The Art of Dance
Dancing is heavily romanticized by its performative aspects, but the technical side is often overshadowed. The creativity and athleticism that dancing requires make it easy to participate but extremely hard to master. Dancers blur the line between artists and athletes, which creates a skill set that is personal and inventive. It is essential to recognize dancers for their courageous and bold expressions, as well as their physical performance. In a society where creativity and individuality are valued, it is vital to recognize that dance expression is more than what meets the eye. It blends aspects of strength and flexibility with fashion, hair, makeup, choreography and lighting. It is a performance that captures pure emotion in the same way that acting and music do.
Capri Carpenter, a sophomore dance major at San Diego State University, is thriving in the dance studio. At six years old, Carpenter was prompted to try a jazz dance class by a friend, unknowing that dance would become a major part of her life. After mastering the basics, she sought out competitive dance at the age of 12. Carpenter was prepared to be challenged by competitive dance, knowing it would help transform her skills. At the start of her competitive dance career, she performed two dances a season, which grew from six to seven by the end of high school. After a few years of dancing in her hometown’s dance studio, she transferred to a studio in a larger city in order to further perfect her craft. Carpenter is always looking for a way to push herself to the next level, which is quite beneficial since dance requires self-discipline and motivation.
Becoming an invested competitive dancer requires sacrifice. As a result, Carpenter was unable to join her high school cheer team. She remembers a point during her dance career when she questioned if she wanted to break out of the dance world and try something new. However, she is now thankful to have followed her instincts because of how far dance has taken her in life. She believes she would not be the person she is today without continuing her journey and pushing through.
Dance has transformed Carpenter’s life and continues to shape her future goals. Just like most things in life, dancers find support and inspiration through others that make a lasting impression on them. Carpenter remembers one of her choreographers, Zoi Tatopoulous, as one of the most influential people in her dance career. Tatopoulous challenged her to think past her “boundaries” in areas where she has limited her movement.
Although many women can say that they’ve danced at some point in their lives, only a few have what it takes to make it to the next level to pursue dance as a career. Carpenter aspires to take dance beyond the classroom by becoming a choreographer for hit musicals or television dance scenes. She also dreams of “incorporating travel into [her] lifestyle as well, because of how important [she] believes it is to traverse this huge world of wonders”.
Every style of dance, whether it's ballet, jazz or tap, takes up a completely different skill set. These differences in movements, energy, rhythm and facials require different training. Carpenter has tried different styles of dance at some point in her career but finds jazz to be her passion. She says she loves jazz because she is able to unleash her sassy, spunky side and fully perform in her element.
“I love being able to be a different version of myself, in a way, since I’m so used to only showing the ‘kind side’ of myself,” Carpenter said. “Dancing in this style lets me groove in a way that is just so soothing!”
Many dance artists desire to stand out among other artists. Carpenter is determined to stand out through her hard work, ethic, grit and discipline.
“A lot of dancers are good, many considered great, but what really makes a dancer/artist, in general, stand out is the discipline they encompass with their passion,” Carpenter said. This passion that she talks about is one that drives all creative minds. It is the ability to know what you love and be able to allow yourself to become invested.
Dance has been known to push people’s limits and boundaries. It teaches self-discipline, self-respect and the importance of supporting others. Carpenter acknowledges how dance has been an enormous confidence boost because of how it allows her to use her energy to influence her movement. The positive effects that dance can have on artists as they are growing up and beyond is a major part of this lifestyle. Her passion for dance has influenced her life in so many positive ways. It is important for all of us to look for things in life that drive our inspiration, just as dance has done for Carpenter.
Sarah Selznick — March 13th, 2022
