My take-aways are that I met wonderful people. Just been around them made me learn different things. How different people have different ways of dancing. How different people can
use dance as a way to express emotions. Just, the professor dancing and
doing the activities with us made learning very fast.
Lucy
was a big part of helping me go through this class. They way she brought
energy to the work. I felt relaxed because of the stretching. Not
having music felt calming because I was more focused on my thoughts.
After class, I felt very good because the activities made my body
feel good.
Team work was crucial for this class as it is for my
sport. I could alternate between being a leader and a cooperating team
member. I also got flexibility which is essential to avoid injuries. I
also gained coordination with my body parts, body and mind connection and
movement across the floor. I also learned to practice and be
comfortable performing in front of others.
2
The creativity and discipline behind modern dance
Throughout this modern dance class, I
learned how movement can be both expressive and intentional. I gained a
stronger understanding of how different dance elements such as flow,
rhythm, spatial awareness, and compositional structure, come together to
tell a story. Exploring various styles, partnering, and creating
choreography helped me discover new ways to communicate through my body,
and I now appreciate the creativity and discipline behind modern dance
even more.
Learning in this class felt exciting and empowering
because I was able to step out of my comfort zone and express myself in
ways I wasn’t used to. I enjoyed how supportive the environment was,
which made it easier to take risks and explore different forms of
movement. As I learned about influential dance pioneers and experimented
with expressive forms, I felt more confident in trusting my artistic
instincts and connecting my emotions to the choreography.
I will
carry the skills and knowledge from this course into my own field of
study by applying the concepts of creativity, discipline, and emotional
expression. Whether I am working in psychology, health, or any future
profession, understanding how movement and self-expression impact mental
and emotional well-being will be valuable. This class taught me how art
can help people communicate, manage stress, and build confidence, which
are lessons I plan to use both personally and professionally.
3
Something new about modern dance
I personally loved this class. I
found from the first meeting, I loved the warm-up, Jorge's teaching
style, and the room felt like an open comfortable space. I looked
forward to each class -- knowing I would feel so more better after the
warm-up and possible stretch (floor stretch being my favorite :)) and
learn something new about modern dance through my own embodiment.
This
course made me feel safe in my body and comfortable to move in front of
an audience without judgment which I have not felt or experienced in
years. I felt confident in my skin as I moved through the choreography. I
enjoyed the different modalities and techniques of movement learned as
well.
For me, the biggest takeaway, and thing I will apply in my
life, is the power of movement and how good it feels to move my body --
whether it be a stretch, an expressive dance, or just moving freely to
my body's desire. I learned that I could use dance as a positive coping
mechanism to deal with stress and feel liberated.
4
Not just physical
In this modern dance class, my
biggest takeaways were how movement can communicate emotion, intention,
and story without relying on words. I learned how different qualities of
movement—such as bound versus free flow, sharp versus sustained, or
grounded versus lifted—shape the meaning behind choreography.
Partnering, compositional forms, and exploring rhythms also taught me
how structure and creativity work together. Overall, the class showed me
that dance is not just physical; it’s a form of problem-solving,
expression, and collaboration.
Throughout the semester, I felt
encouraged and supported in our learning environment. Even when the
movement was challenging or out of my comfort zone, the class felt like a
space where experimentation was welcomed. Working with classmates
through duets, group work, and improvisation helped me feel more
confident moving in front of others and more open to trying new ideas. I
appreciated that everyone was learning at their own pace, which made
the class feel positive and motivating.
What I learned in this
course can translate directly into my own field of study. Modern dance
strengthened my ability to think creatively, communicate clearly, and
work collaboratively—skills that matter no matter the profession. The
emphasis on awareness, presence, and reading nonverbal cues can help me
better understand people in professional settings. Most importantly, the
class reminded me that creativity and adaptability are essential tools,
and I can apply those same mindsets to problem-solving, presentations,
teamwork, and any future career path I pursue.
5
Balanced structure and freedom
This
class gave me several important takeaways that helped me grow as both a
mover and a thinker. I learned how movement can tell a story without
words and how dance can express emotions that are hard to explain.
Techniques like expressionism, Laban concepts, frame and portraiture,
and the use of rhythm expanded how I think about choreography and
communication. I also realized how important collaboration is,
especially through the duets and ensemble work. Overall, the class
showed me that dance is not only about steps. It is about the meaning of
your movements, your intentions behind them, and how you can portray it
to your audience.
Learning in this class felt refreshing and
creative. I enjoyed being encouraged to explore movement that came from
real feeling instead of worrying about perfection. I felt the benefit of
the bi-weekly stretching and movements that I did not get to do often.
Dr. Morejon is very good at what he does and is extremely empathetic. He
met our class where we were at and helped teach us valuable lessons
about connecting with our bodies. The way we treat it will dictate how
well it can move and respond to us later in life. The environment felt
supportive and it pushed me to step out of my comfort zone. Working with
classmates helped me see how different people interpret the same prompt
in unique ways, which made every assignment more interesting. I also
felt that the class balanced structure and freedom in a helpful way,
allowing me to understand the concepts while still expressing myself.
I
will apply what I learned to my own field of study in several ways. As
someone pursuing a career in healthcare, especially anesthesia, this
class strengthened my awareness of body language, emotional presence,
and human experience. These skills matter when working with patients.
The focus on communication and empathy will help me connect better with
people in clinical settings. The creative processes we practiced, such
as reflecting, interpreting, and designing movement also translate into
problem solving and thinking outside the box in science and medicine.
Dance helped me understand the body not only as a physical structure but
as a story. That perspective will stay with me in my future work.
6
Each week
excited to learn
My biggest takeaways from this class
have to be starting with body movement awareness and the freedom of
movement I have. Before I took this class I didn't realize that every
movement I was doing was a movement of art. Our bodies create a story of
something beautiful and it can express so much without even saying any
words. Another thing I learned was the freedom of movement I had and my
ability to let loose and let my body express how it wants to express itself with dance
moves. That is why I love this class, because it allowed us to have the
freedom to be.
In this class I came with no expectation about
learning material. I didn't know what to expect because as someone with
zero history in this field I didn't know what to learn but I felt like it was very easy to pick up and retain. Also Jorge' teaching style is
great because we would do specific exercises based on what we were
learning that day. Each part of the material was organized into sections
and were broken down very clearly. I came into this class each week
excited to learn.
Although my field of studies is marketing
and business I will definitely take the meditation and stretching exercises with me throughout my entire life. Jorge always mentioned how
important they are to keep the longevity of your body. Just a simple 10
minute stretch to keep your joints and muscles working will go so far as your body starts to age, and I learned that from Jorge. Next are
the breathing exercises and meditations we did and even before this
class I meditated occasionally but this reminded me how great it is.
7
I learned how to
communicate better
Throughout my modern dance class I
learned how to understand movement in a deeper and more intentional way.
One of the biggest lessons I discovered was how to dance without
relying on music. At first this felt unfamiliar because I am used to
matching rhythm and emotion to sound but dancing without music forced me
to listen to my body more closely. I learned how to feel internal
timing, breath, and weight shifts and how those elements can create
their own sense of musicality. This pushed me out of my comfort zone and
made me more aware of how much power and expression comes from the body
alone.
Another meaningful part of the course was learning to work
with others in a more collaborative and trusting way. Modern dance asks
dancers to share space, rely on each other physically, and respond to
movement in real time rather than following strict choreography. Through
partnering, group exercises, and improvisational work I learned how to
communicate better and stay aware of the people around me. This helped
me understand how connection, trust, and group awareness can elevate a
dance piece and create a stronger sense of community. Working with
others in this environment showed me how important it is to show up as a
supportive and dependable partner.
From this class I gained a new
understanding of creativity, body awareness, and control. I realized
that modern dance is not just about technique but about intention and
presence. I learned how to use breath as a tool, how to create meaning
through simple movements, and how to let go of the need to be perfect.
This class helped me see dance as a language that communicates emotions,
ideas, and experiences without needing words. It also taught me how to
handle discomfort and push through challenges, which has strengthened my
mental resilience and confidence.
I can apply everything I
learned in this class to my future career in medicine. Dancing without
music taught me how to notice subtle details and stay grounded using my
breath, which is essential for keeping calm in medical environments.
Collaborating with classmates taught me how to work in teams, which
directly aligns with working alongside nurses, doctors, and other
healthcare professionals. Modern dance also strengthened my ability to
be present, empathetic, and aware of body language, all of which are
important in patient care. Most importantly, this class helped me
understand how the body communicates stress, tension, and emotion, which
will allow me to connect more meaningfully with patients and approach
medicine with compassion and sensitivity.
9
Express without judgement
This class transformed the way I
understand movement. I came in with no dance background and no
expectations, but I quickly realized how expressive the body can be when
given space to explore. I learned that every gesture, whether shifting
weight, extending through the spine, or simply grounding my feet, has
meaning and can communicate emotion without any words at all. What I
appreciated most was how clearly each concept was introduced and
practiced. The warm-ups always aligned with our focus for the day,
whether isolations, traveling patterns, or floor work, and that
structure helped me feel confident even as a complete beginner. Instead
of feeling pressured to "perform", I felt encouraged to experiment,
listen to my body, and understand how movement translates into
storytelling.
Even though my academic focus isn’t in dance, I know
I’ll carry many of the practices with me far beyond this semester. The
breathing techniques, mobility sequences, and short daily stretching
routines taught me how essential it is to care for my body with
intention not just for flexibility, but for longevity. Learning to
release tension, regulate breath, and move with awareness allowed me to
feel more grounded and present, both in and outside the studio. More
than anything, this class reminded me that movement is a freedom, not a
task. It showed me how to appreciate what my body is capable of, how to
express without judgment, and how to find joy in simply moving.
10
Following my inner sense of movement
Throughout modern dance class this
semester, I learned a variety of movement forms that expanded my
understanding of how dance can express emotion, story, and identity.
Moving within my kinesphere, exploring both slow and flowing motions as
well as fast and rigid ones, helped me discover contrasts in movement
quality. Learning cultural rhythms and dance styles also pushed me to
appreciate the unique character of different movement traditions.
Altogether, these experiences allowed me to combine different rhythms
and dynamics to create an original piece that expresses something
meaningful within me.
As I learned in this class, I allowed myself
to let go and enjoy the process rather than focus on perfection. I
experimented with new movements and explored what felt natural,
expressive, or challenging to my body. This openness helped me grow more
confident in following my inner sense of movement and staying present
in the moment. The class environment encouraged creativity and
experimentation, which made learning both enjoyable and encouraging.
As
I move on, I will apply what I learned to my own field of studies by
being intentional, reflective, and true to myself. This dance class
taught me the value of approaching what I do with authenticity and
awareness, and it reminded me that creativity can strengthen any
discipline. I learned to observe and express ideas clearly: skills that
apply to academic, professional, and personal settings. By carrying this
mindset with me, I hope to continue creating work that is thoughtful,
genuine, and grounded in self-expression.
11
Integrating my mind and body
Mia Scheidter
My biggest takeaway from this course is that dance, especially modern dance, is not so much for the audience as it is for the dancer themself. I have always looked at dance as a performance, where it has to look aesthetically pleasing to the audience, and the more technique you have, the prettier lines, better turns, the more flexible you are, the better the performance for the audience to view. Really what dance is used for is to evoke emotions, mainly within the dancer, and that in turn will have a stronger impact on the audience than just “looking pretty” or having the best technique. The most emotional and impactful pieces for the audience are the ones that the dancer performs for themself, to tell their story and express themself. I’ve never thought of myself as a dancer because I can’t do a pirouette or my toes aren’t pointed with every kick, but I’ve taken away that I can consider myself a dancer because I dance from within. Great choreography doesn’t just have to be about technique, it can use shapes and efforts and random movements that we don’t think mean anything, but they actually do because it is our body guiding us through our story that we can’t express into words.
At first, I did not feel confident with my movements because they felt weird and random and I didn’t think it looked pretty or like a dancer’s movements “should” look like. I didn’t understand that every movement I made could be special or was my body trying to tell me something about myself or something I wanted to share. When I started to understand the meaning of modern dance and self-expression, I felt way more comfortable just exploring what my body wanted to do, even if I felt it didn’t look good to the audience. I loved integrating my mind and body and it really helped me explore
myself as a person, and I feel like I know myself better now after taking this class. I trust my body more now and I feel like I’ve put attention on areas of my body that I’ve never thought to use before. I have a newfound appreciation for my body as an agent to express myself and how I’m feeling, which I didn’t have the confidence to do before because I thought dance had to “look pretty” to be good.
The field that I study is psychology and I think there is so much that can be applied to this area. First, I think modern dance can be used for people who don’t know how to say what they feel, or are even scared to feel what they truly feel. Sometimes when we suppress emotions we don’t want to feel, this makes it so much worse psychologically and I think dance can be a way to attack that in a more comfortable way, and even in a more effective way. Secondly, I noticed a huge decrease in my anxiety when I started taking dance classes and living in my body instead of inside my head. Dance can help
bring you into the present moment and ground you, which is a great way to calm anxiety and help with other mental health struggles. I think mind-body integration is very important part of psychology and understanding psychological issues, and modern dance has given me so many techniques to connect feelings to movement and expressing them,so they don’t consume you.
12
How to move
I learned new dance techniques and how to move with better timing and control.
I felt focused, challenged, and more confident as the class went on.
I can apply what I learned by using better coordination, discipline, and expression in dance and in
everyday life.
13
Connecting physically and mentally to the
work
One of my biggest takeaways from
DAN 211 was developing a deeper understanding of modern dance as both a
technical and expressive art form. Coming from a competitive dance
background, I was used to choreography that emphasized precision,
performance quality, and external aesthetics. This class shifted my
focus inward, helping me understand movement as intention-driven rather
than purely visual. Exploring techniques that helped me see how different movement philosophies can
coexist while offering unique tools for strength, balance, musicality,
and expression. Overall, the course expanded my movement vocabulary and
deepened my appreciation for modern dance as a foundation for creative
exploration.
I felt supported, challenged, and creatively safe
in the learning environment of this class. Unlike competition settings
that can feel high-pressure and outcome-focused, this space encouraged
experimentation, reflection, and personal interpretation. I appreciated
that mistakes were seen as part of the process rather than something to
avoid. The class structure warm-ups, technique, improvisation, and
composition all allowed me to connect physically and mentally to the
work. I also felt encouraged to step outside my comfort zone, especially
when working with new concepts. Overall, the environment felt
collaborative and respectful, which helped me grow more confident in
trusting my body and artistic instincts.
As
an education major with a dance minor, I see many ways to apply what I
learned in this course to my future career. The emphasis on creativity,
embodiment, and self-expression aligns closely with student-centered
teaching practices. I can use modern dance principles, such as
improvisation, storytelling, and movement exploration, to support
kinesthetic learners and create an inclusive classroom environment.
Understanding how movement can communicate emotion and narrative also
gives me tools to integrate dance across subjects like history,
literacy, and social-emotional learning. Additionally, the focus on
process over perfection reinforces the importance of a growth mindset in
education. This course not only strengthened me as a dancer but also
helped shape me into a more thoughtful, creative, and responsive future
educator.
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Sources:
1. Ana Pavlova Quotes. https://www.picturequotes.com/anna-pavlova-quotes#google_vignette
2. Breaking Boundaries: The Revolutionary Spirit of Modern Dance. https://ontariodance.com/breaking-boundaries-the-revolutionary-spirit-of-modern-dance/
3. New Dance. https://soundcloud.com/ayybo/new-dance
4. Not Just Dance. https://notjustdance.net/our-classes/dance-classes/
5. Freedom through Structure. https://www.ultimatetango.com/freedom-through-structure
6. Star Stretching. https://altusfineart.com/products/eva-koleva-timothy-star-stretching-girl-stars-stairs?srsltid=AfmBOop5TUOgwRF1GgtYCzfRSH2eBmCukU22VkTLXi8KRlIgSPMn9NyY
7. The Dance of Nov-Verbal Communication. https://www.nlpcourses.com/the-dance-of-non-verbal-communication-types-of-nonverbal-cues-reading-body-language/
8. Self Empathy Dance. https://www.cnvc.org/store/self-empathy-dance
9. Dance Express & Tumbling. https://www.danceexpressstudio.com/
10. Inner Sense: How the New Science of Interoception Can Revolutionize Your Health. https://www.amazon.com/Inner-Sense-Science-Interoception-Revolutionize/dp/1778403026
11. Dance Curriculum Designs. https://dancecurriculumdesigns.com/product/dance-for-the-body-and-for-the-mind-and-for-the-creative-spirit/
12. How We Learn to Move: A Revolution in the Way We Coach & Practice Sports Skills. https://www.amazon.com/How-We-Learn-Move-Revolution-ebook/dp/B09K1T1TG4
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