Modern Dance's Final Reflection

 

 1

  A Way to Escape my Everyday Life

Jenny Rivas

This class brought many takeaways, especially because we explored so many different types of movement within modern dance. My main takeaway from this class is that there is no correct way to move our bodies. This class taught me that no matter what type of movement you are doing, it is expressing something; whether it is as little as moving your wrist to as big as jumping into the air, our bodies will always express something and that is so special about modern dance. Modern dance shows us that all movement is any type of movement and that is clearly seen in the different styles of modern that we studied in this course.

This class was for sure experiential because as part of the course, we were required to explore these different types of movement and different styles of modern dance. The only time that I have taken a modern dance class was one time in high school and aside from that, I have never been exposed to modern dance in this way and I have absolutely loved it. I love how free you are able to be with your body and I also love learning about the different types of modern dance because it goes to show that dance as an art is so expansive and that is something that one can only learn through experiential learning. My learning experience in this class has been very pleasant, and I enjoy the times where we are allowed to be creative and move our bodies to explore. Compared to other dance classes I have taken; I will say this one has definitely required me to step out my comfort zone the most, by requiring things such as partner work, execution of cultural dance forms, and the exploration of various movements.

Being a psychology major, I can apply modern dance to the field of dance movement therapy. If one day I decide to pursue a career in dance movement therapy, I can apply the concepts that I used exploring modern dance to allow patients to explore different types of movements with their body. This could also allow younger patients to use the creative dance method to envision the different ways that their bodies can move. Aside from using modern dance with patients, I can use this as a form of therapy for myself. Being a therapist can be emotionally draining and it is important to keep in mind one’s own emotional health, so modern dance can be used as a way to escape my everyday life as a therapist and provide therapy not only to myself but also to my body. This class was very fun, and I hope to move my body like this in other classes!

 

2

 Challenges I will Face in the Future

Shayla Polo 

In this class I gained a lot of confidence in my movement. Over the semester I got much more comfortable dancing. I feel that this class refreshed me of many dance skills. I learned to dance a long time ago. Yet, I was able to build on the skills I already had. I also really enjoyed this class and every activity we did. 

Learning in class was very fun. I liked that we had our own freedom to take what we learned and turned it into our own solos. I also enjoyed working with my group to create a dance piece. We all contributed differently to the group.  I added different movements. I really enjoyed the engaging class activities. 

In this class, I learned about creativity. I learned about collaboration. I learned about confidence, which I can apply to my field of public relations and psychology. In my field of studies, these three things are key to success. I will take the things I learned and apply them to challenges I will face in the future.

 

3

The Fundamental Human Experience

Daniel Bron

 "As a technologist deeply immersed in the world of innovation and advanced systems, my key takeaway from Modern Dance 190 with Jorge has been a profound reconnection with the fundamental human experience. In our digital age, where I often find myself working with abstract concepts and virtual realities, this dance class served as a powerful reminder that at the core of every human revolution and innovation lies the raw, physical human spirit. Watching Jorge's mastery of movement and his ability to inspire at his age demonstrated a kind of authenticity and professionalism that transcends any technological achievement. The pure, earthy connection to movement and expression provided a grounding counter-balance to my technology-focused world.

The learning experience in this class, my second with Jorge, was transformative in unexpected ways. As someone with admittedly poor coordination who "cannot dance," I found myself experiencing a kind of liberation from self-consciousness that I never expected. Rather than feeling intimidated by my limitations, the supportive and nurturing environment Jorge created allowed me to feel reinvigorated, happy, and genuinely excited about learning something completely outside my comfort zone. The class became a space where my technical inadequacies didn't matter, and instead, I found myself embracing the joy of movement without self-judgment. This shift from self-consciousness to self-acceptance was perhaps the most surprising and valuable aspect of the course.

The applications of what I've learned extend far beyond the dance floor. In my field of technology and innovation, it's easy to get lost in the abstract and forget about the human element. This class has taught me that the most powerful innovations and leadership come from understanding and embracing human connection. Jorge's ability to create an environment of trust, growth, and collective joy is a master class in human interaction that I aspire to replicate in my own work. The confidence I've gained in approaching something I'm not naturally good at has strengthened my ability to take on challenges in all areas of life. Most importantly, this experience has reminded me that beneath all our technological advances and professional pursuits, we are fundamentally physical, emotional beings who need to stay connected to our raw, human essence. This understanding will undoubtedly influence how I approach both innovation and human interaction in my future endeavors."

 

4

Happy and Motivated 

 

Leean Suky

In this dance class, I learned a lot about how movement can express emotions and tell a story. I realized the importance of body awareness and how each step connects to the music. I also understood the value of timing and rhythm in dance which helped me stay in sync with the music. Working with others in group dances showed me how important teamwork is. Overall, I gained new skills that helped me improve as a dancer and as a person.

At first, I felt nervous and unsure of myself, but as the class went on, I started to feel more confident. The supportive environment made me feel comfortable to try new things. I enjoyed learning new steps and movements, and the challenges made me want to improve. It was fun to see how much progress I could make, and I felt proud when I learned new routines. Overall, I felt happy and motivated throughout the class.

The focus and discipline needed for dance can help me stay on track with my schoolwork. I also learned how to work well with others, which is important in group projects. The creativity I developed in dance can help me think outside the box in my studies. Overall, I can apply the skills from this class to be more focused, creative, and cooperative in my academic work.

 

5

Resilient and Strong 

 

Georgia Schwab

My biggest takeaway from this dance class was the importance of movement in our world, our bodies, and everyday life. Movement is something that is not thought about regularly, but when you do, you realize the infinite possibilities that come with it. Movement tells stories and allows a person to be able to express themselves without words. The art behind movement and dance in general can be interpreted, in so many different ways which explains its creative nature. Another takeaway from the class was learning that the increase of movement and stretching in our lives will result in a longer healthier life, which I really found to be important. 

I felt very comfortable in the class and felt very free in the space created. At first, I felt a bit shy or nervous or closed off to the idea of fully putting myself out there. Quickly, I learned that there are no limits to movement. I really enjoyed learning from the several significant dance figures. My favorite was when we would follow each other's movement across the floor. I felt this united us as a class and taught us to quickly adapt to movement and learn from each other. 

Modern dance can be applied to many areas of my life by letting you, myself, connect the mind and body. It encourages creativity and teaches you how to solve problems in new ways. Dancing with others builds teamwork and helps you learn how to work well with people. Practicing dance regularly also teaches discipline and helps you stay resilient and strong when things get tough. Plus, exploring different dance styles is a fun way to learn about and appreciate other cultures

 

6

  Something Greater than Ourselves

 

Ana Grados 

 

            I have many takeaways from our class this semester. At first, I was skeptical about stretching every class as we did. However, I then learned to enjoy it. Now, I honestly love how I feel after we stretch each class, and it taught me that if I stretch every day just a little, it pays off. I also learned about many famous dancers that I did not know before, such as Isadora Duncan and Mary Wigman. I also learned from my peers. Everyone in our class has very different dancing styles, which opened my vision of no perfect way to dance. 

I loved the overall learning experience in this class. As someone who has danced since high school, I’ve always cherished dancing. Dance has always been my escape and a source of comfort amidst daily stress. I particularly enjoyed exploring different styles each week, as it kept things fresh and exciting. Learning from my classmates about their favorite styles showed me the emotional connection they had with their chosen dances. I also appreciate the importance of stretching even more, as it not only improves flexibility but also boosts energy and focus throughout the day. This class also taught me not just about physical movement but also about the mental and emotional aspects of dance as a form of self-expression.

Although I am a marketing and finance major in the business school, I was surprised to find connections between dance and my field of study. Collaboration and networking are vital in business, and I realized that dance mirrors these principles. In dance, we work together, communicate, and support each other to create something greater than ourselves. Similarly, business thrives on teamwork, shared ideas, and creativity. This class reminded me of the importance of building relationships and embracing different perspectives, whether in dance or business. The skills I’ve developed in this course—like adaptability, self-discipline, and working harmoniously with others—are things I can carry with me beyond the studio and into my future career.

 

7

Vulnerability and Emotional Expression

Ciara Schulmann

Throughout my time in this dance class I realized the emotion and meaning behind movement. I had thought dance was just motions that fit the beats to a song. I never realized real life actions and feelings could be so thoroughly incorporated in dance. I also realized the significance behind famous dances that I otherwise would have never recognized. I enjoyed learning the history of dance, different cultural forms, and their specific representations in each culture. 

This class felt like a very safe space where I could escape the stressors of everyday life for an hour.  At first I felt very uncomfortable with the movements we were performing. I was being pushed so far outside my comfort zone. Soon into the class, I actually began to feel more comfortable with the uncomfort and began to enjoy the movements. The class allowed freedom to follow your emotions and taught me a different emotional outlet that I had not known existed prior to the class.  

        The most significant lesson I learned in this class was vulnerability. I was able to become comfortable with the uncomfortable and express my emotions through dance in front of my classmates. In my own field of study, this vulnerability and emotional expression will help me balance my life. I will take time to express my emotions outside of school, work, and stressors. This class taught vulnerability by promoting self-expression, which I will create an outlet for now that I know it’s importance. 

 

8

The Creative Mind

Becca Buwalda

This class brought me back to my roots. Being born and raised as a dancer, I have always found dance to be my creative outlet and form of expression. I want to dance to release how I feel when I have no words to describe my emotions. However, what made this class different for me is that there are more ways to explore the mind, body, and soul connection than I had once thought. Classically trained dancing does not give the same takeaways as this course; this course taught me that there is no movement too big or two small. Every move through your body can be seen as a source of thought, emotion, and fluidity of your body and mind.

This class was new for me, as I had never taken a modern dance class in my classical training growing up. Where technique is, modern dance cannot exist. Modern dance was thus an experience for me to learn how to let go of this training I was taught throughout my childhood, to let go, and to genuinely do what my body desired through space and time. I love the way it feels releasing to never limit your mind and body connection in any way, because anything goes in modern dance. Your body feels free expressing itself in the innate ways it wants to. On the contrary, it was a part of the learning process to put yourself in uncomfortable situations where you were asked to dance with a partner, create moves that you may think is unusual, etc. However, this class truly enhanced the creative mind, and I loved that it tapped into my creativity that has become lost due to the bustle of college life.

Being a double major in Marine Science and Geological Sciences, I cannot confidently say there is any way to incorporate dance directly into my career (unless I learned how to do underwater performances while SCUBA diving...). However, modern dance and freedom of movement has helped me embrace my creative side again, something that I had lost as a STEM major constantly dealing with numbers. That being said, my creativity I have captured in this class can be used to continue stimulating my brain in new and unique areas, pushing me to be a better scientist, problem solver, and overall person. This class has been an outlet of movement and mental rest because I find joy in dancing, and I hope to continue exploring dance styles while pursuing my PhD, as an outlet of creative expression and joy outside of the stresses of school.

 

 9

Anyone Can Dance

 

Allie Rodman

My main takeaway from this course is that dance, especially modern dance, is for everyone. In a society that emphasizes perfection, oftentimes, people who are not experts in a subject do not feel comfortable participating in that subject. This pertains to dance - Oftentimes, people who are not trained dancers do not feel comfortable dancing. This course taught me that although many people believe that dance's main purpose is to showcase skill and talent, actually, dance's main purposes are to bring people together and express emotions. Therefore, anyone can dance. At the beginning of this semester, I was scared to dance in front of other people because I was scared of being judged for my basic skills and techniques. However, Professor Morejon immediately made it known that this course, and modern dance, is universal and open to all, and I quickly felt comfortable. 

I felt accepted, comfortable, safe, and welcomed in this course. This is because Professor Morejon immediately established a sense of belonging and community. On the first day of class, Professor Morejon had everyone stand in a circle, hold hands, and make eye contact before raising our hands and inhaling and dropping our hands and exhaling. Although it was awkward and uncomfortable at first to be direct and intimate with a new group, this "ritual" allowed me to quickly trust my classmates and feel comfortable asking questions and performing in front of them. Professor Morejon had everyone perform this "ritual" each class, which further established a sense of belonging and community. This course requires openness and vulnerability, I am so grateful for Professor Morejon for ensuring everyone's success. 

Next year, I will be a medical school student. As I work toward my goal of becoming a compassionate, empathetic, and kind physician, I will find individualized and innovative ways of caring for my patients. For example, integrating dance (And the arts) into medicine. As a dance minor, I have learned that not only can dance be used as a form of expression, but it can be used as a form of rehabilitation and treatment. I have personally experienced how therapeutic dance can be, and I will promote its healing properties to patients and healthcare professionals. This course taught me that dance is for everyone, and I am confident that each patient, no matter their range of motion, can enjoy and participate in dance on their road to recovery.

 

10

Express Myself Through Dance 

 

Olivia Holtz

Throughout this semester, I have learned to be present and use dance to express myself, while still having fun. I was unsure what to expect for this course, however I can confidently say it exceeded my expectations. While at times I did not want to start the class with stretching, I did see a difference in my balance and flexibility. As I continued the stretches in class, I grew to enjoy it. The stretches as well as the constant change of dance styles helped me to be present the entire time. Overall the class was very enjoyable and a fun break from my busy schedule. 

I learned a lot more about dance and the history behind it than I expected. It was fascinating to see connections between the history of dance and current dancing trends. We got to explore all types of dance styles from different eras which made learning in the class engaging. Seeing everyone's solos and ensembles was fulfilling because you could see how many different styles and moves we learned all together. Overall I learned a lot in this class about dance and the history of it, as well as learning to express myself through dance. 

As a Political Science major, I am often forced to look at patterns and come up with reasons behind them when it comes to looking at politics. Therefore, dancing and coming up with movements required even more thinking and imagination. Collaborating with my group for the ensemble could also be applied to my field of study. It was very beneficial to practice group work, especially in such a creative outlet such as dance. I am also pre-law, and although it may not seem like it, lawyers have to be creative and think outside the box. Dance helped me do that while having a fun environment. 

 

11

Let Go of Emotions and Embrace Creativity

 

Madeline Kim

This class brought many valuable takeaways, particularly because it emphasized how movement in the body stems from emotion. I learned that every way we express ourselves through our bodies tells a story. This class taught me to view movement not just as a series of steps but as a deeper form of communication. Exploring the range of dynamics in movement, whether low, medium, high or even movements like vibrations, has truly shown me how dance connects to emotion and expression in ways I hadn’t considered before. It was eye-opening to dive into the history of modern dance and see how it differs from more mainstream styles like lyrical, jazz, and hip-hop, which often receive more attention.

As someone who was a competitive dancer years ago, I never imagined I would reignite the same excitement and passion for movement that I once felt. After so much time away from dance, I thought that chapter of my life was behind me. However, this class rekindled that spark and reminded me of the joy and fulfillment dance brings. The more I learned about different ways to move my body, the more confident and comfortable I became. This class allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and reconnect with dancing as a way to let go of emotions and embrace creativity. I especially appreciated the experiential nature of the course, which gave me a new perspective on dance as an evolving art form.

As a business marketing major, I see connections between what I’ve learned in this class and my field of study. Just as movement tells a story, marketing also tells stories to connect with audiences. Modern dance, with its emphasis on authentic expression and creativity, has taught me to think outside the box and look for unique ways to communicate ideas. Whether it’s through creating compelling campaigns or using movement in marketing initiatives like live performances or experiential advertising, I can draw from this class to craft messages that resonate emotionally with others. This experience has reminded me of the importance of passion and authenticity, which are qualities that are vital in both dance and marketing. I had a great time learning in this class and am interested in taking more dance classes here at the University of Miami. Thank you for a great semester! 

 

12

A Personal Outlet for Creativity and Stress Relief

 

Oriana Davila

My biggest takeaway from this dance class was recognizing the significance of movement in our lives, our bodies, and the world around us. Movement is something we often take for granted, but when you stop to reflect on it, you realize the endless possibilities it offers. Movement allows us to tell stories and express ourselves without the need for words. The artistry of movement and dance is incredibly versatile, open to countless interpretations, which highlights its inherently creative nature. Another valuable lesson I took from this class is how incorporating more movement and stretching into our daily routines can lead to a healthier and longer life—something I found truly impactful.

I felt very comfortable and free in the supportive environment this class created. Initially, I was a little hesitant, shy, and nervous about fully putting myself out there. However, I quickly realized that movement has no limits. I especially enjoyed learning from the influential dance figures we studied. My favorite part of the class was when we would follow each other’s movements across the floor. It felt like a unifying experience, helping us bond as a class and teaching us to adapt to one another’s movements and learn collaboratively.

As an architecture major, I found unexpected connections between modern dance and my field of study. Both involve creative expression, spatial awareness, and interpreting movement or structure in unique ways. If I were to incorporate concepts from modern dance into my architecture work, I could use the fluidity and creativity of dance to inspire designs that are dynamic and expressive. Modern dance also offers a personal outlet for creativity and stress relief, which is essential in a demanding field like architecture.

Having taken multiple classes with this professor, I’ve truly come to enjoy his teaching style and the engaging ways he encourage exploration and creativity. This class has been a rewarding experience, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow in future courses under his guidance!

 

 13

 A safe space to move and create

Sierra Simecek

My biggest takeaway from this class was learning a new form of movement. Growing up as a competitive dancer, the focus was always on the audience and judges interpretations, overall technique, and how we scored. It was extremely refreshing to move in a way that was drawn from an internal source. I learned to listen to how I wanted to move instead of how others wanted me to move. Honestly, it was the first time, in a long time, that I felt connected to modern movement. 

This class felt freeing. Everyone in the space was there for the same reason, to explore movement. The environment that Dr. Morejon provided was unlike one I have had in a dance atmosphere. It felt accepting, liberating, and overall a safe space to move and create. I wasn't sure what to expect when joining this class, but it exceeded all of my expectations.

Personally, I am in a very high stress major choice and career path. Being a neuroscience major and on the pre-med track, I am constantly stressed out. I am hoping to incorporate more forgiving movement into my daily life. Whether it is doing our stretch routine or just some sort of flow, I want to incorporate some of these techniques into my daily routine. Especially, our laying down flows at the end of the night to help me relax and sleep more easily.

On a separate note, I want to thank you Dr. Morejon. I really have struggled within my dance path and honestly gave up on movement outside hip hop with all of the negative experiences I have endured up till now. This is really the first time in years that I have wanted to get back into it. Which, I honestly never thought would be possible. For that, I am really grateful to have taken your class. Thank you for everything throughout this semester. 

14

There is not One Right Way to Dance 

 

Lara Felsmann

Throughout the semester, I learned much from the dance class because of the various movements we were taught about. Two movements that stuck out to me were those of Laban and Mary Wigman. I learned that Laban's movement ideas are all about moving harmoniously in one's kinesphere. Moreover, from Mary Wigman's movement style, I realized there are no constraints for moving across the dance floor to express emotions. Her ideas taught me there is no right way to dance across space or within your kinesphere.

Furthermore, I loved learning how the different types of movements contributed to the dance world, like Wigman, who opened doors for non-dancers like me. I also enjoyed trying out the different dance styles by adding my twist to them. Adding one's style is essential because it's all about experimenting with the various movements one learns and making them your own. This is particularly important because coming up with my dance at the end of the semester using the techniques, I learned gave me so much pride. Especially knowing that I can take what I learned in the class and make a whole dance out of it.

My degree is in International Studies, which is all about understanding the impact of politics, the economy, society, and historical events on the world. Learning in dance that there is not one right way to dance will be helpful for my degree because, in International Studies, I will have to remember that there are many ways to solve present political, economic, or societal issues. In our dance groups, everyone had different opinions and techniques, and when coming together as a group, one must find a way to incorporate these different types of methods and make it work. This is like International Studies, where everyone has different ideas and opinions, so one must work together coherently to come up with a solution.

 

15

A Diverse Range of Dancing Styles

 Caro Mojena

This semester, I learned a lot from our class.  But then I discovered how to like it. I genuinely enjoy how I feel now when we stretch every session, and it showed me that even a small amount of stretching each day makes a big difference. Additionally, I became aware of a number of well-known dancers that I was previously unaware of, like Mary Wigman and Isadora Ducan. I gained knowledge from my classmates as well. Our class's diverse range of dancing styles helped me realize that there is no one right way to dance.

Overall, I had a great time learning in this class. I have always loved dancing, having done it since high school. I've always found solace and escape in dance when I'm feeling stressed out. Every week, I especially loved trying out new styles because it kept things interesting and novel. I was able to understand the emotional attachment my classmates had to their selected dances by hearing about their preferred genres. I also see the value of stretching even more because it increases energy and attention throughout the day in addition to improving flexibility. I also learned about the mental and emotional components of dance as a means of self-expression in this class, in addition to the physical movement.

I was shocked to discover links between dancing and my field of study, even though studying sports medicine I came to see that dancing reflects the importance of networking and teamwork in the  world. In dance, we collaborate, talk, and help one another to make something bigger than ourselves. In a same vein, collaboration, innovation, and shared ideas are essential to corporate success. In both dancing and business, this workshop served as a reminder of the value of forming connections and accepting diverse viewpoints. I can apply the abilities I've gained in this course, such as flexibility, self-control, and teamwork, outside of the studio and in my future profession.

I dance 20-30 hours a week so this class was refreshing to take because it left me dance and move freely without any judgement or needing to be perceived a specific way. This class made me feel free and reminded me why I love to dance and the beauty it holds. I am grateful to all the amazing dance founders like Duncan who made dance what it is today.

 

 

16

 A Full Dedication to a Performance

Nabilah Sherman

This class was everything I wanted and expected from a modern dance class-- it was fun, awkward, informative, and completely eye-opening. We were constantly challenged to escape the tense and overly policed movements that most of our bodies were used to doing in dance. This class allowed us to fully embrace all the weird, unfamiliar, and creative ways our bodies could utilize dance. I particularly enjoyed it when we were given verbs and were requested to make conceptual movements to represent them as I used the base of what I created in some movements for my solo. Thanks to many other exercises like these, leaving this class, I see modern dance as a much more freeing and expressive genre than what I previously perceived it to be. 

This new perspective on dance was greatly aided by Professor Morejon, who made the class immensely inviting and comfortable for us to explore these sometimes uncomfortable styles of dance and fostered an environment in which we all felt open to learning. I felt no fear attacking these new and foreign concepts and adding them to my dance vocabulary. I genuinely feel like taking this class helped me grow as a well-rounded dancer. The very open and activity-based learning environment allowed me to enjoy the new information I was consuming and absorb it in a way in which I’d be able to use it again in my future. I increased in flexibility, dance literacy and style diversity, and in the coming years as I continue to develop as a dancer, I will be grateful for this class and my ability to learn in it.  

As someone who wishes to pursue dance in a professional field, this class has been very useful to me. Not only has it exposed me to previously unknown concepts and people such as the kinesphere and Isadora Duncan, but it has also overall allowed me to become more connected to my body. Modern dance requires a strong awareness of one’s body and the movements they are making and a full commitment to the dance. This sense of commitment is something that travels into all my styles of dance and other art forms as a full dedication to a performance makes for a significantly more enjoyable experience for the performer and the viewer. The very concept of commitment also reminds me to fully dedicate myself to everything I do so it can be genuine, fulfilling, and well-developed. This class has thankfully reignited my motivation to do exceedingly well in everything I put my mind to. 

 

17

A way to express emotions that words cannot

Ella Leggat

This course provided me with numerous valuable insights, particularly because it bridged the gap between creative expression and academic exploration. It emphasized that movement in the body is not just a physical act but a reflection of deeper emotions and experiences. Every way we move tells a story, and I learned to view movement as a form of communication, much like the way criminology analyzes behaviors to uncover motivations and societal influences. Understanding the dynamics of movement—whether through levels of intensity, flow, or rhythm—felt like uncovering layers of meaning, much like analyzing a case or applying theory to behavior.

As someone who danced competitively in the past, I never imagined how much this class would reignite my passion for movement. It reminded me that dance is not just a performance but a release, a way to express emotions that words cannot always capture. After stepping away from dance for years, I thought that chapter of my life was over. However, this course encouraged me to reconnect with my creativity and explore how movement could inform my perspective, even in my criminology studies. It was a refreshing reminder of how personal growth can come from revisiting passions.

As a criminology major, I also found unexpected connections between this course and my field of study. Just as dance uses movement to tell a story, criminology seeks to understand the stories behind human behavior. Analyzing dynamics and expressions in dance gave me a new perspective on observing body language, emotional cues, and non-verbal communication, which are often critical in understanding social interactions and criminal behavior. Dance, in its raw and authentic form, mirrors the complexity of human emotions and actions, offering a unique lens for interpretation.

This course also allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and explore vulnerability, both in movement and in understanding its deeper significance. It taught me that just as criminology requires empathy and openness to new perspectives, so does dance. I am grateful for this experience and the ways it has encouraged me to think creatively and holistically, not just about movement but about the human experience as a whole.

Thank you for an inspiring semester!

 

18

Happy

Camila Horta

            Throughout this course of Modern dance, I have learned many things. It has taught me the value of self-expression and communicating emotions through movement. It allowed me to be creative working collaboratively in a group and individually as well. Creating our solos and ensembles and learning the different movement phrases in class allowed me to channel my energy and feelings through movement. This class for me was a safe space where I felt free, authentic and most importantly, happy.

            Learning in this class was very fun and I always looked forward to the boost of energy and creativity it brought to my day. Each class allowed me to detach my stress and worries from my other classes and exams and just relax. My favorite part of this class was being able to work on our solos, ensembles and engage with other classmates. The atmosphere of the class made me feel comfortable learning and encouraged me to explore new movements. I felt proud of my progress by the end, and learning in this class sparked my old dancing days reminding me of the fun and joy I had when I started dancing.

            The skills I gained in Modern dance align with my studies in psychology. It highlights the importance of the connection between the body and mind, demonstrating how movement can reflect emotional states. This reveals the way feelings are hard to express verbally. In psychology, understanding these nonverbal cues can help me understand many things. By understanding the mental state an individual is in, it will help me to provide the appropriate support they need. 

             

 19

Even Small Improvement Takes a Lot 

Muthawi Abdulrahman

 

Taking this dance class has taught me many valuable lessons. I learned how movement can express emotions and tell stories. I also realized how important practice and teamwork are in creating a dance. The class showed me that even small improvement takes a lot of effort and patience. Most of all, it helped me to understand the art of dance in a new way.

At first, I was nervous to practice in front of others. I only used to take private lessons. However, the teacher and my classmates were very supportive.  This made me feel more confident. It was a great experience shared with great people.

 

This class's lessons are gonna follow me through out the rest of my studying field. It taught me to stay consistent and participate in team work. Overall, this class thought me that learning can be fun and it was everything I was looking for.

Thank you Professor Jorge