Helping to Realize a Dream

Students sometimes feel inadequate, like they should be doing something else or they could be doing something else. I will use my story for example. In High School I was always the girl who did everything. I was in the Band, Student Government Association, Key club, French club, National Honor Society, the club for students aspiring to be doctors, student body Vice-President, you name it I did it. I never thought, however, that I would be talented in anything other than great time management. Dance has always been an art form that I have always admired, I would watch T.V. shows like "So You Think You Can Dance," and imagine myself being able to do the things they did.

When I came to Florida A&M University I was peer pressured into auditioning for DIVAS Dance Team. I thought that it was a hopeless effort because all I was used to was band and whatever moves I picked up from partying with my friends. Because I was such a fan of dance I decided against my conscience and went anyway. It turned out that I was great at it, I was a hip hop dancer and I never knew it. After convincing myself to try-out, with the help of my friend, I have spent the past two years doing something I love. Ofcourse my talent was raw and undefined but DIVAS has molded me into what I would like to think is a good dancer. Since then I have gone on to take ballet classes and I am on my way to becoming like those performers I admire.

I believe Dance Fest can aid in helping another student realize the reality that I am living now. There are many different forms of dance that are celebrated on the campuses of FAMU and Florida State University and students deserve the option to explore them, and ultimately exploring a talent.

Students have come away from dance teams like Mahogany, Strikers and DIVAS Dance Team and pursued fufilling careers in dance. They have shared their talent with the world as apart of basketball dance teams, performers for various dance companies and even on national television shows like "America's Best Dance Crew." Imagine how colorful the world would be if everyone discovered their creative talent. All it takes is a simple introduction to something you've never thought of doing or never tried, and it can lead to a multitude of possibilities.

For me an introduction to PR lead to an amazing career change and an introduction to dance lead to what I hope to be a live long passion.