Movement can be life-changing

Whether you are a veteran dancer hoping to find new ways to improve your craft or a newcomer looking to have some fun, De Anza’s dance scene is in no shortage of opportunities. From classes to clubs, there are myriad options for students to get their groove on.

The dance classes you can sign up for include hip hop, ballet, contemporary, body awareness as well as social dances such as salsa, all with varying levels of difficulty. There is also a student production dance class called workshop, in which the students choreograph and produce their own sets that they get to teach and showcase at De Anza.

Chris Nguyen, 20, kinesiology major, said that he not only found opportunities to improve his craft in the hip-hop classes, but also share and improve as a teacher.

“I was able to do a lot of trial and error,” Nguyen said. “For example, while I was teaching, I figured out what worked, what didn’t, and how fast I should teach.”

Classes aren’t the only choice students have when it comes to dancing. There are clubs ranging from 4 Elements Hip Hop Club to the Korean Dance Club.

Andy Vo, 23, English major, said she initially joined Korean Dance Club out of shared interest in the music genre with friends. As time went on, Vo said she found herself more passionate about dancing than she initially thought.

“I stopped dancing for a time after high school to focus on school and music, but getting reintroduced to the idea of dancing certainly helped me fall back into it,” Vo said. “It was a catalyst for re-inspiring my love for dance.”

Dancing at De Anza is not always serious. For Isabella Picar, 20, business major, being involved with the culture also came with friends and memories.

“I have met so many dancers, some of who I am proud to call my friends, or perhaps even family now,” Picar said. “Regardless of what level you may enter in as a dancer, there is always room for improvement and there will be a community that will support you every step of the way.”

The dance culture seems to be spreading across De Anza far and wide. Whether it’s people taking classes, a club rehearsing for a performance or a group of friends engaging in a freestyle battle, there always seems to be someone wanting to do a two-step everywhere you walk.

“Honestly, Picar said, “being a dancer now and entering this world of dance has had such a positive impact on my life.”