Global Dance Journey: Creativity, Culture, and Transformation Across Borders

MOVING INTERNATIONALLY: A Journey of Creativity, Culture and Transformation

BY Nia Gopika Womack-Freeman

NOVEMBER 1, 2015, PUBLISHED BY IN DANCE

My curiosity about dance was sparked during a Chinese neighborhood park class. I joined to immerse myself in the local culture, practice my Chinese language skills and learn new dance moves. This experience led me to wonder how I could use Creative Dance as an effective tool for professional growth.

I discovered Creative Dance at Mills College in 1996 and later incorporated it into my work with Los Angeles Unified School District’s Arts Program from 2004 to 2008, where I used its elementsbody movement, space exploration, time manipulation, and energy transmissionto teach students. The class structure promoted creativity while also developing cognitive, physical, socio-emotional, and communication skills.

When faced with statewide budget cuts in LAUSD forcing me to seek new opportunities, China presented an intriguing mix of cultural challenges and career advancement potential for someone like myself passionate about dance, spirituality, community, travel, learning and self-expression. In 2010, I moved to Shangh, seeking alignment with my core values as a teacher through international experiences.

Creative Dance relies heavily on descriptive verbal cues, freedom of expression, and the cultivation of creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities from dancers themselves. China provided an environment where these principles were both beneficial and challenging. While language barriers required adaptation, the principles remned effective tools in my teaching approach.

In Shangh, I navigated cross-cultural challenges while acknowledging that Creative Dance's foundational framework was versatile and adaptable. It was a process of discovery and growth as I explored how dance could bridge cultural divides and promote community understanding.

The experience took me to new places: China deepened my understanding of cultural dynamics through the lens of dance, Malaysia exposed me to diverse dance forms like Malaysian Court Dances, Zapin, Joget, and fused styles with contemporary dance. Each move was a step towards personal and professional development.

In each settingfrom the dynamic classrooms of Los Angeles public schools, vibrant Shangh parks, to the multicultural landscape of international educational institutionsI relied on creativity as my compass through hardships. This became an invaluable tool in building community cohesion across diverse backgrounds and cultures.

My journey overseas allowed for exploration of modern dance techniques alongside cultural dances from West Africa and India, inspiring growth as both an artist and traveler. The decade I spent abroad taught me the value of resilience and innovation when faced with adversity or new situations.

Upon returning to Berkeley, California, Dancers' Group provided a platform that not only offered me opportunities for professional development but also connected me to a community of fellow dance enthusiasts. Being able to contribute my experiences from overseas by leveraging my skills in a service organization setting has enriched my understanding and appreciation for the dynamic relationship between life and art.

In , I see the power of Creative Dance as an integral part not only of my professional career but also as a source of personal growth and transformation across international boundaries. The lessons learned abroad have become a fundamental part of my identity as a dance educator committed to fostering creativity, community, and cultural exchange in all aspects of my work.

Trning in modern dance alongside West African and Indian cultural dances has been an inspiring journey that complements my artistic expression globally. Over ten years of serving San Francisco Bay Area artists through various institutionsboth domestically and internationallyI have honed my skills as a dance teaching artist and cultural ambassador, making meaningful contributions to the vibrant dance landscape.

As a member of Dancers' Group, I receive updates, resources and information that allow me to stay connected with the evolving field of dance in my local community. This connection enriches not only my professional eavors but also personal growth by fostering creativity across various contextswhether it be on stage or off.
This article is reproduced from: https://dancersgroup.org/2015/11/moving-internationally-creative-cultural-journey/

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