NHSDA GOLD AWARD Essay 2

by RIA CHIDARE

I have been dancing since I could walk, but when I first started taking classes, I felt completely disconnected from it. I couldn’t understand why people were so captivated by dance or why I had to go to classes. It felt meaningless to me. But as time went on, something changed. I began to notice the little things—the rhythm in each step, the talam that grounded the movement, and the diverse expressions that brought every piece to life. I came to recognize that dance was not simply about memorizing choreography, but about storytelling, emotion, and connection.

Once I discovered what dance truly meant, I fell in love with it. The music changed from background sound into an experience that gave me a sense of liberation. Every performance became a way to convey meaning beyond words through mudras, movement, and expression. The more I danced, the more I realized it wasn’t about striving for perfection or grace—it was about authenticity and the courage to express myself openly.

Outside the studio, dance has transformed the way I see the world. It has taught me discipline, empathy, and collaboration, teaching me how to move with both patience and purpose. Bharatanatyam opened my eyes to diverse traditions, from folk to Bollywood, each with its own language of rhythm and storytelling. I’ve had the privilege of choreographing for family events such as weddings and birthdays, as well as performing at school.

However, the most meaningful experience was when I taught a young student over the summer. At first, she was hesitant and shy, reluctant to start dancing. But by the end, she danced everywhere she went. Watching her transformation revealed the transformative power of dance to build confidence and joy.

In the future, I want to use the lessons I learnt from dance to inspire others and empower them to find resilience through dance. I want to show that dance is more than steps and music; it is a means to heal, to connect, and to express the inexpressible. Whether it's through teaching or performing, I want to use dance and help people feel inspired and confident.

Dance has become one of the most meaningful parts of my life, and it has shown me that expressions and emotions can be more powerful than words. What started as something I disliked has grown into something I can’t imagine living without. Dance gives me purpose, confidence, and a place to escape when I feel many emotions. Through dance, I have discovered both my voice and my freedom—and I hope to share that gift with others, both in and outside of the studio.