Ever
since, at the age of five, I began bugging my parents by jumping on the couch to
the soundtrack of Sesame Street, they knew my energy needed to be let out in a
more well-suited environment. So, they
signed me up for dance classes. This was where I was able to express myself
freely and feel the most like myself. Everything in my life is blocked out, and
right then and there, all that matters is dancing. I quickly went onto my
passion of musical theater and acting, where I am able to fully express my
creative side. I am consistently trying to expand my repertoire, and keep up my
training as a dancer and as an actor. I am thankful everyday to have the
support of my family, friends, and fellow artists who keep me doing what I have
always loved to do.
I
have always wanted to explore different styles of dance and go outside my
comfort zone. Being trained specifically in ballet, jazz, and tap, I have
always had an interest in learning about different cultures styles of movement
and expression. Seeing Mosaic’s take on different places like the Middle
East, North Africa, Turkey, and Greece, I was overwhelmed by my little
knowledge of the dance styles of those countries. However, I saw this project
as an amazing challenge for me. Having had
an interest in Greek mythology since I was little, The Paradise of Children (Pandora’s Box) piece spoke to me as if my
inner child was bursting out. My audition felt like I was rehearsing and
collaborating with the director, and I was supported throughout the entire
process.
The
technique of Middle Eastern Dance differs in ways to the technique learned in
modern and classical dances (i.e ballet, jazz). I am used to holding my hips
and other parts of my body differently than those who are well trained in this dance.
Overcoming my “muscle memory” and habit of the posture I have developed is
still an ongoing learning experience. Thanks to the help of the many insightful
dancers and teachers in the company, I am learning something new everyday, and
becoming a more well-rounded dancer because of them. And, because of the
beautiful score we are blessed to dance to every day, I am constantly
transported into the world of Middle Eastern dance and am able to full embody
the expression of the music.
There
are so many reasons to get frustrated and abandon my work at times, whether it is
comparing myself to other performers, feeling like I will never work another
day, or simply seeing what I have created and accepting it without judgment. It has taken me a long time to learn some
lessons, and others I am still learning. Firstly, I don’t want to be close-minded
to new ideas or opinions. I try not to view critiques as restrictions or
obstacles, but as opportunities to express myself in new ways. Secondly, part
of my mission is to continuously improve myself and my product. Inevitably I
will find artists or works that are better than mine. But at the end of the
day, every artist and their path of life is different. I am never competing in
the same race with others. I am only in a race with myself to work to the best
of my ability. Finally, It is very hard to create something, appreciate what it
is I’ve created, and move on. By fretting over what could be changed, I could
miss the next amazing thing that happens. Other people will see my work and
have their own opinions. And that is fine. At the end of the day, I will be
proud that I created it.
The
supportive and welcoming atmosphere I walk into everyday at Mosaic rehearsals
is truly a blessing. I am surrounded by immensely talented individuals, and I
am always learning something new. I am becoming a better dancer because of the
wonderful people I have the privilege to share the stage with. I love to be
challenged in new and exciting ways, and Mosaic Dance Theater has definitely
been an eyeopener to appreciating different dancers from around the globe, and
introducing me to a style that I will continue to improve on and explore as I
move forward in my career.
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