FINAL REFLECTION

 

 

 1

 

A great tool for my self-expression

 

Andrew Wurtz 

 

 

There were many takeaways, key lessons, and things I have learned from this class all semester. For one, I learned the importance of stretching and the benefits it has on your muscles, internal organs, and even mood. I remember you discussing how it's good to move the body in ways it usually doesn't move to release tension or ease certain body pressures. I have actually found myself routinely stretching on my own on the weekends now, something I rarely ever did in the past. A big personal takeaway I had is that it is always good to try new things and expose myself to different avenues and ways to exercise/move the body. I have been into physical fitness through working out and lifting weights since high school, but taking this class exposed me to dancing, a new way to better my body and improve my balance, posture, movement, and form technique. I also learned that the stretching and dancing we did in class has lots of mental benefits in addition to the numerous physical benefits. There were many days I would come into class during a stressful school day feeling sad, frustrated, and anxious. Whenever this would happen, I noticed that once I stopped thinking about everything going on in my life and focused on creating a dance routine or simply moving to the music during our warm ups, it would instantly make me feel better and allow me to finish the rest of my day with a lot more mental peace. Dancing is also a great tool for my self-expression and portraying my mood or the way I feel inside my body. While I might not have been the best at doing this in class, I have noticed now that sometimes at home I will put on a song I like that relates to how I am feeling and dance around to help express or "get out" how I feel, whether it's happiness, sadness, anger, or stress. I also took away the importance of connection and socialization in a class setting like this. Lots of the time I will instinctively want to be more independent or isolate myself throughout the school day. However, interacting with my duet partner, ensemble members, or other classmates during most classes made the course much more enjoyable. We didn't even have to be talking about or working on something related to dance, but the conversation, regardless of the topic, always made my day better and allowed me to be more present in the class. I'm glad we had the opportunity to not only dance by ourselves, but also with other people and experience that whole connection aspect.

I loved learning in the way this class was structured and the environment we created as a group. For one, I liked the way class time was allocated. I thought spending the first 20 minutes or so stretching and warming up our bodies was very beneficial to get my muscles loose, get my blood flowing, and clear my mind, allowing me to focus on class. I then liked how we would spend time applying what the day's lesson was by creating an 8-movement phrase that related to the class content. When I had all of these 8-move phrases recorded by the end of the semester, it made it much easier for me to develop and memorize a full solo, duet, and ensemble dance routine. I also felt like the learning style was more "self-paced" and encouraged self-discovery and for me to find my own interests in dance instead of most classes where you have to memorize lecture material and always be preparing for exams, projects, etc. For me, this reduced a lot of the stress associated with the class, which actually made me want to learn and apply myself more than I otherwise would. The environment we created as a group was also something I enjoyed. I liked how the non-lecture style of our class allowed us to participate more and make more meaningful connections with my classmates. I became friends with lots of new people in the class, which is not typical for most of my other classes, most of whom were people/students I would have never had the opportunity to meet and talk to if it weren't for taking this class. I also felt completely comfortable participating in class. I felt like we established a very safe and comfortable environment which only got better as the semester went on and everybody got to know each other better. Everybody seemed respectful and welcoming towards me, which took away my fear of sounding or looking silly since I was so new to dance. I rarely felt awkward and I never felt afraid to speak up in class or dance in front of everybody else, which honestly surprised me given my normal levels of anxiety.

I am graduating this semester with a degree in finance, meaning my life is about to transition from being a college student to an office worker. As a college student, I was constantly walking around everywhere, working out everyday, taking courses that involved movement, and generally being a very active individual. My future day-to-day life will most likely consist of some sort of finance-related office job for 40+ hours a week. This means I won't be moving and staying active to the extent I have been over the last four years. I might be stuck sitting down and working indoors for a majority of the day with no real need to move and be active. I want to take the lessons I learned in this class about how important stretching, dancing, and general movement is for my body/health to encourage myself to find ways to stay active and keep my body flexible, even if it's not going to be as easy for me to do so. I can do this by prioritizing time outside of work and being in the office to go to the gym to do weight training, dancing, yoga, or simply stretching. I can also take steps while at work to stay active such as using a standing desk or taking walks on my lunch break. While I did find a genuine appreciation and liking for dance in this class, I think the lessons you taught me about the importance of mobility, flexibility, and general movement will be the things I remember most and make sure I continue to practice while in my professional field and throughout my life. But who knows, I think l am going to also take another dance class this summer at my gym back home! I also want to apply the lesson I learned in this class about the importance of socialization and connection in my field of study. Instead of isolating myself while on the job and in the office, I want to take action and step outside of my comfort zone to get to know new coworkers and individuals and create a positive, social environement to the fullest extent possible. 

 2

 

 We connected on a human level

 

Tennaly LeClaire

I had many takeaways from this class. First and foremost, I learned that dance is meant to be shared by anyone, not just those who are talented at doing it. I have never been coordinated enough to perform a dance on stage in any setting prior to this class, but I had so much fun and learned a lot regardless. I experienced many positive mental health benefits from participating in movement activities in class and connecting with the group. I also learned more about how important stretching and movement are for longevity and quality of life.

This class felt like a very unique experience compared with others. I felt like there was more intimacy within the group than in a typical classroom, as if we connected on a human level rather than just academically. At first, the rituals felt strange to me, but as I got used to everything, I really understood the purpose behind the connection. For instance, holding hands and making eye contact at the end of every meeting. As someone who struggles to find comfort in eye contact, I felt challenged to grow in this way while simultaneously bonding with my classmates.

I am going to apply what I have learned in so many ways. First, I am going to ensure that movement never stops being a part of my daily routine. It doesn't need to be pretty or perfect; it just needs to serve as a form of expression. I also leave feeling more confident in myself and my abilities. Truthfully, I felt sick knowing I had to choreograph my own dance and perform it as a solo, given I tend to have "two left feet." However, when I completed the performance and had fun doing it, I proved to myself that I can do things even when I think they are hard.

 

3

 Dancing is more than just a presentation

Angela Bui

My greatest learning from this modern dance lesson was realizing that dancing is about expression and meaning rather than just technique and beauty. I discovered that dance may convey profound emotional and psychological experiences without depending on conventional structure or beauty after learning about expressionism, particularly via individuals like Mary Wigman. Additionally, I developed a fresh understanding of the connections between dance and other artistic mediums, such as music and visual art, especially in the ways that artists defy conventions in order to convey inner truth. In general, I discovered that dancing is more than just a presentation; it's a potent means of communication.

Learning in this class initially seemed strange since it went against my preconceived notions about what dancing should be like. Exploring more abstract and emotive forms forced me to step outside of my comfort zone because I was accustomed to thinking of dance as something polished and structured. But as time went on, I began to appreciate that freedom and found it fascinating to examine movement more closely. I became more interested in watching performances and talking about their significance, and I started to feel more comfortable interpreting dance beyond what I could see.

I'll put what I've learned to use in the future by approaching art and even other aspects of life with a more critical and open-minded perspective. I learned in this session to go past outward appearances and take into account the motivations, feelings, and background of things. I can use these abilities to better comprehend people and convey ideas whether I'm working in a professional environment, witnessing a performance, or even making something of my own. The emphasis on individuality and expression will stick with me because it serves as a reminder that authenticity, not perfection, is frequently the source of significance.

 

4

Uniquely collaborative and free

 

Celeste Lucia Anderson

This course was consistently delightful and a vital reminder to me to prioritize play and freedom within my movement practice. One of my greatest joys was watching my classmates dance, choreograph, and grow because I feel I have so much to learn from all of them. Our interactions feel so collaborative, inspiring, and thought-provoking. I also feel that the use of physical props like scarves for free-flow or rods to restrict us in bound flow was truly useful at embodying the feeling of those qualities. I now have this muscle memory which I can access to embody it later.

I will also take away a lot from our studies in the composition of dances, such as ABA versus rondo forms, which I find to be incredibly grounding and cool!! Furthermore, integrating Laban’s kinesphere has been such a revelation while moving because it encourages me to take bolder physical risks, expand my reach, and elongate my lines.

The atmosphere in this class was so uniquely collaborative and free, which made it so much easier and effortless to learn within. This course is always a highlight of my day, and I love how expressive we all are, not just allowed, but encouraged to be during class. This is one of the most supportive dance environments I have been a part of, and it always encourages new ways of thinking or approaching movement, which I love. Not only that, but there are so many opportunities for self-exploration and dismantling previous experiences to create fresh and new understandings to dance with and play with. 

During our showcase for each other at the end of the semester, there was such warmth and support amongst our group. Overall, within this class, the emphasis on growth and discovery over perfection felt very tangible.

The things I learned in this class encourage me to be a bolder and more curious dancer. I especially liked the video we watched in class about putting music to a visual and how extremely differently this causes that visual to be read. I feel so grateful for the breadth of knowledge and opportunities to learn that we made available on our discussion boards. The discussion board about breath was especially meaningful as a dancer because I have always been told to incorporate breath into dance, but often the “how” and “why” has been rushed over. I deeply deeply appreciate how much access and direction to dance history texts and sources we were supplied with as students.

As a dancer and a dance teacher, I am leaving with a significantly expanded “toolkit”. 

And as a human being, I think that our mind-body practices, including meditating and repeating affirmations, have been especially fruitful and calming for my nervous system. 

Thank you so much Jorge!!

 

 5

A kind of bond I haven't felt in other courses

 

Nacho Serra Sanchez

One thing this class really taught me is that moving your body isn't about being skilled or looking good doing it. I came in thinking I had no rhythm or coordination, but I ended up enjoying every session. I noticed that on days we had class, I felt lighter and less anxious afterward. It made me realize that physical activity isn't just for athletes or dancers it's for anyone who wants to feel better mentally and physically. I also picked up a new appreciation for how simple stretches and regular movement can help keep you feeling young and energized as you get older.

This wasn't your typical college class. There was something about the atmosphere that felt more open and real. We weren't just sitting at desks taking notes  we were actually doing things together, which created a kind of bond I haven't felt in other courses. Some of the traditions we did as a group felt odd to me at first, like the way we ended each session. But after a while, I started looking forward to them. They pushed me out of my comfort zone, especially when it came to things like holding eye contact with people, which I normally avoid. That discomfort ended up helping me grow. 

I'm walking away from this class with a few commitments to myself. For one, I never want to stop moving. Whether it's stretching in the morning, dancing while I cook, or just going for a walk, I want to keep my body active in a way that feels good, not forced. I'm also leaving with a lot more confidence than I came in with. When I found out I had to make up my own short routine and perform it alone, I panicked. I truly didn't think I could pull it off. But once I did it  and honestly had fun doing it I proved to myself that I can handle things that scare me.

 

6

   Meaningful beyond just learning choreography.

 

Collin Geraghty

One of my biggest takeaways from this class is that dance is not about technical perfection, but about expression, awareness, and presence. I came into the course with little dance experience, but I learned how movement can communicate emotion and tell stories. I especially appreciated learning how rhythm, improvisation, and structure all play a role in dance, and how many of these ideas connected to what we explored throughout the semester.

This class felt very different from a traditional academic course, and that was something I really valued. The environment was collaborative, creative, and welcoming, which made it easier to step outside my comfort zone. Over the semester, I became more confident participating, performing, and thinking about movement in new ways. I also enjoyed how the class balanced physical practice with discussion and reflection, which made the experience feel meaningful beyond just learning choreography.

One of the biggest things I’ll take from this class is the value of putting yourself in uncomfortable positions and growing from it. A lot of the exercises and performances pushed me outside my comfort zone, especially having to create and perform movement in front of others, but that discomfort ended up building confidence. It reminded me that growth often comes from doing things that initially feel unfamiliar or intimidating. I think that mindset applies far beyond dance, and it’s something I’ll carry with me moving forward both personally and professionally.

Thank you so much, Jorge, for creating such a supportive and positive environment this semester. I’m really grateful for everything I learned through it, and it was a pleasure being part of the class.

 

7

 Open and not judgmental

 

Letsile Mogwe

One of my biggest takeaways from this class was understanding that movement is not just about doing steps, but about intention, breath, and connection. At the beginning, I was more focused on just getting through the movements, but over time I learned how important breath is in making movement feel natural and controlled. I also learned how movement starts from within the body, especially from the torso, rather than just the limbs. Concepts like choreutics and using the Parthenon Marbles as inspiration helped me think more about shapes, space, and how movement can have meaning. Overall, I gained a better understanding of how dance works as both a physical and expressive art form.

Growing up, I didn’t really gravitate toward dance, and I also wasn’t very involved in sports, so coming into this class pushed me way outside my comfort zone. At first, I felt uncomfortable and not very confident, especially when it came to performing in front of others. But over time, I started to feel more comfortable and open to trying new things. I also learned to appreciate the art of dance more. Even though I was nervous, it was a really fulfilling experience to get up in front of the class and perform my solo, duet, and ensemble. The environment of the class also made a big difference—it felt very open and not judgmental, which made it easier to participate and grow.

As a Finance and Accounting major, I can apply what I learned in this class in ways I didn’t expect. This class taught me the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone, which is something I can carry into my professional life, whether it’s presenting, networking, or taking on new challenges. It also showed me the importance of being present and intentional, which can help in decision-making and working with others. Additionally, the discipline and time management required to develop my solo and work in a group are skills that directly translate to my field. Overall, this class helped me build confidence and adaptability, which are valuable in any career.

 

8

  Trusting myself

 

Hallie Singer

Coming into this class, I had no real dance experience, so one of my biggest takeaways is how much growth is possible when you’re willing to try. I learned that dance isn’t about getting every movement “right,” but about being present, expressive, and intentional. Over time, I started to understand how movement can reflect emotion and tell a story, even without words. I also gained a better appreciation for things like timing, space, and awareness of my body.

At first, I was definitely out of my comfort zone, but that’s what made the experience so rewarding. The class environment was really supportive, which helped me feel more comfortable taking risks and putting myself out there. As the semester went on, I noticed myself becoming more confident; not just in dancing, but in trusting myself and being okay with not being perfect. It felt good to see my own progress after putting in consistent effort.

This class taught me the value of stepping into something unfamiliar and sticking with it. Even though I didn’t have a dance background, I worked hard to improve, and that mindset is something I’ll carry with me in other areas of my life. It reminded me that growth takes time and effort, and that being open to learning is more important than being naturally skilled. I’ll take that confidence and willingness to challenge myself into both my academic and personal life.

Thank you so much, Jorge, for creating such a positive and encouraging environment this semester. I’m really grateful for the experience.

 

9

The stretch and mobility component

Fiona Power

A key takeaway from this class is that not everything has to be perfect. It was initially very difficult to create motions spontaneously. Normally, I wouldn’t consider myself to be the most instinctively creative person especially when it comes to choreography, but this class has pushed me to just move without thinking.  

This class was always very supportive which made it easier to adjust to the unique class structure. I really enjoyed how we kept the energy was light and fun while still covering important material. I also noticed that everyone had the opportunity to put their individual spin on the assignments which allowed people to learn from each other.

My favorite part of this class was the stretch and mobility component. Growing up in cheer-leading, I was used to stretching every single day. Now that I’m in college and no longer used to integrating it into my routine, I hadn’t realized how much it had affected my flexibility and posture. I started this class feeling very stiff in comparison to what I’m used to. Now that we are finished, I want to continue to make time for stretching in my adult life beyond college.

 

10

 Growth in dance is not always immediate

Madison Jursca

One of my biggest takeaways from this class is a deeper understanding of how movement connects to intention and emotion, not just technique. I learned how important body awareness is—being mindful of alignment, breath, and control completely changes the quality of movement. Across the semester, I also gained a stronger appreciation for musicality and timing, especially how subtle shifts can impact the overall performance. Another key takeaway was learning to trust the process; growth in dance is not always immediate, but consistency and openness to feedback make a noticeable difference over time.

At first, I felt a mix of excitement and hesitation, especially when learning or stepping outside my comfort zone. However, as the class progressed, I became more confident in my abilities and more willing to take risks. I appreciated the supportive environment, which made it easier to push myself without fear of judgment.  Overall, I felt proud of my progress and more connected to dance as both a physical and expressive outlet.

Moving forward, I plan to apply what I learned by continuing to focus on intention behind movement, not just memorizing. Whether I take future dance classes or incorporate movement into my daily routine, I will use the techniques we practiced—like control, awareness, and musicality—to improve my day. I also want to carry this mindset into other areas of my life, especially the idea of being patient with growth and embracing challenges. This class has helped me build not only my dance skills but also my confidence and discipline, which I know will benefit me beyond the studio.

 

11

  Progress doesn’t happen overnight

 

Joy D'Angelo

Before taking this class, I didn’t have any background in dance, so one of the biggest things I gained was realizing how much you can improve just by being open to trying. I learned that dance isn’t about being perfect or hitting every move exactly right, but more about expressing yourself and being in the moment. As the class went on, I started to see how movement can show emotion and tell a story without needing words. I also became more aware of things like rhythm, spacing, and how my body moves.

In the beginning, I felt pretty uncomfortable since it was something completely new to me, but that actually made it more meaningful. The environment was very encouraging, which made it easier to step outside my comfort zone. Over time, I became more confident, not just with dancing but with trusting myself. 

This class showed me the importance of trying new things, even when they feel unfamiliar or challenging. Even without experience, I was able to grow by staying consistent and putting in effort. That mindset is something I’ll carry into other parts of my life, especially in school. It reminded me that progress doesn’t happen overnight, and being willing to learn matters more than already being good at something. I’ll use that confidence to keep pushing myself in new situations.

Thank you Jorge for making this class so enjoyable, I loved it! 

12

 It applies to any field

 

Katherine Carman

One of my biggest takeaways from this class is that dance is a lot more than just learning choreography, it’s really about how you move and why. I started to understand how things like space, levels, direction, and energy all play a role in making movement look meaningful. Before, I didn’t really think about how much detail goes into something as simple as where your body is facing or how strong or soft a movement is. Learning about choreutics and energy especially made me more aware of how movement can actually communicate something, even without words. It also made me appreciate how much control and awareness dancers need, not just physically but mentally too.

I really liked the environment in this class because it felt supportive and not judgmental, which made it easier to participate. I didn’t feel like I had to be perfect, which helped me actually try and get better instead of overthinking everything. The class felt very positive and encouraging, and I think that made a big difference in how comfortable I was participating. Even on days where I didn’t feel my best, I still felt like I could show up and be involved without pressure. Overall, it felt like a space where everyone was just trying to improve, which made the experience a lot more enjoyable.

I think what I learned in this class actually connects a lot to what I want to do in broadcast journalism. Being on camera isn’t just about what you say, it’s also about how you present yourself, and this class made me more aware of that. Things like posture, movement, and energy all affect how you come across to an audience. I also learned how important it is to be intentional with your presence, which I can apply when I’m reporting or doing stand-ups. It made me realize that performance isn’t just for dancers, it’s something that applies to any field where you’re in front of people.

 

 

13

 Forever the creme de la creme

 

Isabella Cukrow

Coming into this class I had dance background from when I was a young girl, but a lot of that had been lost over the years from lack of practice. This class allowed me to re-explore that time in my life and truly connect with my body in ways I haven't in years. Not only that but this class allowed me to express myself freely while also learning new ways of moving and how to connect it to your personal everyday life. 

When learning in this class it felt open and fun, it allowed me to take a break from my hard classes and really just enjoy the few moments I had a day to move. This class allowed me to be free and collaborate with other students in a way that doesn't occur in most classrooms. I felt more connected to this class than any class I have taken so far because I was able to express myself and also see others expressing themselves. Overall, learning in this class was enjoyable and also very meaningful I will take what I learned about movement and use it in my everyday life.

This class allowed everyone to come out of their comfort zone and make connections with people that they may have never met if it weren't for the collaboration of this class. This is something that I can use in my everyday life when navigating uncomfortable situations I can use what I learned to help me interact with others and help them step out of their comfort zones as well. Another thing that I will be using for the rest of my life is the warm up, I noticed a huge change in how my body felt after doing warm ups and mentally I was happier after the warm up.

Thank you so much, Jorge, for opening your heart to us it truly was eye opening to see how you created a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to take this class and learn from you for two semesters, forever the creme de la creme!

14

  I can handle things that seem intimidating at first

 Maggie Campbell 

 

Takeaways from this class is that dance really is for everyone, not just people who are naturally good at it. I’ve never seen myself as coordinated, but I still had a lot of fun and learned a lot. It also helped my mental health, and I realized how important movement and stretching are for feeling good long-term.

This class felt really different from others. It was more personal, and I felt more connected to the people in it. At first, some of the rituals felt a little awkward, like holding hands and making eye contact, but over time I understood why we did them. Eye contact is something I usually struggle with, so it pushed me out of my comfort zone in a good way.

I’m definitely going to keep movement in my daily life, even if it’s not perfect. I also feel more confident in myself now. I was really nervous about creating and performing a solo dance, but actually doing it and enjoying it showed me that I can handle things that seem intimidating at first.

 

15

  How important structure and organization are

 

Francesca Kromkowski

In Modern Dance Level 2, my experience helped me understand dance in a much deeper and more personal way than I expected. At first, I focused mostly on trying to get the movements right, but over time I started to pay more attention to how the movement felt in my body. I learned that partnering is not just about steps, but about trust, timing, and really being aware of another person while moving together. Working with different styles like the waltz, polka, tango, and salsa helped me experience how each dance has its own energy, rhythm, and cultural meaning.

 I also noticed how expressionist dance pushed me to think less about perfection and more about emotion and storytelling through movement. Practicing developmental movement patterns challenged me because I had to coordinate my body in new ways that felt unfamiliar at first. Even though it was difficult, it helped me become more aware of how connected my body is when I move. I also experienced moments of nervousness before performing, which made me realize how important preparation and warm-ups really are.

 Over time, I learned to use breathing and mental focus to calm myself and feel more confident. This class also taught me how important structure and organization are, like keeping track of rehearsals and schedules so I feel more prepared. Overall, my experience in this class helped me grow not just as a dancer, but also in confidence, awareness, and understanding of movement as a form of expression.

 

16

 "Stretching as a reset"

 

Sydney Myers

This semester has been eye-opening, especially regarding how much movement impacts my overall well-being. One of the biggest shifts for me was realizing that stretching isn't just a physical must-do, it’s a mental reset. I’ve started to really value your advice on moving the body in unconventional ways to release deep-seated tension. It’s actually become something I’ve become mindful of in my everyday routine.

Coming from a background of ballet and traditional dance, I always viewed exercise through a very rigid lens. This class challenged that by introducing me to dance as a form of functional fitness that improved my posture and balance. Beyond the physical, the mental health aspect was a lifesaver. On days when my workload as a tech and marketing student felt overwhelming, coming to class and just focusing on a rhythm or a specific movement phrase acted as a brain break. It gave me a sense of peace that helped me tackle the rest of my day. I’ve even started using dance at home as a way to decompress, using music to physically de-stress.

Finally, I really valued the social aspect. I tend to be pretty independent and "head-down" when I’m working, but being pushed to collaborate with friends,  duet partners and small groups made the experience so much richer. Whether we were talking about the choreography or just life, those connections made me feel way more present and engaged than I would have been on my own.

I really appreciated the structure and the energy of this class. The way we spent the first twenty minutes warming up was essential, it allowed me to physically and mentally transition out of "student mode" and into a creative space. Having those 8-movement phrases recorded throughout the semester was also a brilliant way to build confidence; it took the intimidation out of creating larger routines because we already had a "library" of moves to pull from.

I loved that the class felt more like a journey of self-discovery than a typical lecture. In my other major-related courses, everything is about exams and rigid projects, so having a space that encouraged exploration without the constant pressure of a right or wrong answer actually made me want to work harder. The environment felt incredibly safe. 

As I prepare to graduate with my degree in Technology and Marketing and a minor in Music, my life is about to get very fast-paced. My goal is to work within the entertainment industry, which usually means a mix of long hours in an office or studio combined with a lot of travel and moving from one location to another.

In the tech and marketing world, it’s easy to get stuck behind a screen for 10 hours a day. However, this class taught me that mobility is a non-negotiable for high performance. Whether I’m working at a desk or traveling for a music project, I plan to integrate the "stretching as a reset" philosophy to keep my energy up. I’m already thinking about how to stay active on the go, whether that’s finding local dance studios while traveling or just making sure I’m not sitting static for too long during office days.

Moreover, the emphasis on connection in this class is something I’ll definitely take into my career. The entertainment business is built on relationships. Instead of staying in my own bubble, I want to use the social openness I practiced here to better collaborate with coworkers and creatives. This class proved that the best work happens when you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone and connect with the people around you.

Thank you for an incredible semester and for giving me a new "visual language" to use as I head into the industry!

 

 

 17

  Authentic and unapologetic

Sydney Weaver

 

 This semester in modern dance challenged me to think differently about both movement and myself. One of the biggest lessons I learned was how to be authentic and unapologetic in my expression. In the beginning, I was more aware of how I looked or what others might think, but over time, I realized that everyone is focused on themselves. That shift allowed me to let go of overthinking and be more present in my experience. Another major takeaway was stepping outside of my comfort zone, especially when working with people I didn’t know. Collaborating with new partners pushed me to be more open and adaptable. It reminded me that growth doesn’t happen when you stay in spaces that feel familiar or safe. I also learned that dance is not just about technique, but about expression. While I became more aware of my physical limitations, like flexibility, I also discovered new ways to communicate through movement. 

The environment in this class made a big difference in my experience. It felt like a space where I could grow without being judged, which made it easier to take risks. Over time, I became more comfortable participating and pushing myself, even when I felt unsure. I really appreciated feeling comfortable telling Jorge how I felt that day and maybe he would cater the stretch to that feeling. One of the most challenging moments for me was performing my solo. Even though I have danced before, including in church, I wouldn’t say dance has always been something I feel completely confident in. While it was uncomfortable, it was also one of the most rewarding parts of the class because it showed me that I’m capable of more than I initially believed. Overall, the class environment encouraged growth, creativity, and self-expression, which made me more willing to fully engage.

As someone interested in working in spaces that involve creativity, branding, and storytelling, I see a strong connection between what I learned in this class and my future career. Being authentic and unapologetic is just as important in professional spaces as it is in dance. Whether I’m working with athletes, artists, or brands, the ability to express ideas clearly and confidently will be essential. This class also reinforced the importance of stepping outside of my comfort zone. In my future career, I will constantly be working with new people and navigating unfamiliar situations. The experience of collaborating with classmates I didn’t know has prepared me to be more open and adaptable in those environments. Lastly, I will carry with me the idea that expression can take many forms. Dance reminded me that not everything has to be communicated verbally, and that creativity can be a powerful tool for connection. Whether through marketing, media, or storytelling, I want to continue finding ways to express ideas that feel real and impactful. 

18

Even outside of dance

 Aaliyah Davis

Throughout this modern dance class, I really came to understand that movement is so much more than just learning steps or getting the technique right. It became a way to express emotions and tell stories in a way that felt personal and freeing. One of the biggest takeaways for me was how important stretching truly is, not just before dancing but as a habit that supports my body long term. I started to notice how much better my body felt when I was consistent, from improved flexibility to better posture and overall ease in movement. It made me think about how the way I care for my body now will affect how it functions in the future.

The environment of this class made a huge difference in my experience. I felt supported and encouraged, even when I was unsure of myself at the beginning. Expressing myself through movement did not come naturally at first, but over time I felt more comfortable letting go and being present. I appreciated how the class allowed us to explore without fear of judgment while still pushing us to grow. My classmates also played a big role in creating that environment, because everyone was willing to try, be vulnerable, and support each other. It made it easier to take risks and not be afraid of making mistakes. I also really valued the way the instructor guided us, giving us both structure and freedom, which helped me build confidence in my abilities. By the end of the class, I felt a genuine sense of connection to the space and the people in it, which made the experience even more meaningful.

Looking ahead, I plan to carry these lessons with me in a very intentional way. I want to continue incorporating stretching into my daily routine, especially as someone who stays active, because I now understand how important it is for preventing injury and maintaining overall health. More importantly, as I work toward my goal of becoming a physician, this class reminded me how essential it is to truly understand and care for the body. It gave me a deeper appreciation for movement, recovery, and long term wellness, which I know will shape how I approach patient care in the future. I also want to hold onto the idea of self expression as a way to manage stress and stay grounded, even outside of dance.

 

 

19

  Just dance freely

 Jennifer Reilly

My biggest takeaway from this class was gaining confidence in my performance abilities. I am naturally a shy person, and when I first heard that we were going to have to perform solos in front of our peers, I was nervous. Despite growing up as a dancer and being comfortable performing on stage, I was still nervous. When I’m normally on stage, it’s with my team that I’m used to, and the lights prevent me from seeing the audience’s faces, so this performance was different. It was in front of people I wasn’t as familiar with, in a room where you could see everyone’s reactions. I was nervous about judgment and that I was going to mess up in front of everyone. However, as I was dancing, I learned that everyone was super supportive not judgemental. This gave me the courage to let go of my worry about being perfect and just dance freely.

When learning in the class, I felt very comfortable. I felt comfortable allowing my body to explore new movements and not just strict choreography. I enjoyed working with other people in the class, and I enjoyed working with the different props to learn how to visualize different movements. This class was different from other dance classes I’ve taken because it focused more on expression rather than technique. This was important to me because I needed to learn how to fall in love with dance again. Being a competitive dancer, sometimes I felt as though I’d get lost in trying to be perfect all the time, and the passion for dance would get lost. I liked how you would always tell us, “Don’t look at your moves in the mirror or you’ll judge them.” That stuck with me because it meant that you wanted us to get lost in how our bodies wanted to move instead of focusing on if it looked right.

As a mechanical engineering student, I value dance every day. I use dance and music as a way to help me let go of stress. After a long day of studying, I like to listen to music and stretch to decompress. In class, I learned about the importance of daily stretching and how beneficial it is for both your body and your mind. Almost every class, you would have us close our eyes to work on our balance and alignment. Every time I had a stressful day and my mind was preoccupied, I struggled with this exercise. I struggled to stay still because I felt like I needed to be working on the things that were stressing me out. This exercise taught me the importance of taking time for yourself and slowing down, and that is something I want to remember the next time I feel overwhelmed.

Thank you for a great semester!

 

20

  Expression, creativity, and balance

 

Shaili Desai 

 

 

 

 

This semester in this Modern Dance class, I took away a deeper appreciation for how movement can flow together in a purposeful manner. I especially loved starting each class with stretching. It helped me feel grounded, connected to my body, and ready to move. I even felt a difference in my stretching the first day of class compared to the last days of class. Throughout the course, I learned that sequencing doesn’t always have to be complex to be effective; sometimes the smallest movements create the most impact. The class also pushed me to think more intentionally about transitions, musicality, and how to make choreography feel cohesive rather than just a series of steps.

I genuinely enjoyed the experience of learning how to choreograph in this class. Working as a team to create choreography brought me back to my competitive dance days, which made the process both nostalgic and exciting. Collaborating with others on a team and building something together felt energizing, and I also loved the partner work because it required trust and connection. At the same time, performing my own solo gave me a different kind of confidence. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to express myself individually, which was both challenging and rewarding.

Moving forward, I plan to apply what I’ve learned in multiple areas of my life. Dancing and listening to music has become a way for me to calm my nerves and relieve stress, and I will continue using it as an outlet. I can also apply this mindset creatively in marketing by thinking outside the box and approaching ideas with more fluidity and originality. Additionally, the stretching and body awareness practices I developed will directly translate into when I teach yoga sculpt, helping me guide others more effectively. Overall, this class taught me not only about dance, but about expression, creativity, and balance.

Thank you for a great semester!