Bailamos, o pensamos?
I hope everyone has been having a smooth and marvelous start to this fall semester! I know I have! Also… I’m not sure why I’m making this post sound this exciting! My topic is not thaaat exciting, it can actually get a bit depressing, but I swear it’s interesting!
Maybe you all remember, or maybe not, but I’m a DANCE MAJOR! And I absolutely looove being a dance major at USC. You might think, but what do you do in college as a dance major? Well… lots of things (dancing) obviously, but I also get to learn the amazing history about my field, and meet soo so many important people in the dance world. I get to explore different dance styles like modern, contemporary, hip-hop, rubberband, gaga, and many more that help me become a hybrid dancer. Although, dance majors are pretty much busy all day we still have to take normal academic classes like this one, which surprisingly enough, I enjoy more sometimes.
Just a bit of background info about us, our schedule consists in a 9 AM ballet class followed by either a contemporary or hip-hop class, we might get a break after that if we don’t have to fit in another academic class. Then, we come back at 2 PM for a 4-hour repertory and performance class followed by extra night rehearsals if needed and other academics if we have time. So, we typically dance around 7 hours a day, sometimes less, sometimes more.

All being said, I want to take the time to explain a bit about where this blog post trend is going to go, or at least where I’m trying to take it… Yes, dance is super cool and fun, but it’s physically, mentally and emotionally draining! There are so many things about being a dancer that can affect our minds and pressure us into our daily lives. For instance, as dancers, we are expected to show up every single day pretty much with a smile on our faces and ready to move. Every day is different and of course, our moods change, things in our personal lives happen, our bodies get tired, they hurt, or simply we don’t feel like dancing. Therefore, having to show up to a morning class every day and having to do what is expected at all times gets pretty exhausting! Aaand on top of that, ballet class is supposed to be a healthy competitive environment where you cannot talk or laugh, but be positive and obedient. What the teacher says HAS to be done, respected and you pretty much don’t have a voice or opinion. At USC, the environment is waaay more chill than at ballet companies, or old school ballet conservatories, but we still get guest artists that come to teach us with that “old school” mindset of “you’re wrong, I’m right all the time.”
During this semester, I will be telling you guys some stories about what I or my friends have been through and things that I think about but don’t necessarily share with my dance peers. Mental health issues in dance are not always addressed so I want to start digging into it and see how I can make dance a healthier environment. I love dancing don’t get me wrong, but part of my decision to come to college was to get some fresh air and immerse myself in other classes and fields. After 20 years of just dancing, I think my mind needs a bit of a break, and I feel the need to surround myself with positivity. Dance can do the opposite sometimes, so I want to learn how to understand and hopefully improve my mindset and many others in this field.
Anyways, that was a lot of info… Thanks for reading if you actually got to this point! Thanks!!! You’re amazing :)
Love,
Mariana

