Random Post 1 - Dance
Dance has been a constant in my life. I have been dancing since I was three years old. Whether it be creating performances for my parents in our living room or going to classes and perfecting my technique, performing has been the aspect of life that brings me the biggest adrenaline rush. I danced competitively from elementary to high school and was captain of my high school's Bollywood dance team. It really was my outlet to express my feelings as a child, and that has translated to the present day as well.
In college, I was missing the freedom and relief I felt with dance, so in my freshman year spring semester, I participated in the SCIA Cultural Showcase as a Bhangra Dancer. I spent 2 months preparing for this showcase by meeting up with my team twice a week to learn a Bhangra routine, which I had never done before. I took it as an opportunity to learn from my peers and discover a new aspect of my Indian culture. I spent hours in my dorm room practicing the routine and asking questions to perform the dance in the most authentic way possible. I remember getting up on the stage at Bovard Auditorium and loving the feeling of performing with bright lights in my eyes, putting in my all for a 3-minute routine. I’m a constant learner pushing myself outside my comfort zone to explore my passions.
I decided to take it a step further in my sophomore year and decided to join USC's premier Bollywood-Fusion Dance Team, USC Zeher. Being a part of this team has given me the sense of family and belonging I have always craved. Meeting a group of 25 people so invested in making dance a priority in our busy student life, really inspired me to prioritize my mental health as a college student. Zeher pushed me beyond my wildest dreams and helped me explore dance styles I had never looked into such as Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Latin, etc. It taught me that although it can be scary to try new things, you are always able to overcome the learning curve and surprise yourself if you put the time and effort into it. People on Zeher have become my best friends and I now get to compete nationally and dance with them on stage, which has been the greatest joy of my college experience.
Hey Eshayna,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post. Your passion and love for dance was clear during this entire post. I like how you were able to take your passion and carry it over with you to school. It's cool that you are also able to compete nationally. Thanks for sharing one of your passions.
Hey Eshayna, thanks for sharing about dancing and how it's influenced your life, including teaching you more about your culture. It's cool how dance has played a role in your life seemingly no matter what, including continuing at USC.
ReplyDeleteHi Eshayna,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your experiences with dancing over the past years. Personally, I have no rhythm so it is really cool to hear the perspective of dancers. I really enjoyed your explanation of your relationship with dancing, and how you still find a way to do it. Keep it up.
Eshayna, dance is a skill I really wish I had. It seems like you have a very diverse group of styles in your toolbag. My only style is bobbing my head to the beat.
ReplyDeleteHi Eshayna,
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you found a place to dance while at University! I love how dance connected you further with your culture and brought you closer to others around you. It is important to make time to get away from the stress of class, work, etc. I admire that you were able to do this through dance.
Hi Eshayna, I'm so glad you found a sense of community here at USC through your dance background. I think it's almost like a full-circle moment, only I hope dance is outlet that continues far ahead for you!
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