My life has been filled with tights, leotards, hairspray, and shoe fittings. I have been a dancer for 13 years. I first fell in love with the movement after joining a hip-hop after-school club. Later, I immersed myself in ballet, pointe, and modern. I practiced twice a week for two hours each time. Every few months, I performed in front of family and friends, showcasing what I had learned. Even during the pandemic, I found a way to continue my lessons online, practicing relevés and leaps in my bedroom. After so much time, dance became a part of who I was.
In my senior year, however, dance started to move down my list of priorities. Applying to college, figuring out finances, and making time for loved ones began to occupy all my time. Dance felt more like a chore than an activity I enjoyed. Eventually, I stopped dancing altogether.
I grew up Mexican-American, and my parents taught me to be proud of my heritage and embrace my culture. Since childhood, I had admired Folklórico, a traditional style of dancing. I was fascinated by the way women’s skirts moved, transforming into blooming flowers with the vibrant fabric. When I decided to move to Washington, DC for college, I never imagined I would continue dancing. Although I loved it, I thought of my participation as a temporary part of my life. I was also terrified of doing something so “culturally traditional.” Growing up in Denver, Colorado, where Latinos make up only 13.4 percent of the population, I already felt like the odd one out – the only Latina in my friend group, dance classes, or even on my neighborhood block. I was proud of my heritage, but afraid of standing out even more. That fear followed me throughout my dance career, keeping me from venturing out, so I stuck to what I knew: ballet and modern.
In my second week of college, I decided to join the GW Folklórico dance team. Nervous and unsure what to expect, I was met with a community that welcomed me with open arms and bright smiles. Over the past weeks, I have fallen back in love with dance, not only building new connections but also learning about my culture and showcasing it in such a unique way. I even had the privilege to perform at the White House for Hispanic Heritage Month! I will always consider myself a ballet dancer, but I am no longer just that. This experience has shown me the duality and openness of my identity. As I continue my journey here, I want to keep exploring the intricacies of my culture and myself.
Mia Portillo is a Cisneros Scholar majoring in Political Science. Mia’s views are her own and not necessarily reflective of the Cisneros Institute.