College Admissions Essay: The Power Of Dance

Dance is not only a form of art or a physical activity, but a means of expressing yourself. Through dance, I gained confidence, courage, patience, and other valuable qualities, now all fused into my identity. I have danced for the past 10 years, consistently training every week, persevering through the

I'd like to think that I experienced my first dose of happiness at a very young age and it came to me in its most intricate form- music. Ever since then, I’ve found solace in nothing else.

I danced at Tina’s Dance Studio in Eldridge, Iowa for 12 consecutive years before I graduated high school. There I studied in ballet, pointe, contemporary, modern, lyrical, tap, jazz, hip-hop, musical theater, gymnastics and clogging. I was also a part of the competition team for eight years. We not only did local competitions and conventions, but we traveled and went to nationals in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City. I also danced in shows in Disney World and on a Carnival Cruise Ship. In high school, I was on the varsity Dance Team winning three state titles in pom and lyrical eventually traveling to Nationals. A few summers ago, I trained with Hubbard Street Dance in Chicago with their summer intensive focusing on modern, contemporary and ballet. During my senior year of high school and this past summer I taught classes in jazz, tap and contemporary for students 8-16 years old. I also self-choreographed three competition solos. Here, at Ohio University, I am a member of the dance team doing dances at football and basketball games.

Dance is one of the major things that defines my identity and it is an interest that had become so meaningful, that without it my application would be incomplete. This has been able to shape me throughout the years, from discipline and maturity all the way yo leadership and teamwork. I find dance as an art work, that it is easy to make mistakes and fall, you just have to learn from those mistakes and get up twice as strong as from where you started. Dance is to look above and beyond and just let everything fall into place without hesitation.

My whole life has been of dirty mirrors, old ballet shoes, and ripped tights. I was 5 years old and a beginner at a dance academy. I didn’t quite know what dance was when I got in, I thought it was just a place to spend time in and just enjoy the music they played. Over the years I learned that dance is way more than just a hobby or a place to go when you are bored. It is art, you are the one making art. Your feelings are the story to your dance, and your moves are the music. People will see your pain or happiness through these ways. Dance is not just a hobby, it’s an art, it’s something that you don’t actually have to throw music at when the steps and feelings you add are the music to your dance.

Dance is an escape from reality. For instance, if I just had one of those frustrating days, and nothing went my way, just showing up to dance helps me to forget about

At the age of four my mother enrolled me in my first dance class. I dread going for many years; however, whenever I complained, she would say “you will thank me later” and mercilessly dragged me off to class. Fortunately, at about nine years old, my mother’s prophecy came to pass when suddenly I fell in love with what would become a passion. Dance began invoking feelings of strength, comfort and empowerment. Imagine, feeling the smooth and polish surface of a studio floor as it supports the movement necessary to strengthen and form a graceful tempo. Somehow, like a

As a child, academics always came easily to me. While it was wonderful to be able to excel while putting in very little effort, I wasn’t so blessed when it came to physical challenges. My attempts at playing soccer, riding a bicycle, and playing an instrument all resulted in countless amounts of frustration as I didn’t immediately succeed. Nevertheless, I always had my eye on one particular goal: becoming a dancer. I always envied the grace and fluidity in which dancers moved while I was a short, heavy, and clumsy child.

Playing the violin is one of my best talents. First, I had to practice a numerous amount of minutes to make it to where I am. Second, it’s a great way to meet new people. Lastly, I couldn’t have done it without my Mom. Playing the violin is one of my skills, I worked hard, became more social, and got supported by my Mom.

There is no better feeling than making another person happy through my own hard work and dedication, and I have experienced that euphoric feeling as a result of my volunteer work throughout my high school career. Having participated and been a leader in many service projects and activities, I have been constantly inspired to continue my dedication to helping others. I want to make a difference in people’s lives and, in turn, be inspired by the happiness and optimism of the individuals I will encounter.

At an early age, my parents enrolled me in dance and piano lessons. They wanted me to be a “child prodigy” that had numerous talents. Since, both my parents were foreigners, they never had the opportunity to do activities such as this. Therefore, it was important to them that I did the things that never got to do. I never liked the idea but, as my father always told me “No knowledge is wasted”. So, I just went along with it. As I grew, I dropped piano lessons but stuck with dance. However, I had bigger passions than dance, and that was science.

Another exciting event that ends up being part of dance. Although dancing on my own is fun but sharing my skills with judges and others is what gives me that rush. They help me turn into a ball of energy that I would never have when I am at home or school. Being on stage, watched by your parent or dance instructor. Having them cheer you on for every step, turn, leap, or trick you make.

My artistic involvement started when I was 2 years old in the sport of gymnastics. Once I was in middle school, I decided to transition into the dance aspect of the arts. Trying out for my middle school dance team was the best decision I've ever made, it has opened many doors for me and I am forever grateful for that. From dance, I have learned how to express what I'm feeling through movement, which is the greatest feeling. I am disciplined, hard working, and a one of a kind leader all because of dance.

A series of set of movements to music, either alone or with a partner. That is the definition of dancing. Dancing is a way to express one's feeling and to get active.

I attended DancePlus show On Friday December 2, 2011 at 7:30pm at night. It was performed in the Victoria K. Mastrobounno Theater in New Brunswick, New Jersey. There were four different parts that I saw that day. All of the dances were very interesting and very different from each other. All of the dances had its own unique key factor that separated it from each other. I enjoyed the entire show very well. Out of all the dances I had strong reaction to “Lapa’s Lament”. I believe this specific dance stood out to me compared to the other dances from the show. This show had many different factors that stood out from other shows in the entire performance.