Dance has always been a part of my life. I have dreamed about dancing all my life; it has been my inspiration since I was in diapers, but I never took it seriously because I thought maybe I wasn’t good enough or capable of such an amazing passion.
This semester, Sarah Hart brought a group of girls, and whoever else wanted to join, together to go to African Dance Class on Tuesdays. It was a great inspiration watching the other women in the class dance with such an amazing passion. It brought so much joy to my heart to know that I could be a part of African Dance. Every week I became so impatient for Tuesday to come, so that I could feel the rhythm of the drums in my body. It was my stress reliever; when no one else is there for me, dance is there for me.
When I heard that we got funding to go to Burlington, Vermont for the Jeh Kulu Dance and Drumming festival, I was so excited and emotional because I have never been anywhere, since being at Paul Smith’s. Having no car to travel can be very difficult, and being on campus every weekend, while you see everyone go home, or to Canada, or to other colleges – and you’re just there wishing that you could be a part of that.
However, Burlington was a success! I have never felt more alive in my entire life. The drummers were amazing, it was nothing like the regular African Dance every Tuesday – it was even better! There were more than 10 drummers so they were extremely loud and full of energy and power. I got a lot of compliments from the other dancers and the teacher. My rhythm is quite unique. I am full of energy and life! This trip taught me to be myself, to always cherish my ambition for something, to follow my dreams!
I want to be surgeon, but dance will always be my passion. It’s a wonderful thing to know that I could be a great surgeon and a great dancer. I have decided to stay at Paul Smith’s and graduate with my associate’s degree in biology and business. I am without doubt grateful for African Dance, and I hope that I continue to live my dreams!
