Embarking on our DUTI dance journey
First published in February 2021
At the beginning of 2021, a group of ten strangers from diverse backgrounds and dance experiences embarked on our DUTI (Dancing Under the Influence) three-month training program.
At our first meet-and-greet, we all felt that ‘first-day-of-school’ energy. After the initial nerves, I was put at ease by the diversity within the group and was comforted in seeing how the program attracted people from all walks of life.
Not only were we from different walks of life – including a mixed bag of students, artists, working professionals and entrepreneurs - our levels of dance experience and styles of training varied from person to person. Our lil’ crew consisted of technically trained dancers, street dancers, those coming back to dance after a long hiatus and those at the beginning of their dance journey.
DUTI Training Program 2021 cohort
Why we’re here…
The purpose of this intensive four-day-a-week program is to focus solely on dance techniques and foundations, elevating the quality of movement in each individual. Beyond the training element of the course, we were drawn to enrol in the course for a range of different reasons, to:
improve technique and ability to learn choreography
increase versatility in dance training
honour childhood passions
immerse yourself in dance and movement after experiencing chronic illness
train to become professional dancers
use dance as a form of daily meditation and improve mental health.
What we want to get out of it…
By committing to dance in this four-day-a-week program, plus additional drop-in dance classes, we hope to improve our technical dance skills. On top of technique, we hope to:
adapt to different styles and improve choreography retention
increase stamina and strength
develop own style and performance quality
gain more experience in unfamiliar dance styles
become more confident and connect more with our bodies
connect more with our bodies.
One week in…
One week into the course, it was clear that our bodies were sore. The immense amount of physical activity was a shock to the system. For some, it was a mixed bag of emotions, where some were still processing the sensations. For others, it was a mental game, involving acknowledging negative self-talk and ego that surfaced during challenging moments.
Despite the pain and exhaustion, we were still happy and hungry for more, with a sense of excitement for what was to come. Across the board, there was a huge sense of gratitude to be able to commit ourselves to dance for this short period. One of the greatest surprises was the group's positivity and welcoming energy. For me, the energy and effort that everyone brings just shows that we are all where we are meant to be.
Dance is for everybody…
The diversity of experience, skills and backgrounds of the cohort is a microcosm of the dance experience. Dance is inherently part of what it means to be human and can be a tool for personal liberation and fulfilment. We’re claiming our human birthright to dance and are happy to be embarking on this journey together.
Stay tuned to hear more about our progression through the program.
