April 24, 2014

On the fence

I guess you could say I have been a dancing since I was young. Did ballet for eight years, stopped, then started hip hop at 17. Came to Montreal for university, and rediscovered myself after learning about waacking and freestyling. Many dancers, me included, started dancing by learning choreography. I love it. But because of freestyle, I am loving dance more and more every day. As a person who has stepped out of my teens, I've often felt that the type of carefree, innocent happiness you experience as a child can't be found again because of responsibilities, stress, etc... I thought I'd never find that happiness until I started freestyling.

In the beginning, I actually hated it because I felt like I had to move a certain way to make the freestyling look good, but slowly, thanks to my friends in McGill Student Street Dancers (MSSD), I am enjoying it to the point where all I want to do is dance and to improve. And that is all that I can think about. I'd say I'm an okay dancer, I can pick up choreography well, but when it actually comes down to pure dancing, I still need a lot of work. Yet being surrounded by people who are amazing dancers, who share the same passion as me and who inspire me, at times I feel that maybe, just maybe, I could become an actual professional dancer.

Photo by Jojo Ariwi


However, being Asian, the typical thinking is to find a stable job, earn enough money to support yourself and your family. I know that if I decided to go for dancing, my parents would not be happy (obviously!). But what about our dreams? Do I play it safe and become a physiotherapist like I plan to be? Or do I take my risk, give my all and try to be the best dancer that I can be? 

All these questions always bring me back and forth which is one of the reasons why I created this blog! I will be posting other things related to dance, but I hope you can share your thoughts on this topic with me so feel free to comment and give your opinions :) 

11 comments:

  1. Woooot, this sounds like an awesome idea for a blog :) I'm no dancer myself, and the path I'm headed towards is a little more secure in some ways but also a little more volatile in others, but it'll be cool keeping track of your progress.
    Hope you'll find some clarity from other people in the dance blogosphere, and all my spiritual support to you!

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  2. Chances don't come often so take them! Risk it all, because you'll regret it if you didn't. Take pride in doing what you love, otherwise you wouldn't have a life lived well.
    We, generation Y, possess the never before, ability, to not just survive but live well! So keep dancing!
    Besides, you have your friends there to help you if ever you need anything. :)

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    2. Thanks for your encouraging words Kenneth!! :)

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  3. I'm quite certain that a lot of people at this stage in life is going through the exact same thing as you are, which I call the mid teen crisis!

    I have been battling the same thoughts in my head too just like you are then I spoke to my family about it and realized that balance is so important and you can actually have both ways if you want to, and plus! I understand that a lot of people want to choose their paths asap, making decisions for whats best for you and build a foundation for it the earlier the better, but really there's nothing wrong with taking your time to contemplate, you can graduate, have your diploma as a safety blanket and go off to follow your passion and build from there, if all things fail you got your degree to catch you :) Honestly, I believe that one day it'll just click and you'll be happier than ever.

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    1. I think balance is important too :) and I think that is what I will end up doing... Thanks for sharing your view with me Adrienne :)

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  4. Taylor~~ just to let you know that reading your little article here is making me smile! You know why? Because I feel you...!!! <3

    I've had the same debate (stable job, Asian family, but huge passion for dancing and especially freestyling...) for long enough (since I was 16...) that now, I'm just at this stage where I tell myself:" Dance because it makes you feel good. And do other things that you enjoy at the same time too."
    Dancing has already become part of me and I identify myself as a dancer deep down, no matter what kind of career I'll pursue.

    I don't have any good advice to give to you, but I'd like to tell you the same thing that I tell myself.

    Dance because it makes you feel good. And do other things that you enjoy at the same time too. :)

    Taylor, I think that you are a great dancer, as long as you love dancing and it makes you happy to dance. Whether to be a professional dancer or not, does it really matter that much?

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    1. Thank you Lily!! You are too sweet <3 I think I just need to start identifying myself as a dancer as well and just believe in myself a bit more. I'll keep your advice in mind though!

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  5. Hey Taylor!!! Long time no see!! Saw your blog and it's so inspiring!! I could totally relate cuz I am studying music after high school to be a musician. My first thought was being a musician is quite impossible in a place like Hong Kong cuz it's a business city, and I am not really talented. it took me a while to realize that nothing is impossible if you try. Also, if you really really like that thing (music or dance or anything), just go for it. I know it's easy to say, but it takes a lot of persuasion and showing that you really love it and enjoys it.

    You can do it Taylor, I know you can be a professional dancer ;) Once you have found your dream, it might be your calling ^^

    I may not be the best person to give advice, just wanna share :)

    P.S. I also love dancing *^^*

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    1. Hey Motoyo! Long time no see indeed! I'm so glad you're studying what you love to do, I wish I was too... I mean I am studying something that is somewhat related but sometimes I wish I went to dance school to get proper training, but as you said it is really hard. Thank you for giving me encouragement! I hope one day our dreams will come true :)

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