Transposition
Charlize A.
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This dance piece is a representation of my development as a dancer. I started dancing at the age of five, but focused on classic styles like ballet, tap, and jazz for six years. I was mostly a flowy and jazzy dancer until I was 12.
Trying a new dance studio during the pandemic opened my eyes to new possibilities. Surprisingly, I found myself to be the most passionate about street jazz. My teacher was incredibly encouraging as I experimented with this new genre, and I soon came to love it and the confidence it instilled in me. When performing a street jazz routine, I feel like I can take on anything, and I crave the short-lived exhilaration that follows the fast and hard-hitting movements. It’s a form of self-expression that practically forces me to be confident, which I embrace wholeheartedly; that’s an aspect I couldn’t gain from sticking to the classics. In fact, this confidence overflowed into how I carry myself. All of a sudden, I became a groovier dancer who preferred sharp choreography over long lines and extensions; and this is when I truly blossomed into the expressive dancer that I am today. I hope that my process of growth and finding myself is conveyed through my choreography!
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Through dance performance, I’ve gained confidence in self-expression. I love that I’m an actress when dancing; if I want to appear sassy, I can. And if I want to communicate regret or heartache, I can also do so. When words fail, moving and flowing helps me understand my emotions.
