When I was deciding what topic to choose for this blog post, I had narrowed it down to two things–self care (obviously) and movies. But there was one topic that I debated heavily on choosing, and that was dance. I’ve been a dancer for my entire life and if I’m being honest, I’m probably more passionate about it than I am self care, I just thought it was too generic. But luckily, dance is a form of self care for me!

When I got here, I had heard about this dance organization called Volé and I’ll admit, I was slightly hesitant to join it. I didn’t dance for my senior year of high school, which was a pretty hard pill to swallow, so dancing at Penn State was the first time that I’ve participated in the activity in over a year. I had fallen out of love with the art when I quit and I didn’t think that I would ever want to get back into it. After our first practice, I was EXTREMELY rusty to say the least. I felt really down on myself about it and I worried that I wouldn’t be able to dance at the same caliber that I used to be able to. 

For Volé, we only have about 3-4 practices a week, so it’s super lowkey, but it’s enough to keep my admiration for the sport alive. Since dancing consistently again for a little while now, I can feel my passion for it beginning to rekindle, and it is the best feeling in the world. What I love most about dance is that there is really no right or wrong. I feel completely and utterly free. Cheesy, I know, but when I’m dancing, I don’t have to think about anything besides the next motion I’m going to make. It is a way for me to completely detach from reality for a little and remind myself that everything is going to be alright. It’s a reminder to me that there is still good in this world. Dance has all of my love; my heart belongs to it. 

Just this week actually, I have found myself truly falling in love with the sport again. Not only has this been of benefit to my physical health, but my mental health as well. It challenges me and forces me to push myself to extents I thought impossible. It’s humbling, it’s beautiful, and it is beyond grounding. Not to mention the instantaneous mood boost that it gives me. Dance is so healthy for my mind, body, and soul, and I can confidently say that it is my favorite form of self care to date. I am grateful for the art in its entirety and I hope to never lose the passion or the love that I am beginning to feel for it ever again.