REFLECTION
Loyola’s Dance Program has been more than I could have ever hoped for. I remember when I was dancing in high school, daydreaming about what a collegiate dance experience would be like. I wondered about the types of people I’d meet, the friends I would make, the types of dance classes I’d take, my artistic growth, the kinds of professors and performance opportunities I’d have, and the type of community I would be involved in. The dance major at Loyola has equipped me with an abundance of knowledge, opportunities, growth, and experiences I will forever be thankful for. But most importantly, I will never forget what made my time so special–the people.
Each and every single one of my professors pushed me, challenged me, and inspired me. The faculty’s hard work and dedication has clearly been felt every day in class and during performances, and they successfully cultivated a supporting and loving community.
Additionally, I have met lifelong friends through this program. We’ve shared the stage together, traveled together, cried together, sweated together, explored different techniques together, and developed together. I’ve witnessed so much growth not only from myself, but from my peers, and this shared adventure will bind us forever.
Before joining Loyola, I’d say I was somewhat of a superficial mover. This is not to say I was not a strong dancer; however, as I reflect on the past, I recognize how much I lacked in artistic skills. Loyola’s dance program has taught me to be a smarter dancer. I have learned to think critically about this art form and the institution it resides in. I have learned to work within my own body and to connect my breath to my movement. I have learned the importance of taking risks, stepping outside of my comfort zone, and taking care of myself. I have learned that the beautiful part of dance does not reside in the tricks, but rather in the transitions, port de bras, and musicality.
In addition, my time at Loyola has developed my technique tremendously. Before joining the program, I did not consider myself to be a technical dancer. I felt confident in my ability to move and perform; however, I felt many weaknesses in my ability to execute techniques such as ballet, pointe, and modern. This program requires constant dedication to these techniques, and because of that I have felt myself grow immensely. Specifically, I have gained more strength, endurance, and control, and I have a more integrated, embodied, and holistic approach to dance techniques.
To continue, I have had many opportunities to develop my artistry and independence as a dancer, woman, and scholar. I have been faced with challenging situations, such as dancing online through COVID, dancing as Ruby Bridges in Nevertheless, She Persisted, and balancing the demands of the dance and biology/pre-med coursework. I have had opportunities I never imagined would come my way, such as traveling to ACDA, interning at Chicago Dancers United, mastering Missa Brevis, earning scholarships, and choreographing my own piece. Whatever it may be, all of these experiences required dedication, reflection, determination, and grit. Wherever my future takes me, I am now equipped with these lifelong tools to help me succeed in a variety of modalities.
Moving forward, I want to continue to find more freedom in dance. My anxious mind sometimes takes over my movement, causing me to feel restricted rather than liberated. I want to focus on having more fun next semester and not taking myself so seriously. In addition, I want to continue to develop my artistry and find my own personality in the movement. I need to trust myself more and use this trust to feel grounded and capable of further exploration. Ultimately, I want to focus on leading with my body and not my mind, and I look forward to one more great semester of exploration.