Post 2: We All Have Something to Say

The idea of studying an art in college in so captivating. As a society, we deemed these professions important enough in this world that they should be taught and studied at large institutions in very elite capacities. But, whatever I say to a family member I am studying dance I get the same three responses.

1. “So are you double majoring, or planning to switch.”

2. “That’s fun, and at least you are at a good school.”

3. And worst of all the degrading “That’s great honey, but what are you really going to do for, you know, a real job”

So during the holidays, when I was asked my about my major, I just simply said somewhere within communications. And I left it at that, where most relatives smiled and left the subject. The thing is, I was not lying to them, not at all. Dance is not only a a subset of my dialect, but it is a universal form of communication. A good dance performance tells a story, makes a whole audience feel a particular emotion, and sparks conversation and change.

I can humbly say I am very good at communicating through dance, but when it comes to a writing class it is a whole different ball game. In dance a can become someone else. Not just through the character I am playing, but my body transcends into something simply just not human. I am looked at a multi demential work of ideal linearity, a feminine body whom is shapes and projects radiant energy. This idea that I am looked at as something other than myself, allows me to feel safe, and therefore brings out my ability to communicate through venerability.

Here is where writing and dance differ- in writing you are forced to be authentically yourself and there is nothing you can hide behind (well, I guess a computer screen but that doesn’t count). Your thoughts and language and ideas are all you, completely you. Stephanie Renee Payne talked much about creating a space where students feel safe to identify themselves. She discussed creating a classroom where there is a prepared forgiveness and unlimited permission. This way students will not be afraid to speak their truth, while allowing themselves to be wrong or change their mind. It is frightening to expose yourself in your own vernacular, but we must remind ourselves that we are good communicators as we do it everyday. And more importantly, we have something valuable to say, we just need to be guided towards ways in which we can say it.