Dancehall Days

For the past three years I've been going to school in Miami and my overall experience has been wonderful. Coming from Los Angeles to Miami brought a lot of changes and adjustments. I met a lot of different people and made new friendships. Living in Miami gave me the opportunity to learn new things, different cultures, and places such as Jamaica, Haiti, Bahamas, Trinidad, and so much more. I can think back to the first time I went to a club and a party on campus.

I felt like I didn't belong or fit in because the dances were unfamiliar to me. I quickly fell in love with dancehall music and the variety of dances that went along with it. Even now, I practice and go home with stories to tell all my friends. I have one year left in Miami but this is certainly not the last of my dancehall days!

Praise Dance is Worship

I believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten son of God. I believe that he died on the cross for our sins and that he rose agian and sits at the right hand of his father. I know I have talked about dancing for school and how passionate I am about doing it. But I have yet to mention how passionate I am about my heavenly father. Although I am on the dance team at St. Thomas, I also use my gift of dance to praise and worship God. Prasing dancing comes from the heart and through your movement, you announce to the world that Jesus is your savior, friend, comforter and so much more.

Ministering the word of God through the ministry of dance is a new way of worship that myself and others have found. In my personal life, I have grown in this ministry of dance and fitness. Some dancers pretend to cry and others paint their faces. This art of dance goes by many names such as: praise dance, worship dance, or liturgical dance. Some dancers wear costumes, streamer and other props. But whatever form of worship takes place, one single goal is in mind which is drawing others to the faith they embrace. Praise dancing demonstartes God's spirit and his livliness in everyone who wants to experience this. A lot of praise dancers that I know, including myself emphasize that it's not putting on a show but that God deserves all the credit for any talent that we posses. Overtime, worshiping God through praise dance has helped me grow spiritually.

To Dance or not to Dance: Senior Year

So if I haven’t mentioned it before, for the past two years, I’ve been dancing for the Lady Diamondettes dance team at St. Thomas University. I was one of three girls to start this team in hopes of bringing forth a new aspect to campus life and school spirit. Overtime I have grown to love each dancer like a sister, and we have all created a bond that will last a life time. I inherited the nickname “chicken nugget” because it’s my favorite food, but I’ve earned the dancing name of “freestyle”. I was given this name because every now and then one of the girls would catch me doing a dance or movement at a random moment, and someway we would incorporate it into a routine.

Like I’ve stated before, dancing is my passion, and the joy I get from it is a beautiful feeling. Now that I am faced with my senior year come fall, I’m not so sure if I’m ready to give up my dancing shoes. I really want to focus and keep in the direction of my degree, but dancing is my life! I feel like I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place. I’ve put my all into this dance organization, and I have so much fun out there on the floor. Being a second year Resident Assistant and studying takes a lot of time and commitment. With only one month and a half left before school starts, I have some serious decision making to do. To dance or not to dance my senior year, that is the question I must answer.

D.A.N.C.E.

This video describes what D.A.N.C.E. is as well as my feelings and what I would like to hear from you!

"Beyonce": She has the moves

Time and time again, Beyonce Knowles continues to amaze the world with inspiring songs that can relate to women everywhere. At a young age, Beyonce not only had a gift of a beautiful voice, she had the dance moves to go along with it. As a Song writer, record producer, and actress, Beyonce is praised for her wildly inventive presentations in music and film, and respected for her down-to-earth persona. With her grace, beauty, charm, and gift for entertaining, Beyonce has become a star and an American icon. From music videos, Baby boy, Get me bodied, and Put a ring on it, it is evident to see how she has grown as an individual and super star.

Beyonce has paved the way for young aspiring singers and dancers. Many try to imitate and duplicate her image, style, and of course the dance moves that leave people breathless, but clearly there can only be one Beyonce Knowles. Her hit single “Put a ring on it” gave thousands of people a reason to upload their impersonations of the music video onto You Tube. Beyonce is a well-rounded and respected artist in the music industry who is driven and detail oriented in everything she brings to her audience. Even myself has tried learning some of her dance moves! As passionate as I am about dancing, I will stick to doing it just for the fun and enjoyment I get from it.

Let's Salsa

It is hard to say who invented salsa dancing becaause a history it has to offer many people. Some say Cubans and even the Puerto Ricans, but the question is who? Salsa is a combination of mnay Latino and Caribbean dances. Salsa has a pattern of six steps over a eight counts of music. Cuba is credited a great portion of the evolution of salsa being its origin and ancestry to the making of a nation-wide dance. Although I am not familiar or comfortable with dancing salsa, I do find this style of dancing sexy and worthwhile to learn.

Being able to move quickly with your partner while keeping up with the beat is a challenge. But of course if you're like me, you never back down from challeneges, especially those that invlove dancing. To my surprise, the term "salsa" was astually created in New York. It became a popular nickname because it referred to a variety of music from several countries that carry Hispanic influnence. Some of the best salsa dancers include: Frankie Martinez, Leon Rose, and Johnny Vazquez. No matter what style of dance you prefer, dance because it makes you feel happy!

Just as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west,  

 

I too have a rhythmic pattern when it involves doing my best.  

 

The truth is... I just want to dance.

 

Some prefer to read and take evening walks on the beach.

 

While others prefer to sing or recite heavenly melodies,

 

I'm not like you or them,

 

Me, ... I just want to dance.

 

I dance because I'm happy.

 

I dance because it makes me feel free.

 

Whether it's ballet, jazz, salsa, or hip-hop,

 

The music notes guide my feet.

 

Self-expression is the name of the game.

 

Dedication and persistence is the guidebook.

 

Being myself through movement,

 

Is the life and joy it brings.

 

So I confess to you, and the world,

 

Dancing is what soothes me.

 

I just... want ... to dance.