In this series of blog posts, I’m catching up with ABDC alumni who will tell you about the impact dance has had on their lives!
Next up is Rebecca Kane! Rebecca graduated from ABRHS in 2015 after dancing at ABDC for seven years. Since then, you’ve probably seen her helping out at our recitals (thank you-backstage dream team!)
What role did dance play in your life post ABDC and what role does it play in your life today?
I have not stopped dancing since ABDC! Every opportunity I get to dance I take. It is obviously great exercise, but it is also a great way to express myself and work through my emotions, both positive and negative. In college dance class has been the highlight of my week because it is a chance to have fun and let go of the stress of schoolwork. It has also introduced me to some amazing people and new friends.
What are some ways you think dance training carries over in other aspects of life?
One thing that really stands out to me is the idea of thinking and working hard, but also letting go. When dancing you have to think about the steps, the timing, and the space, and you need to put in the work to learn routines and improve your skills, but when you go to perform you can’t be thinking and analyzing every movement, you have to just let go, trust that your body knows what to do, and be in the moment with the music and emotion of the piece.
What have been some of the biggest lessons or takeaways from your dance experience?
We all have good days and bad days. Some days you can nail a triple pirouette, others you can barely do a single without falling over. What matters though is that you don’t give up or let your bad days define you, you just reset and try again.
Funniest/most memorable dance experience?
My one dance change from Jazz to Pointe at the 2014 recital. I had to change costume, tights, hair, and shoes. One person was doing my hair, another was fixing my costume, one was tying one of my pointe shoes, and I was tying the other. Then my ribbon came off my shoe! I had a moment of freaking out but managed to secure my shoe and got on stage and danced!
Thank you, Rebecca, for sharing your experience and memories with us!