Dance Personal Statement

There is a cross-like indention near the bottom of my stomachs from where my tights came together and pressed against my skin. I hope it never goes away. For the past fifteen years of my life, I danced in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, and lyrical. This prospect challenged the norms of both the traditional Indian woman and the classic ballerina. Being Indian and dancing in classical ballet rather than in classical Indian dance is simply not done, for it insinuates disrespect for traditional values. As for the classical ballet aspect, the art has favored those who fit the ideal body- arched feet, hyper-extended legs, and, ultimately, fair skin. Of course, there are exceptions for the exceptional, but since I am no Misty Copeland, I take a back seat along with other dancers of color who do not possess divine talents.
Divinity aside, I committed to dance with one goal in mind- to prove that stepping out of traditional roles even on a small scale was worthwhile. For the next few years, I discovered new limits of mental and physical exhaustion with achingly slow results. However, as high school progressed, I began to notice that I was dancing in scattered principal roles and …show more content…
As I grow, I want to be able to give others the opportunity to feel this. Specifically, I hope to return to India, where both of my parents were born, and establish programs that provide for affordable education for youth in underdeveloped areas. With knowledge comes the power for an individual to make decisions for themselves that can best benefit themselves. This also aids in helping children growing up in struggling families escape the suffocating cycle of poverty. Allowing children with limited resources to pursue their passion and challenge how others define them allows them to reach their full potential and find meaning within