The universe moves me so I can move others.
Growing up, my parents put me in every sport imaginable. If my school provided it, I did it. Baseball, basketball, soccer, you name it. And I HATED IT. Running back and forth on the field/court, winning, losing—it all sucked. But there was one sport (yes, it’s a sport. Fight me.) that I actually looked forward to every week, and that was dance. I’ve been dancing since 2 years old. My mom put me in ballet just like every other little girl, and when I tell you I absolutely LIT UP on stage. There are videos of me as a toddler convincing my classmates with stage fright to get on stage and perform. After ballet, I did Irish dance for 7 years. Not my favorite (it was too stiff and strict for me) but I stuck with it so I could take what I learned from class and teach it to my friends at school. At the same time, I did hip hop for 5 years, and that’s where I really started to come to life. I had the most attitude of any 3rd grader on that stage. It inspired me to start choreographing my own dances for me and a couple of my dancer friends to perform and film as part of our own little variety show. Then came tap and jazz class, then musical theater. My love of dance continued through middle school and high school, where I began choreographing for my schools’ musicals. Even in college, I still go back to my middle school to teach kids the dances for their school productions. Every car ride is spent looking out the window, choreographing new dances in my mind. It is a core part of my being. And every step I have taken in my dance journey came with bringing others the joy of dance. It has taken me years to recognize that I was meant to help others move. I live to light up on stage and allow others to do the same. Watching their faces when they finally get a step right that they have been struggling with. Seeing them get excited when they come up with their own choreography and run up to me to show off their new dance. Hearing them telling their parents that their favorite part of rehearsal was dance class. It all makes me feel like I have a place in the world. As Kimerer Lamothe said, “Every movement a human makes animate potentials that them become who that human is—one who made that movement. One who can make that movement again” (Lamothe 127). I was given movement from my teachers from my childhood, and I became the teacher for my friends and students, and they will become teachers for their circle, and on and on. Dance is who I am. It always will be, even if I don’t dance every day anymore. I will never separate that part of me. And that is what I believe I was put on this planet to do. Move others.
Unruly Bodies 
Hearing about our love for dance was incredibly heartwarming and inspiring. I was also involved in many sports as a child, most of which I couldn’t stand, but its great to hear that you found a sport that brings you joy, and allows you to bring others joy. Although it isn’t technically a sport, your post reminds me of how I feel towards my art as a drag performer. I had never been someone who was onstage before I became a drag queen, and now that I’ve had to take a break from it for school, I am missing it so desperately and cannot wait to start putting looks and choreography together for shows. I hope your connection with dance keeps growing stronger and that the end of your semester goes well!!
I found this so interesting to read. You’re someone who loves to move your body and isn’t afraid of being seen in that form of self-expression. I love the freedom and emotional release that dance gives, but I am very stiff and awkward when it comes to dancing in front of other people because I don’t want to be shamed. My girlfriend loves to dance and has asked me to dance with her before, but I’ve been scared of feeling judged for not being good at it. Reading about how you feel like your purpose is to help others move makes me feel encouraged to try dancing in front of other people again, and not be ashamed to mess up.
Hello! Thank you for sharing your love of dance with us! I used to be a dancer from kindergarten to my senior year in high school and I still miss it so much. I know how hard it is to stay away from it because I haven’t danced in quite a few years. I’ve been thinking about my old choreography and it makes me really miss it. I loved reading about the joy you felt when getting others to dance. I’ve felt that before from teaching preschool dance classes. It truly is a unique experience that I feel so lucky to have. I hope you keep dancing and doing what you love!
This is such an inspiring reflection on how dance has shaped your life and the lives of those around you! I love how you’ve embraced movement as more than just a personal passion-it’s a way of building community, empowering others, and creating something bigger than yourself. The joy and confidence you have ignited in your students and friends alike serve to show just how powerful the arts can be, especially when shared with intention and love. You are more than a dancer; you are a force for change, evidencing ways in which creativity and movement can link people together and make lasting impressions. It is evident that dance is not something you do; it is how you make the world a better, more expressive place.
Hello, I loved this! I never truly thought about the way dance can affect how we construct ourselves and our identities. Being in a Facebook group that allows for gay men to express themselves and their love for HBCU dance, I haven’t put much thought into the type of person they are able to become while interacting in the group. They may be able to take on more unfiltered version of themselves that they may not in spaces where dance isn’t the focus.