Dancers Never Get Long Breaks

Imagine applying for a chance to practice your passion with teachers highest in the field in the pinnacle city in New York where only 16 are selected of the hundreds or thousands who applied through transcripts, resumes and a personal essay. Imagine a place where, through hard work, new challenges, and individuality, dreams are created. This is how it was for senior Stephanie Chang when she attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts summer intensive high school dance program for two weeks.

Stephanie has been dancing since the age of three and has continued to pursue her passion through dancing with the MET too Youth company that is part of Houston Metropolitan Dance Company which was founded in 1995. Throughout the summer she attended a week-long intensive with the MET while also attending NYU. In addition, she stayed in New York for an additional four weeks attending an intensive called BLUEPRINT at the Peridance Capezio Center, which is one of the top dance centers in New York City. Dancing alongside much older students where a 17-year-old was considered the youngest, Stephanie found the course more intense and challenging, but not without its benefits.

“New York City is so big and it’s easy to get lost in the crowd if you don’t find a way to stand out,” she said. 

Through soul-searching, taking risks, and being honest with herself, Stephanie learned to take in stride her individuality and personal style of dance, and break away from the norm where being unique can generate success. What she’s learned through dance forms many techniques that can be used outside of the dance room and inside a classroom.

Carnegie Vanguard High School is one of the top 10 high schools in the United States where academics are prestigious and time is limited. However, through self-discipline, Stephanie prioritizes what she needs to do and what she may want to do. Where a Friday night out with friends turns into a night of homework to be able to dance the next day. Where organization plays a major role in knowing what to get done without the issue of procrastination. Where self-motivation and the want to learn and dance enables her to strive for the goals she sets for herself. I’ve been through three years at Carnegie as well, and I know how difficult it is to make time for the activities I love so Stephanie taking a full load from school as well as from dance is astounding.

In a world where society’s judgement and technology disrupt the flow of communication, dance serves as a way to express oneself with no words at all. Where emotions from beautiful executions can be felt by anyone without any barriers to the story of the dance. The artistry of expression is something that Stephanie excels in and hopes to continue through college if her academic path doesn’t come first. However, dance for Stephanie isn’t just an extracurricular to look good for college or be better-rounded, it’s something she truly loves and does out of passion that I know a lot of people have respect for including myself.

Perhaps one day we will see Stephanie dancing with the Metropolitan Dance Company, or perhaps we will see her on the news for an achievement in academics. Either way, I know that Stephanie has great things destined for her and hope that even if she chooses an academic career path that she continues to dance. For, as she says, “dancers never get long breaks.”