Kimball Rachel Marie Kimball Ed Austin Dance 261 December 9, 2013 It Moves Me DANCE IS A LANGUAGE I speak Hungarian.

It is a very difficult language. Learning the grammar concepts and memorizing vocabulary was a challenge. Yet despite how difficult it was and continues to be, I have noticed that it becomes easier with time. The rewarding feelings of accomplishment and fulfillment keep me going and push me to continue learning. So it is with me and dance. Dance is a language. It is a difficult and complex language. Like Hungarian, it is full of grammar which fluctuates depending on the style of dance, and it is made up of body vocabulary. However, the language of dance is unique in the way that it is universal. Everyone in the world can relate to dance in one way or another. So while Hungarian is unique to Hungarians and others that learn it, dance has no boundaries. History shows that it has touched the culture of every people and has been around since the beginning of time. The different genres of dance could be compared to different dialects found within the spoken language. In the United States alone we can find differences in the way that people speak in the east and in the westthe south and in the north. Yet it is still English everywhere you go. The same is prevalent in dance. There are many differences in the way that a breakdancer moves compared to a ballroom dancer. Yet it is still dance. The medium is constantthe body. The grammar is related in the use of phrasing and dynamics. The vocabulary may vary in drastic ways, but you still find many commonalities between genres.

Kimball 2 I speak through the language of dance. In improvisational classes, I find that my daily activities have an impact on the way I speak through my body. This could be problematic in settings where it is important to learn a specific dance and express it in an exact way. However, in an improvisation class this can be a catalyst for finding new movement while expressing the way I feel. No matter the setting, though, my dance expresses something. The Human body is miraculous. The organization of every system is perfect. I am amazed by the way the heart pumps blood through the body day after day. It fascinates me the way that bones articulate with one another, and the way that we digest food. The reproductive system itself is arranged in such a way that it is apparent that we are to help give the sacred gift of life to othersthe gift of having a body in which their spirit is housed. It is miraculous. Even those that suffer from disabilities can be blessed by the language of dance. Paralyzed individuals can watch a dance and feel the joy; they can even participate as other dancers assist them in movement. Those that are blind can feel it; they may not see it, but they can feel their own bodies move, and they can feel as they come in contact with other dancers. I believe that everyone has the right to dance. Everyone has the right to communicate with their bodies. I have had many conversations with people who claim that they dont know how to dance, and I am usually quick to convince them otherwise. If they have the use of at least one body part, they can dance. Even the pinkie finger can be the focus of movement as it can bend in different places, rotate in the joint, and be controlled by a tempo. Allow the arm to move the pinkie through the space. Add some spirit and expression. Youre dancing. It may be a simple start, but it is dance. Dancing can be selfish. I admit that I will often dance because of the way it makes me feel. Though, I find that it is more rewarding for me when I am able to share it with others.

Kimball 3 Performing is satisfying in the way that I can touch peoples lives with what I say through my body. Sometimes the performance is meant for shear entertainment, and that is fulfilling too. Teaching others to dance can be even more fulfilling when I witness others access that same satisfaction in exploring their own body vocabulary and then share it with others. Dance is a network of expression that should not be kept in ones private bedroom. It should be shared, even if it is shared with only one person at first. It builds relationships. MUSIC MOVES ME My mother tells me that Ive been a dancer since before I was born. It wasnt long before I was that little girl in the neighborhood that would go into the backyard singing and dancing as if she owned the universe. By the age of 5, I was taking dance classes from a neighbor. It was a language that spoke to me, and I willingly spoke back; the same stands true today. Perhaps I was clumsy at first and lacked technique as does a young child in orally expressing themselves. But I loved it. I thrived in the dance studio. It brought me joy that affected every aspect of my life. I found that moving my body really allowed me to express myself. It wouldnt be until years later that I would realize how close of a relationship the language of dance and the language of music play in my life. I am one of those people that can develop teary eyes if I find a song to be miraculously beautiful. I will never forget the opportunity I had to see Broadways The Lion King for my 20th birthday. The opening number was filled with emotional dancing, but it was the dance united with music that brought tears to my eyes. My spirit was moved in such a way that I longed to be with those performing. Even then I didnt realize what was happening within me. I just knew that I wanted to act upon it. It took a few more years for me to fully acknowledge that it is the music that moves me. There is a song within me that is always playing to which I can dance. And that song can change, just as a

Kimball 4 radio does. Yet there seems to be more power and emotion when there is actual music playing. The combination of instruments, the use of dynamics, the lyricsthey all move my spirit which in turn interprets my feelings through dance. I dance because I feel it, and music is a catalyst. DANCE BRINGS THE BODY AND SPIRIT TOGETHER The human body is miraculous in the way that that it can move in so many different ways. Can other creatures on the earth dance? Sure. Why not? But not only can the human body create movement on its own; it can also interact with others in ways that other species do not. There is definitely something special about the way the human body moves. More often than not, dance reaches the inner spirit of people. Those that dance can strengthen the relationship between the body and spirit. Dance Therapy is used to do just that unite the body and spirit, allowing individuals to express even their deepest feelings. One of my favorite dance quotes is by Shanna LaFleur. She said that It takes an athlete to dance, but an artist to be a dancer. The athletic demands of professional dancers are very real. But all experienced dancers know that there is more to the language than only the body. There is a large element of artistry that comes from the spirit within. I believe in God. I believe that He is the Father of my spirit, and that he blessed me with my body. When I dance, I know that I am utilizing gifts and talents that God has blessed me with. I believe that dance is a way through which He frequently blesses my life with joy. Because of the joy I receive from dance, I feel inspired to share it with others. It is rewarding for me to take years of training and use it to perform dances that touch the lives of others for good. While dancers are usually considered those that take the stage, everyone has the right to speak the language of dance. It takes time and practice to master the grammar and difficult vocabulary, but anyone can participate. Music is what moves me to dance. What moves you?