By Samantha Roman

As a competitive dancer, I have experienced beautiful moments and plenty of defeat. There is the constant expectation to look perfect, which takes a huge toll on a dancer’s mental health. In dance you are always told to be perfect, to execute complex steps with a certain emotion. Trying to be perfect can get frustrating and discouraging. It’s hard to avoid comparison. 

For me, I try to make a dance bubble where I focus on me and what feels right for my body. Dance can be beautiful. Whether it is watching performers on stage or passing on knowledge to the next generation of dancers, I can always find moments of beauty in dance. 

For three years I have been assisting at my dance studio with kids ages two to eight. This has been a highlight of my week. I loved helping out and connecting with the students. One of the seven-year-old girls wanted to assist in her younger sister’s class. I was touched that one of my girls wanted to be like me. I hope I can be a role model to younger dancers.

Samantha Roman (she/her) ‘28 is a psychology major from Marblehead, Massachusetts. She loves dance, photography, and baking.