Dance has always been an integral part of my life –  I was dancing even before I could walk properly. Growing up in India, I spent my childhood learning Kathak, a traditional Indian classical dance. Bollywood dance  also played a significant role in my life, being the form of the dance that brings me the greatest joy. 

Coming to Wesleyan, I decided to pursue a minor in dance and push myself out of my comfort zone by exploring an array of dance styles that were completely foreign to me. These included West African, Hip-Hop, Afro-Brazilian, and Contemporary. Taking these classes was more than simply learning new styles; it was more about immersing myself into the cultures and stories behind these dances. I found it fascinating to discover the common threads between these styles and the ones from my own culture. This exploration revealed to me how dance, at its core, is universally a powerful means of expression, joy, storytelling, and community building. 

Despite differences in the forms and distinctiveness of each style, dance universally serves as a powerful tool for expressing stories and emotions. Whether it’s the intricate footwork of Kathak, the distinctive bent-over stance in West-African dance, or the vibrant energy of Afro-Brazilian dances, we’re all using our bodies to tell stories and convey our emotions. This realization has deepened my appreciation for dance.

Immersing myself in these various dance forms has also helped me relate to and understand people from different cultures. Through learning these dance styles, I was also learning about the people that perform them and the cultural significance behind each dance. Through this understanding, dance has served as a way for me to connect with people. Despite our diverse cultures and different personalities, practicing dance in unison, is an act of exhilaration and exhaustion that unites us in an indescribable way. We’re not so different after all. It’s through these shared movements that I eventually learn about each one’s unique stories. It’s this connection, beyond just the physical steps, that makes dance so special and meaningful for me.