On 12/9, I walked into the CGST 205 classroom with surprise because I was not aware that we were going to have a West-African dance session with Iddrisu Saaka. I had heard about him for a long time through word of mouth but had never actually met him in person before.
Initially, I was happy to do some movement with the bright West-African music. Then, doubt crept in. I felt so embarrassed to not know what the next step to do and not doing the exactly same thing as Iddrisu did. I felt out of place, inadequate, and utterly unprepared for the challenges that lay ahead. With each stumble and misstep, I questioned my decision to be here.
The quote that kept me moving is “Everyone is a dancer and there is no bad dance.” Despite the initial difficulties and self-doubt, I believed and persevered. For beneath the surface of my apprehension lay a glimmer of determination, a quiet resolve to push past my fears and embrace the unknown. And in doing so, I discovered that sometimes, the greatest growth comes from stepping outside of our comfort zones and confronting our deepest fears head-on.
Like the K-POP dances I am currently learning, West-African dance also incorporates body isolation. However, I am glad I had the opportunity to learn more about its distinct features today, such as its grounded movements. Many of the movements we practiced in class today involved bending the knees and staying close to the ground, symbolizing a connection to the earth and the community. I also appreciated that while there are structured sequences, West-African dance often includes moments for improvisation and “freestyle,” which encourages personal expression and creativity. Watching others’ unique improvisations and interpretations not only inspired me but also helped me become more open-minded and appreciative of diverse perspectives of dance.
Moreover, I really enjoyed the solo dance moments when everyone clapped and cheered for whoever was in the center. It made people like me feel genuinely supported. The supportive atmosphere in the American classroom environment has played a significant role in my growth throughout this dance journey and in so many other areas of my life at Wesleyan. It has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, ask questions, explore new possibilities, and embrace challenges with confidence. This stands in stark contrast to China’s traditional educational settings, where teachers often punish students for not being perfect or for asking “stupid” questions.
From my first interaction with DANCE 111: Intro to Dance last semester to my participation in the Korean Dance Crew this semester, I have struggled daily with realizing that I am not as coordinated as others and that it takes me more time to learn even simple moves. But I have never quit because of the supportive environment created by both my instructor and peers at the Wesleyan community. They notice my discomfort, never make fun of me, and are always patient and willing to help, making me feel more comfortable with my body movements. This is something I will always be grateful for. My struggles with dance have taught me that with determination, an open heart, and a collaborative spirit, we can overcome our deepest fears and turn our dreams into reality.
