Performing arts, dance is my chosen field of study. sometimes, I feel that I didn't choose dance, dance chose me. Dance has been an extracurricular affair since I was 2.9. at a local dance studio. My parents always felt that every child has to have something to do, so that they can stay focus and not have idol time that could lead to trouble, especially living in areas with high poverty and statistical numbers of people not having the means of affording anything other than the necessities.
I'm from a two parent working class family and most times, there are no extras, however my parents always made away to enroll me. Dance has allowed me to gain access to a sense of well being. I feel confident, even while feeling unsure, if that makes sense.
Throughout the years of dancing, I've been fortunate to be amongst a diverse society of people. This means race, social economic statuses. I Have a good friend that I met in first grade, Anne Goldy. Ann is of Jewish descent, her parents were both lawyers. They were kind and always invited me or my parents over for social events.They asked my parents if they could take me to see the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center, the Mecca of performing arts in New York City. As I sat with the Goldys , I was One of the few people of color viewing this wonderful show. The ballerinas were perfectly prancing across the stage. Their costumes looked as if it was from a fairy tale. Also none of the performers were of my skin color. this was very confusing for me. After the golds dropped me off, Immediately told my mom how beautiful the show was and asked if we can go as a family. I also told my mom that I was one of the few black person in the audience and how none of the the dancers were of my identity. It was this moment, that I said I wanted to be dancer on stage perfectly prancing in a fairy like costume.
As I have been training for some years, It was this year that I Performed in a Nutcracker theme ballet with the school that I train with. As I leaped and pranced across the stage I felt like this was my calling that will allow me to be a performer that can assist in other children of my culture to also reach for the stars and give your passion to the audience as you perform. Dance is Accessible.