My signature project was a two week dance tour in Salvador, Brazil with the OSU Dance department. We performed as various venues including schools, professional dance companies, other college dance students, and other community organizations.

This trip was the first touring experience I’ve had as a dancer and it changed my perception of what touring would be. We had classes as well as performances, and it was a lot on our bodies. The heat also played a part in the physicality of the tour. It was a learning experience because every venue was different and it was interesting having to adjust show programs, order, and costumes according to the space. As a performer, it is so important to versatile and open to changes.Every show was a different experience, which is something I really enjoyed.

Every audience was different as well, and there were so many people that wanted to come talk to us after every performance and I enjoyed hearing their feedback about our show. It is interesting to me how every person interprets our show differently, and even differently that us as performers interpreted it. We were able to have some really conversations around race, gender perceptions, and what it means to be black in Brazil and the United States. Learning about their struggles helped me put some of my opinions into a different lens and look at situations in a new light.The Brazilian culture is very diverse, but they acknowledge their history, and that was a nice difference between Brazil and the United States.

Their culture is deeply rooted in the African Diaspora and that influence is present in everything they do and all their pop culture. They are also able to have open and honest conversations about that heritage and that influence, while differentiating between what were African influences and what were indigenous influences. They also pay a lot of homage to their indigenous influences and still use their traditions throughout everyday Brazilian life. I appreciated how they were able to tell me where everything came from-i.e. specific dances, music rhythms, clothing influences, and foods. They are very knowledgable as a people about their heritage and lineage. This made me think about how the different influences in the United States are not acknowledged and what would happen if those rightful influences got the reference and recognition they deserve. This is in direct reference to pop culture and music being influenced and created from African Americans without their recognition.

It shows how unaware the American people are to acknowledge culture, and ignorant in not wanting to know where references come from. That was heightened when I saw how aware the Brazilians were. While we were in Brazil, as mentioned earlier, we took classes in different Brazilian dance styles and culturally important styles of movement. We took Samba and Swing dance classes, Capoeira classes, and History of Orixa’s classes. Learning styles that were important to Brazilian culture changed how I saw Brazil. It allowed me to connect with the people and culture on a deeper level because it gave me more than surface level knowledge of the culture. It didn’t just tell me what was important, it offered an explanation as to why certain aspects were important. It gave context as to their importance historically and how Brazilian’s have changed it to make it important contemporarily.

I was surprised to find that Brazil encounters a lot of the same problems around race that the United States deals with. However, it was interesting learning about how they deal with their race issues and it made me question the way the United States deals with race relations. Being able to identify with black Brazilians and their struggles challenges the way I look at issues around race as an international problem. I tend to get narrow vision around race issues as they only pertain to the United States and Africa, when they are issues that occur internationally. And if a country like Brazil who embraces their African history and influence can have issues around race, it makes me question how much bigger the issue is and how the United States will work through its similar issues.

This experience as an African American in a different country was eye opening in how much I learned about the African influence that is throughout Brazil gave me insight to heritage and lineage of Africans that in turn is infused in African American culture because of the lineage of Africans through slavery. As the trip continued, I found it harder to distinguish what was Afro-Brazilian and African American because there were so many similarities or things I could relate to that I see in African American culture. I also think it taught me to appreciate what their culture had to offer. Without learning about Afro-Brazilian and Brazilian culture, I wouldn’t have a clear understanding of what I wanted to influence my work as a dancer, my understanding of music and dance, and cultural influence. Learning about their culture gave me context and vocabulary to more effectively communicate my ideas and my thought processes in movement. Their understanding of music gave a plethora of ways to communicate what I was thinking about a movement or where it came from, and them understanding it in my body became easier. This will definitely influence the work I do because some of their vocabulary is irreplaceable, and there aren’t other words or visuals to use to describe it except for that specific context.

Besides pulling from African American culture and lived experience, I have never pulled from any other context to create work because that was what I was most knowledgeable about and what I felt comfortable doing. However, after coming back from Brazil, I feel knowledgeable to pull from their vocabulary, and cultural context, and do it respectfully because I have learned about it. Not only have I learned their dance and music through educational classes, but learning from locals, college students, and professionals have given context to how the residents feel and thus giving me versions of their lived experience to inform my appreciation of it and how to work with it.

The 2018 Ohio State University Brazil Dance Tour is a unique study abroad experience that was specifically created for Ohio State dance majors with a desire to reach beyond American dance education and experience movement in the context of global diversity. This unparalleled experience allowed twelve hand-picked students to tour internationally, gain first-hand experience with Afro-Brazilian culture, and grow in a new and exciting environment. For nearly six months, we worked to learn and rehearse ten repertory pieces that were performed all throughout the Brazilian state of Bahia. Each piece was crafted to reflect the substantial impact that the African Diaspora has left on American dance. Led by assistant professor Daniel Roberts, the tour kicked off on March 3^rd, 2018. Together, we left Columbus, Ohio to explore Salvador de Bahia, Brazil for two weeks.

I found that performing as a member of the 2018 Brazil Tour Group allowed me to gain a better understanding of the way things culturally operate outside of the United States. Based on all that I saw and experienced, my views on dance, religion, and communication have expanded immensely. One thing that will forever ring through my bones and provide inspiration is how deeply woven dance is in Brazilian culture. It doesn’t matter if you’re praying in church, eating lunch at a restaurant, or even walking down the street – these are all moments to dance. In Crystal Michelle Perkins’ piece for our tour, The Amen Corner, we explore how the line between church and celebration was blurred by Africans through dance. People would groove all night at parties that bled into mass the following morning. In Brazil, I saw this concept come to life as people found opportunities to dance wherever they were. In our culture, this idea is non-existent, so I am grateful for being able to experience it first hand in Brazil.

Over the course of our tour, we were able to take a variety of classes from Brazilian dance masters that focused in everything from samba to capoeira. Although my body struggled to pickup the polyrhythms behind each technique, I was able to celebrate movement alongside my peers without getting caught up in “looking good”. The culture in Brazil seems to emphasize this idea – the idea that dance is a celebratory device for feeling good and appreciating what we have. Each instructor fed us movement with very little words and huge, contagious smiles. I found that in spite of the language barrier, we were able to communicate through movement and music alone. This is something I experienced after our performances as well whenever we had the chance to engage with the audience. Most of our “gigs” were held at local schools, and the children always went crazy! I’ve never seen young people find the kind of excitement in dance that they did after watching us. We’d leave the stage and immediately get attacked with hugs, kisses, and autograph books. Even though my Portuguese isn’t too sharp, I was able to hold conversations with them through movement alone.

Seeing the notion that “dance is a universal language” come to life was such a blessing. Coming back to the US, I have started to ask fewer questions and rely more on my eye to pickup choreography when working in the studio. By actively listening, using eye contact, and mapping the bodies of my peers and instructors, I have formed deeper connections with those around me. I’ve also been able to understand, interpret, and pick up movement more efficiently! Without the experience of communicating with the children in Brazil, my toolbox would lack this approach.

All that I experienced in Brazil might have been fed to me in just two short weeks, however I know that every moment will ring through my bones for a lifetime. I grew up as a dancer, however I’ve never really been able to experience dance outside of Ohio. Traveling to Salvador has opened my eyes to possibilities that movement can bring, especially on a global level. Down the road, I aspire to teach dance as a way for me to give back to the community while fulfilling my desire to work with children and help them find growth in exciting and healthy ways. I know that once my future career as an educator kicks off, I’ll bring pieces of Brazil with me to share with my students. My goal will to create environments where people can safely explore and celebrate their unique architectures without feeling pressure to do anything other have a blast.

To read more about my trip, visit www.osudancebrazil.wordpress.com. I created and managed the site myself, so I hope you enjoy!

My STEP project was a Study Abroad for-credit experience during Spring Break 2018.  The “Scientific Roots in Europe” project spanned 10 days from March 9 to March 18, 2018 including London and Paris.  The primary objective of my STEP Study Abroad Project was to combine understanding the global community with academic achievement, pursuit of a Bachelor of Science degree, and community service.

This STEP project fit perfectly with my aspirations, talents, and passions.  From global travel, to gathering knowledge and sharing my experience to help others, this project satisfied and complimented who I am and who I want to be.  This STEP project included travel to London, England and Paris, France combined with exploring roots of famous scientists.  Prior to our trip, there were class assignments and direct involvement in learning and understanding the historic background of prominent scientists.

This project was transformative for me in integrating my personal and university life.  In the past, my travel experiences have been for pleasure and gradually increasing to understanding and appreciating global cultures.  This study abroad experience transitioned my travel experience to include more activities with other students and professors.  This project enhanced my experience at The Ohio State University by developing relationships with faculty and fellow students and increasing my involvement with the college.  My interaction with the faculty lead on the Study Abroad trip helped me better understand a professor’s perspective.  Spending time with other students created lasting friendships.  I learned about myself and my ability to plan excursions and be independent.

There were several experiences on my Study Abroad experience that contributed to transforming experience and relationships with other students and professors. The first experience on our trip was a visit to Charles Darwin’s home in London, England.  During the class, my experience with other students and professors was limited to a class setting with more professional learning environment.  Once on the trip, I was able to see the real personalities of my classmates and professors.  When you are with other people all day and all night on a trip, you can really see how they act.  At Darwin’s home we learned at a museum in a more relaxed setting than a classroom.

The second transformative experience was during a trip to Stonehenge, England during a “free day” that I planned all the travel and events.  We woke up early and took the underground subway “The Tube” from near our hotel to the Waterloo Train Station.  From there we had to retrieve already purchased tickets from a machine and board the correct train.  The train traveled through the county side to Salisbury in 1-1/2 hours.  From there we had to purchase tickets to a double-decker bus that went to Stonehenge in 30 minutes.  Once at Stonehenge, we received free group entry with tickets I had already coordinated with the Stonehenge historical site staff prior to the trip.  I had arranged free group entry that allowed us to get close to the posts and column rocks.  Our small group of five students, with me as the leader, toured the ancient site.  We were off on our own in a foreign country with no adult supervision.  It was cold and cloudy, but due to the excitement of being there we didn’t mind.  I learned about my own ability to plan and lead an event for a small group.  We took the same bus, train, and subway back to our hotel and my fellow classmates commented on how well the excursion was organized.

At the end of the Study Abroad Trip, we were in Paris, France and had another “free day” to plan what we wanted.  The other students on the trip wanted to go back to the Museé d’Orsey, but I suggested Disneyland Paris.  None of the other students wanted to take the 1-hour trip, so I went by myself.  There I was in a foreign country by myself without knowledge of the language and riding the train to Disneyland Paris.  I didn’t know what to expect, but once I got there, I realized how much fun I could have on rides.  There was a way to bypass the lines as a single rider, so I was able to ride Space Mountain six times, and the Indiana Jones ride four times.  I had a blast going from ride to ride in the foreign county.  At the end I took the train back to the room and told my classmates how much fun they missed.

These transformative experiences are significant in defining my character and helpful in my life to develop useful skills.  In my first experience, I found it important to understand the people we meet and learn from or work with are all just regular people underneath.  They have to eat, sleep, work, and have purpose just like students.  I think it makes it easier to relate to people once you know a little bit more about them.  On my excursion to Stonehenge, it became apparent I have excellent organizational and leadership abilities.  In a strange environment with a higher chance of something going wrong, I was able to execute my excursion plan successfully and students on the trip were pleased with the outcome.  Lastly, I believe I learned the most about myself on the last day of the trip when I didn’t “follow the crowd’s decision” and went off by myself to enjoy Disneyland Paris.  This independence came out of my personality at a critical juncture in my college experience.  The experiences during my Travel Abroad “Scientific Roots in Europe” with stay with me for the rest of my life.

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For my STEP Signature Project I had the chance to travel to London during the spring break of 2018. Leading up to the trip, I attended a course directed by Aimee Moore to help prepare for the trip and develop skills in design to accurately catalogue the experience. In total, it was an amazing ten days, even the plane-rides there and back.

Throughout the trip I had a lot of thoughts about how the city met the needs of the people who lived, arrived, and worked there. This was partially due to the fact that I had always glamorized London and United Kingdom which meant there were a few ‘huh’ moments. To be exact, the lack of trashcans and water fountains was something I didn’t understand. With a city that is on the cusp of sustainability and health, why weren’t there any resources of that nature? Also, there was never a lack of smokers. Everyone and their sister either had a cigarette or e-cig lit as we walked down the sidewalk. That was the main drawback I found from London that put a damper on the experience, but other than those rainclouds, London was a dream.

Though originally I didn’t seek transformation as much as I sought for enjoying the adventure, I find myself to be a different person after this trip based on the development of my original goals and expectations. There were lots of ways I grew (literally and subjectively), but two transformations were more prevalent:

1. When I first wrote out my expectations for the trip I said I wanted to look at everything, but also find time to see it too. In my visits to other places I did a lot, but I never really got a chance to see what I was looking at. I think the way the trip was ‘timelined’ each day allowed for that and I’m grateful for the moments we had to sketch and observe. For example, we had enough time at Saint Paul’s Cathedral to run and explore around with enough time left to sit down and sketch, but it wasn’t just at St. Paul’s where I developed artistically.

Every place we went to lead to me TRANSFORMING my skills in sketching. A large portion of the class for the trip was centered on drawing using pens, pencils, ink-wash, or charcoal. Originally, I didn’t feel comfortable at being that artistically because I was never put in the position to sketch or draw something under twenty minutes, but at the end I had dozens of sketches that qualified as good. It was fun especially at the British Museum where I sat in the Enlightenment Room drawing the hallway because I myself became an exhibit that other attendees would watch and comment on.

2. In addition, I was also concerned about adventuring, but not getting lost. London is big and busy. There’s not a lot of room for error when it comes to traveling through it. At the end of the ‘school’ day I planned on exploring the area around where we stop to the fullest extent, but I was concerned about getting lost since I had limited phone use to map around.

Surprisingly, though, I had a big moment of TRANSFORMATION when I grew the confident to go out on my own without needing guidance from a teacher. The night after we rode the London Eye, we were left to our own devices, and while everyone went to their respective plans, I took up my own journey. Despite being worried about getting lost, I was able to wander but not get lost, and find the piece of the city that I loved the most: the endless amount of options. In less than four hours I ran into two art gallery openings, a gala, a rock concert, and friends from summer camp five years ago. It was probably the bravest I have ever felt in my entire adult life; jumping from place to place. That night cemented my goal to live in the United Kingdom permanently.

London was exactly what I hoped for and more! The city was a collection of old and new, home and away, and an incredibly diverse population. I cannot begin to explain how happy I am that I went. I know that without OSU’s STEP program it would have impossible to have done this, and in addition to the new group of friends I made out of my classmates, I have been reminded what opportunities this university can provide with the help of its faculty.

Note: During the trip we posted our experiences onto a u.osu blog site. Click the link to check it out! — https://u.osu.edu/london2018/blog-posts/

Exterior view of St. Paul’s Cathedral from the Millennium Bridge

St. Paul’s Cathedral Whispering gallery sketch assignment

Over Spring Break of 2018, I participated in a study abroad program titled “Sustainable Service Learning in Costa Rica.” Throughout the duration of the trip, the group visited various local and organic farms, studying sustainable agricultural practices. We interacted with native and local people throughout the trip, and for several days we stayed with a local family to really experience the culture.

A saying called “Pura Vida” is commonly and regularly used throughout Costa Rica and it translates to “Pure life.” While this saying could mean something different to everyone, in its essence, it is a reminder to find the beauty of every moment in life. In Costa Rica, you could really sense that people lived by this saying. It is a reminder to not sweat the small stuff–negative things may happen in your lifetime but ultimately, they are not significant in the grand scheme of life. Life is short and beautiful, and you have to remember to embrace each moment, person, and experience. I really think that I will carry this saying with me throughout my life, remembering the beauty in everything I encounter.

In addition, I think that studying abroad allowed me to broaden my perspective of the world and experience a completely different culture and way of life. It is amazing how you can get so wrapped up in your own daily life, and forget that there are completely different and other ways of experiencing existence. This trip really opened my mind and eyes to this fact, and allowed me to experience a different perspective on a meaningful life…one without the competition, pressure, fast pace, and consumptive attitude that society in America has.

Several moments during the trip stand out as transformative or enlightening experiences. One would be the homestay families that we had the pleasure of staying at. For several nights, we stayed with a native family on their rural farm in Costa Rica, and this was truly enlightening. It was amazing to see how simply and authentically these families lived…they didn’t have many possessions or a fancy house, but they had a lot of love. It really made me consider what a happy or meaningful life is…it’s not about fame, money, or possessions, but rather to live harmoniously with others and the environment.

In addition, it was inspiring to visit many organic and local farms throughout the trip, and observe firsthand many of the sustainable agriculture practices being implemented. They had a relationship to the land that was not one of exploitation, but rather a give-and-take relationship that ensured healthy people and a healthy planet. I really hope to implement this mindset and these practices into America’s agricultural system.

Lastly, interacting and communicating with the local people was a really enlightening experience. Although I am not perfect at speaking Spanish, I did find that I remembered a lot of the language once I was immersed in a Spanish-speaking culture. It was really fulfilling to interact with local people and hear different backgrounds and views about life.

I really do feel like I personally grew a lot from this experience, and gained a valuable new perspective on the world and the meaning of life. In the future, I hope to always remember “pura vida” and try to implement this idea of a connection to the land and sustainable agriculture to practices and systems here in the United States. I will also remember that the meaning of life is not about a job, money, or possessions, but rather the experiences you have and the people you connect with.