Dance Adventures: True Stories About Dancing Abroad

Have you ever dreamt of dancing your way through different countries, exploring diverse cultures, and immersing yourself in the world of dance? Dance adventures are a perfect way to combine your passion for dance with the excitement of travel. In this article, we will share some thrilling true stories about dancers who embarked on incredible journeys abroad, experiencing the power of movement and artistic expression in various corners of the world.

The Salsa Extravaganza in Cuba

Picture yourself in the vibrant streets of Havana, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors and the rhythm of salsa music echoing through the air. This is exactly what happened to Ana, a passionate salsa dancer who decided to take a journey to Cuba, the birthplace of salsa. Ana joined a local dance school, where she honed her skills and learned from the best instructors. She was thrilled to participate in a salsa extravaganza, an event that showcased the mesmerizing talent of local dancers. The energy and passion she experienced in Cuba stayed with her forever, inspiring her to continue her dance journey beyond borders.

From Tango to Patagonia: The Argentine Adventure

Argentina is known for its fiery tango, which embodies sensuality, passion, and elegance. Laura, an adventurous dancer, set her sights on exploring this rich dance form in its place of origin. She signed up for a tango immersion program in Buenos Aires, where she delved deep into the intricate steps and movements that make this dance so captivating. After weeks of practice, Laura couldn't resist the allure of nature and decided to venture into the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia. She danced beside towering mountains and glistening lakes, showcasing the fusion of dance and nature.

Dance Adventures: True Stories About Dancing Abroad

by Megan Taylor Morrison (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19045 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	306 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Breaking Boundaries in Breakdancing: Tokyo Tales

Tokyo, the bustling metropolis of Japan, became the stage for Alex, a talented breakdancer who sought to explore a different dance style amidst a completely new cultural environment. He connected with a local breakdancing crew and was amazed by their robotic movements and innovative choreography. Alex participated in underground dance battles, where he faced off against Tokyo's finest breakdancers. Despite the language barrier, dance served as a universal language, and Alex found himself bonding with dancers from different backgrounds, united by the shared love for their craft.

Ballet in the Land of Flamenco: Seville Serenade

Clara, a dedicated ballet dancer, had always dreamed of visiting Spain, the enchanting land known for its passionate flamenco dance. She packed her bags and flew to Seville, where she enrolled in a prestigious ballet academy. Clara's days were filled with rigorous training, mastering ballet techniques while immersing herself in the city's vibrant flamenco culture. She marveled at the fusion of grace and intensity in both dance forms, finding inspiration in the rich history and traditions of Andalusia.

Embracing Bollywood: Mumbai Magic

Aspiring actress and dancer, Priya, could think of no better place to fulfill her dreams than the dynamic city of Mumbai, the heart of the Bollywood film industry. She auditioned for various dance roles and landed a position in a Bollywood dance troupe. Priya was captivated by the glamorous costumes, energetic choreography, and the blend of classical Indian and contemporary dance styles. Dancing alongside Bollywood stars, she experienced the magic and allure of the Indian film industry, bringing her passion for dance to the silver screen.

These dance adventures are just a glimpse into the countless stories waiting to be written by passionate dancers around the world. Dancing abroad allows individuals to break boundaries, embrace new cultures, and forge unforgettable connections through the language of movement. Whether it's salsa in Cuba, tango in Argentina, breakdancing in Tokyo, ballet in Seville, or Bollywood in Mumbai, exploring dance internationally is a transformative experience that enriches lives and opens doors to a world filled with rhythm and expression.

Dance Adventures: True Stories About Dancing Abroad

by Megan Taylor Morrison (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19045 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	306 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

PRAISE FOR DANCE ADVENTURES:

"This book is indispensable in light of the current social momentum with regard to Black lives and the dismantling of violent systems. Many of the stories portray the experiences of individuals in whom multiple languages, customs, and spaces coexist, and for whom dance is the unifying factor."
--Moncell Durden, Assistant Professor of Practice, USC Kaufman School of Dance

"A heartwarming, humorous, and enlightening anthology, Dance Adventures is a pivotal text capturing rich narratives that can help students prepare for the unknown and integrate their own life-changing experiences from dancing abroad."
--Rick Southerland, MFA, Associate Professor of Dance, Goucher College, past president of the National Dance Education Organization (2016-2018)

"In a pandemic-gripped world full of restrictions and uncertainties, Dance Adventures offers readers an escape. This diverse collection of stories encourages us to dream of embodied explorations, and once more to discover human connectivity through dance and movement."
--Jen Peters, dance writer, performer, and teacher

About Dance Adventures:

This anthology includes 19 true stories written by a diverse group of renowned performers, dedicated dance teachers, dance scholars, and other avid dance travelers who:

● Explore their craft in locations tied to their family history and discover how dance helps them connect with their heritage;
● Build bonds and community with locals through a shared love of movement;
● Challenge their assumptions, embrace the unknown and find surprising new truths by saying “yes” to spontaneous opportunities; or
● Reflect on who they are and discover how dance can make them a better version of themselves.

"Dance Adventures" contributors hail from all corners of the world, and the stories take place in 17 different countries: India, China, England, Ghana, Senegal, Indonesia, Philippines, Hungary, Angola, Brazil, Morocco, Cuba, Guinea, China, The Bahamas, Argentina, and Mozambique. They highlight various dance traditions, as well as unique aspects of each country’s geography, history, demographics and educational systems. 

The book is divided into four parts:

Roots: Join Makeda Kumasi (West African dance), Ted Samuel (Karagattam dance), Courtney Celeste Spears (a dancer with Alvin Ailey), and Kara Nepomuceno (pangalay) as they travel to a country connected to their heritage.

Finding Community: No friends? No problem! Connecting with others through a shared love of movement helped Damilare Adeyeri (Hungarian dance), Carolyn McPherson (kizomba), Tina Shield (lindy hop), Gabrielle Brigida Macalintal (Ugandan dance), and Melaina Spitzer (samba and forro) find their place.

Unexpected Experiences: In these stories, Alex Milweski (break dancing), Nneya Richardson (Cuban salsa), Laurie Bonner Baker (lindy hop), Peter Benjamin (corrido), and Natalie Preddie (ballet) are surprised and enriched by what they discover through their dance travels.

Personal Development: Lisa Josefsson (Mozambican dance), Khalila Fordham (Ghanaian dance), Zsuzsi Kapas (Joged Amerta Movement), Helen Styring Tocci (West African dance), and Megan Taylor Morrison (West African dance) share stories about how dancing abroad challenged us to live with more self-expression, grow our self-love, heal old traumas, or otherwise evolve in positive ways.