Alice Chae, Sunny Hills High School, 10th Grade
Growing up in the U.S. as part of a Korean family, I often felt disconnected from my heritage. My parents spoke Korean at home, cooked traditional meals, and celebrated holidays, but I never fully engaged with the culture in a meaningful way. I was always curious about my roots, but I never found the opportunity to look into it.
When I heard about the PAVA Korean Traditional Dance Team, I realized that this was the golden opportunity to connect with my culture. I had always admired the traditional Korean dance, with its flowing movements and vibrant colors. Joining the team felt like the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into my culture.
Walking into that first practice was both exciting and intimidating. The studio was filled with music and laughter. I felt a wave of nervousness wash over me as I realized I didn’t know anyone, and I was worried if I would fit in. But as I looked around, I saw the excitement in the faces of the other dancers, and I felt a sense of belonging starting to form.
The first time I held a sogo, it felt almost surreal. Under the guidance of our instructor, I learned the powerful but graceful movements and how to express emotions through each hit and turn. It was challenging at first, but with every practice, I felt more connected to the dance.
As the weeks went by, I not only honed my dancing skills but also began to strengthen the friendships with my teammates. They welcomed me into their group, sharing stories about their own journeys with the dance team.
The highlight of my experience came when we prepared for our first performance. I felt a mix of eagerness and anxiety, but I was surrounded by friends who had become like family. Together, we practiced tirelessly, supporting each other through the ups and downs.
When the day of the performance finally arrived, I stepped onto the stage wearing my hanbok, the colors vibrant and beautiful. As the music began, I took a deep breath and put on a big smile. At that moment, I was no longer just a girl trying to connect with her culture; I was a part of the culture, expressing the beauty of my heritage through movement.
As I danced, I felt a deep sense of pride and belonging. The crowd’s applause was not just for the performance, but for the representation we were sharing through our dance. That moment solidified my connection to my culture in a way I had never experienced before.
Joining the PAVA dance team has been one of the most fulfilling decisions of my life. It opened doors to not only embrace my Korean heritage but also to build lasting friendships. I discovered that dance is not just about movement; it’s about connection and the joy of celebrating who we are. Through traditional Korean dancing, I found my roots, and I will always be grateful.
