Olivia

      The “arts” is a wide scope, within it a variety of different art forms and expressions. Though I have dipped my toes into many of these forms, the one that has had the most impact on me and my life is the art form of dance. 

The concept of “dance” in itself is a wide spectrum. Some people’s minds may go to a night out clubbing with friends - a neon dance floor, flashing lights, energetic bodies of people. Other people’s minds may go to the perspective of dance presented by the media - sparkly costumes, cheesy smiles, high kicks. Dance is more integrated into our society and culture than many even realize. It has been with us for millenia and it is not about to slow down for the generations to come.

      In my own experience, dance has influenced me in ways that can only be related to by other dancers, and even then each dancer comes from a different background with a unique point of view. The way dance influences me is something that us dancers struggle to put into words sometimes, though I will do my best, which leads me to my first point of impact.

      A handful of creative arts are especially intriguing because they do something that does not happen often in life - they express themselves non verbally. This is significant from the perspective of a dancer and choreographer as well as that of a viewer. For a dancer, the lack of words forces us to think deeper about what movement we are doing or creating, and what we are trying to express through it. We are forced to think on a deeper level, using feelings and emotions rather than words. This is the same for viewers of dance except that this idea is being projected onto them. Viewers take in all sorts of ideas and emotions without any words being spoken. This causes people to experience feelings that cannot necessarily be put into words, but do not have to be. The information comes from the movement.

      Not only does dance influence people mentally, but physically as well. Along with the athletic part of dance, dancers acquire something called kinaesthetic awareness, which draws a natural and unconscious awareness to the body in space. Where this is something that dancers have always had an understanding of, non-dancers are just now being forced into this perception of life as we are made to maintain our 6 foot distance from others in daily life. Suddenly other people are becoming aware of their bodies in space and the relation of their body in space to others. But dancers have the upperhand, having used this awareness since their very first dance class.

      Something else dancers use from the start of their training is the ability to work with others towards a common goal.  Dance is a constant team effort between dancer and dancer as well as dancer and choreographer. The community sense built by working together to create something from nothing is an experience like none other. We are often presented with opportunities to collaborate with people - to dance or choreograph, to plan lightning design, costumes, and music; the defining line that connects all of us is the want and need to create. This is true across all art forms.

      There is a never ending list of the ways not only dance has influenced me, but all the art forms. I am grateful for every part of it as it has shaped the person I am today. Without the arts, we would all be vastly different (and frankly quite boring) people.