Immigrant man of Hmong origin in late 30s

“[If somebody yelled at me ‘go back to your country’] I’d feel angry because this is my country! I live here. America is my country. I grew up here and worked here … I’d say, ‘This is my country! You go back to your country! … I will not go anywhere. This is my home. I will live here.’ That’s what I’d say.”

–Immigrant woman of Laotian origin in early 50s

‘American’ means to blend their unique cultural and ethnic heritage with that in the U.S.

“I want to teach my children two traditions – one American and one Vietnamese – so they can compare and choose for themselves the best route in life.” Helen , documentary participant (translated from Vietnamese)

Both U.S.-born and immigrant participants in the focus groups shared their experiences of navigating a dual cultural environment between their ethnic heritage and American culture. A common thread that emerged was that being Asian in America is a process of blending two or more identities as one.

“Yeah, I want to say that’s how I feel – because like thinking about it, I would call my dad Lao but I would call myself Laotian American because I think I’m a little more integrated in the American society and I’ve also been a little more Americanized, compared to my dad. So that’s how I would see it.”

–U.S.-born man of Laotian origin in late 20s

“I mean, Bangladeshi Americans who are here, we are carrying Bangladeshi culture, religion, food. I am also trying to be Americanized like the Americans. Regarding language, eating habits.”

–Immigrant man of Bangladeshi origin in mid-50s

“Just like there is Chinese American, Mexican American, Japanese American, Italian American, so there is Indian American. I don’t want to give up Indianness. I am American by nationality, but I am Indian by birth. So whenever I talk, I try to show both the flags as well, both Indian and American flags. Just because you make new relatives but don’t forget the old relatives.”

–Immigrant man of Indian origin in late 40s

Pew Research Center designed these focus groups to better understand how members of an ethnically diverse Asian population think about their place in America and life here. By including participants of different languages, immigration or refugee experiences, educational backgrounds, and income levels, this focus group study aimed to capture in people’s own words what it means to be Asian in America. The discussions in these groups may or may not resonate with all Asians living in the United States. Browse excerpts from our focus groups with the interactive quote sorter below, view a video documentary focused on the topics discussed in the focus groups, or tell us your story of belonging in America via social media. The focus group project is part of a broader research project studying the diverse experiences of Asians living in the U.S.

Read sortable quotes from our focus groups

Browse excerpts in the interactive quote sorter from focus group participants in response to the question “What does it mean to be [Vietnamese, Thai, Sri Lankan, Hmong, etc.] like yourself in America?” This interactive allows you to sort quotes from focus group participants by ethnic origin, nativity (U.S. born or born in another country), gender and age.

Video documentary

Videos throughout the data essay illustrate what focus group participants discussed. Those recorded in these videos did not participate in the focus groups but were sampled to have similar demographic characteristics and thematically relevant stories.

Watch the full video documentary and watch additional shorter video clips related to the themes of this data essay.

Share the story of your family and your identity

Did the voices in this data essay resonate? Share your story of what it means to be Asian in America with @pewresearch. Tell us your story by using the hashtag #BeingAsianInAmerica and @pewidentity on Twitter, as well as #BeingAsianInAmerica and @pewresearch on Instagram.

This cross-ethnic, comparative qualitative research project explores the identity, economic mobility, representation, and experiences of immigration and discrimination among the Asian population in the United States. The analysis is based on 66 focus groups we conducted virtually in the fall of 2021 and included 264 participants from across the U.S. More information about the groups and analysis can be found in this appendix .

Pew Research Center is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts, its primary funder. This data essay was funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts, with generous support from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative DAF, an advised fund of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation; the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; the Henry Luce Foundation; The Wallace H. Coulter Foundation; The Dirk and Charlene Kabcenell Foundation; The Long Family Foundation; Lu-Hebert Fund; Gee Family Foundation; Joseph Cotchett; the Julian Abdey and Sabrina Moyle Charitable Fund; and Nanci Nishimura.

The accompanying video clips and video documentary were made possible by The Pew Charitable Trusts, with generous support from The Sobrato Family Foundation and The Long Family Foundation.

We would also like to thank the Leaders Forum for its thought leadership and valuable assistance in helping make this study possible. This is a collaborative effort based on the input and analysis of a number of individuals and experts at Pew Research Center and outside experts.

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What Does Dance Mean to Me: A Personal Exploration
Self-Expression and Identity. Dance serves as a powerful channel for self-expression. Through movement, I am able to communicate thoughts, feelings, and ideas that may be difficult to put into words. Dance becomes a mirror that reflects my innermost emotions and allows me to connect with my authentic self. What dance means to me is the freedom ...
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Dance takes dedication and countless hours of work. Bloody feet, sweaty skin, many tears, and lots of rejection. Us dancers put up with that. When you love something so much the good days surpass the bad. When you land that one part you were dying to get it makes up for the five you lost. That is why I love dance.
Essay on What Does Dance Mean to You
Essay on What Does Dance Mean to You. This essay sample was donated by a student to help the academic community. Papers provided by EduBirdie writers usually outdo students' samples. There's a picture of me from 5th grade, the day I got my leotard, tights, and ballet shoes. I stood in what I thought was a ballet pose and smiled the biggest ...
What Does Dance Mean To Me Essay
621 Words 3 Pages. The quote, "Dancing with the feet is one thing, but dancing with the heart is another," has a lots of meaning to me. It shows that you need to focus more of what your heart is telling you while dancing, oppose to focusing more on the choreography. Some dancers never learn this and end up giving up on dancing.
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What Does Dance Mean to Me: Personal Narrative Essay. This essay sample was donated by a student to help the academic community. Papers provided by EduBirdie writers usually outdo students' samples. Seven years ago, I made the best decision of my life. When I was ten years old I decided to quit soccer, tumbling, cheer, and guitar lessons for ...
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Dancing as a hobby, on the other hand, can be practiced at any age and any time in our lives. It can aid the development of children and teenagers and improve the well-being and health of adults and the elderly. The benefits of dance are endless! Besides being a form of exercise, it inspires creativity and develops a certain attitude about life ...
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Essay by Lucy H What Dance Means to Me Freedom, expression and confidence; that is what dance means to me. To any other person, dance could just simply be defined as moving rhythmically to a piece of music. However to me, dance is a beautiful experience, providing the ability
The Importance Of Dance In My Life
The Importance Of Dance In My Life. Dancing literally saves my soul, keeps me sane, and makes my life worth living. Without dance there is no point of music. Music was made to dance to, can you even think of a time that you were completely still while listening to a song. No because music was made to be appreciated by people moving to it.
Importance Of Dance: [Essay Example], 606 words GradesFixer
The Profound Impact of Dance. In conclusion, the importance of dance cannot be overstated. It is a powerful form of expression, a means of personal development, a tool for social cohesion, and a means of cultural preservation. By allowing individuals to express themselves, develop important life skills, foster unity, and preserve cultural ...
Essay on Dance in English for Students
Question 1: Why is Dance important? Answer 1: Dance teaches us the significance of movement and fitness in a variety of ways through a selection of disciplines. It helps us learn to coordinate muscles to move through proper positions. Moreover, it is a great activity to pursue at almost any age.
What Dancing Means to Me
May 17, 2016. Brooklyn College. Catherine Latham. The definition of dance is to "move rhythmically to music, typically a set sequence of steps". That is such a broad definition of what dance really is. To me, dance is everything. Dance is an art form. Dance is a lifestyle. If I didn't have dance, I would definitely not be the person I am today.
124 Dance Essay Topic Ideas & Examples
The impact of dance on self-confidence and self-expression. The portrayal of cultural assimilation and diaspora in dance. The role of dance in promoting physical and mental well-being in diverse populations. These dance essay topic ideas and examples provide a wide range of options for you to explore and expand upon.
Personal Narrative: My Passion For Dance Essay Essay
This song is solely instrumental and gave me the vibe of wartime and chaos. The reason I chose this piece of music is because of Napoleon's origins in Corsica and his leadership during the chaos in France. Napoleon was born in 1769 in Corsica. Corsica was a small island, often compared to Italy because of their overlaps.
Essays About Dance: Top 5 Examples Plus Prompts
For more essay ideas, take a pick from one of our prompts below: 1. Dance As A Passion. If you have a passion for dancing, write your story about how you have discovered this passion. Describe what dancing does to your mind and body. Write about your dance style, how often you dance and what kinds of music you love dancing to.
Dance Essays: Samples & Topics
What Does Dance Mean to Me: A Personal Exploration. What does dance mean to you? Dance, an art form that transcends language and culture, holds a special place in my heart. As I reflect on what dance means to me, I am drawn into a world of expression, emotion, and connection. This essay will...
Descriptive Essay About Dance
748 Words. 3 Pages. Open Document. From the age of five my life has revolved around dance. The push and pull of the music drew me in. The way you can express your emotions and leave the world behind entranced me. Dance does not use words, but instead uses the heart. There is something about dance that connects people in ways that words will ...
Essays on Dance
1 page / 585 words. Since the age of seven, I've embraced a multitude of dance styles. My experience began with traditional Russian dancing which advanced to ballroom, ballet, modern, hip-hop, jazz and contemporary. My love for dance traversed the Atlantic Ocean to prosper on two different continents during the...
What Dancing Means to Me
In the midst of all the chaos that comes with college life, dance serves as my stress reliever so joining these dance teams will definitely serve as my nonacademic getaway. Dancing allows me to take a break from reality and get lost in the music as my thoughts drift away into nothing but happiness. This entry was posted in Uncategorized on ...
Dance: My Life Changing Experience
1. This essay sample was donated by a student to help the academic community. Papers provided by EduBirdie writers usually outdo students' samples. Cite this essay. Download. Life is a never-ending learning experience. Throughout life I have had many memorable events. The memorable times in my life vary from being the worst times in my life and ...
Is Dance a Language? Movement, Meaning and Communication
So far in this essay I have argued that dance is different from language firstly. because the denotational or referential function is weak and secondly because phrases, sections or passages of movement constitute utterances rather than sentences. On the other hand I have demonstrated that dance justifiably can.
What dancing means to me…
For me, dance is an inspiration, feeling, rhythm and way of life. By learning to understand and communicate through dance, you learn much more about the movement, as such, in all its forms, and you get a different kind of aesthetics and perception of space. For me, dancing is a total example of occupation and art, bringing happiness and ...
Essay on Dance Is My Passion
Words: 1027. Pages: 2. This essay sample was donated by a student to help the academic community. Papers provided by EduBirdie writers usually outdo students' samples. Cite this essay. Download. I have spent much of my time learning and practicing the art of dance since I was four years old.
What It Means To Be Asian in America
The terms "Asian," "Asians living in the United States" and "Asian American" are used interchangeably throughout this essay to refer to U.S. adults who self-identify as Asian, either alone or in combination with other races or Hispanic identity. "The United States" and "the U.S." are used interchangeably with "America" for variations in the writing.
Fact Sheet on FTC's Proposed Final Noncompete Rule
The .gov means it's official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. The site is secure. The https:// ...
Dance Essay Example
Dance Description Essay. Kathakali is a major form of classical Indian dance. It is a 'story play' genre of art, but one distinguished by the elaborately colorful make-up, costumes, and face masks that the traditionally male actor-dancers wear. Kathakali is a performing art in the Malayalam-speaking southwestern region of Kerala.