Many individuals have the love and curiosity to try new things. Through trying new things and having the courage to explore, some people are intrigued and can turn this into a passion for these newfound interests. It can be for playing sports like soccer or swimming, or it can be for more artistic hobbies such as painting and piano. I have found my passion and creative outlet through dance.Â
When I was seven, my mom signed me up for various things that could potentially be my new favorite pastime and maybe even something that I could be passionate about. I tried swimming lessons, piano, violin and thought about what else I could do. However, I wouldn’t budge. None of these hobbies made me happy and made me feel like I was wasting my time. Although this could make certain individuals content and in love with practicing the routine revolved around the pastime, it wasn’t for me and I knew it.Â
However, one day when walking with my mom by a studio when I was 12, my heart skipped a beat and my face beamed. Ever since I was a little girl, I had gone to family parties and cultural celebrations such as quinceaneras. At these events, I always saw fast swinging on the slippery wood and people doing fast twirls with partners. The laughter people exchanged and the warmth it brought into the atmosphere made me happy. Seeing the amazing moves on the floor made me want to try it as well. The dance studio brought back these memories in an instant and instantly made me persistent in persuading my mom to allow me to take dance, despite my other failed hobbies.
Although a bit hesitant at first, my mom knew this was something that had always interested me and let me try it just to see how it would go. This decision changed my life for the better and helped me find my passion. Dance made me feel complete and displaying my sassy personality through jazz, showing my emotions through lyrical, and leaving the audience to interpret how I feel through contemporary dance brought me genuine joy. It is one of the things that truly gives me the inspiration to display my creativity. It ignites my passion by allowing an audience to show how I feel when I dance.
For people who feel passionate about hobbies such as these, it’s always important to keep in touch with them through extracurricular activities. Finding time in the week if time is a constraint is a must. From an academic perspective, finding organizations that involve one’s passion can also be helpful.Â
I have found UC Berkeley clubs that revolve around dance such as Reflejos de Sol, which is a Latin-based ballet Folklorico group, Danceworx, Main Stacks competitive dance team, and other talented dance organizations on campus. If you have a passion, continue to pursue it and incorporate it into your life because it can bring immense joy. A passion can spark love and light during somber times, as it has for me.
