As I grew up, I often found myself caught between cultures and forced to make a choice: jumpsuits or Indian gowns, Hollywood or Bollywood, American or Indian. This duality hindered the connections to my cultural origins and had me searching for a single, accepting community to call home.
I gave every activity a chance, but more often than not, I found that my efforts were in vain. Piano did not press my keys, soccer did not meet my goals, and Future-Problem Solvers Club only created more problems for me.
I even tried my mother’s proposal for dancing. Mindlessly twirling in front of strangers? No thanks. However, little did I know that learning authentic hand movements and crisp poses would let me beautifully integrate my two cultures.
The South Asian Culture Show, a philanthropic dance production, became the platform through which I discovered that in dance, one move doesn’t fit all. I did not have to be “just Indian” or “just American” to find my purpose as a lead choreographer. I gradually extended into foreign dance styles, discovering how diversity connects the disparate.
Five, six, seven, eight! My legs lifted me from the ground, and my hands swayed with lyrical, contemporary rhythms. One minute later, I was using those same hands to transition to Latin beats and tango across the dance floor. An abrupt halt, a composed posture, and a spirited leap into Bhangra dances concluded my performance with a bang.
When I saw how completely different dances could express similar emotions in unique ways, I began connecting aspects of global dance together in one. Dance became this link between my ethnic roots and everyday self, allowing me to openly embrace diverse experiences. This art form cultivates a positive outlook of not letting just one thing define me. A variety of experiences, people, and beliefs is what lets me rise above traditional boundaries and, ultimately, build my character.