Firsthand: Experiences and reflections of a lifelong dancer

While for most of us, or at least for me, dancing is perhaps no more than an arduous course required to pass eleventh grade, to STEM 11D’s Trixia Mendeguarin, it is a masterful craft and a source of relaxation, an avenue on a journey of self-discovery.

It all started when at the tender age of three years old, Trixia began dancing. She recounted

I remember my mom telling me that I got excited because I got to perform in pretty costumes and put on my own makeup when I was young.

Not long after, she received accolades from the Royal Academy of Dance Examinations in 2013 and 2015.

But like any other journey, hers was not a smooth road, not free of bumps and hurdles along the way.

For the most part, it was a battle with myself. I reached a point where I stopped dancing for three years to try sports because I felt stuck. I get into slumps, and there were definitely times when I didn't want to dance at all. But, this did not make me give up on what I'm passionate about.

Similarly, in the 2016 hit anime series Yuri on Ice, the main protagonist, 23-year-old Japanese figure skater Yuri Katsuki, also found himself developing indifference toward his passion. After a heartbreaking defeat in a prestigious international competition, he walked away from his figure skating career to return to his hometown. But as that Hannah Montana song says, “you’ll always find your way back home.” After a series of revelatory occurrences, Yuri regained his motivation and passion, one that is even more powerful than the one he had before.

Interestingly enough, watching this anime is what inspired Trixia to return to dancing. She recalled

I saw how graceful the skaters were, and it ignited a torch within me that I had once put out. People could call it weird, but I realized that I still love dancing, thanks to the show.

She is a testament to how dancing positively impacts the body, the spirit, and the mind. Having a history of asthma, she said that it improved her physical well-being. In fact, in a 2020 UK study, dance has been shown to be beneficial to the health of people with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) such as asthma. Nevertheless, it is recommended that individuals with CRDs first consult with a doctor before engaging in physical activity.

Aside from an enhanced respiratory system, she added that dancing also improved her body coordination, boosted her self-confidence, and enhanced her learning abilities. In a psychological sense, to her, dancing serves as a getaway from the problems of everyday life. Indeed, It is a recurring theme in writings on the subject that dance is somewhat of a safety valve for releasing tensions and pent-up emotions. Essentially, dancing helps her and other dancers relax more.

Additionally, dancing taught her discipline and enhanced her memorization skills. She said

I noticed that I could pick up steps quickly and be able to perform them within seconds of being demonstrated by my teacher.

Lastly, she added that dancing could also be way of socializing with other people.

Currently, Trixia is a member of DLSU Senior High School's Animove Dance Group. Among the different dance genres, she has spent the longest time training in ballet, though she also does contemporary and hip hop, the former of which is her personal favorite. In Animove’s recent production, “Yesteryear,” she performed as a part of the contemporary group.

Trixia Mendeguarin in Animove Dance Group’s Yesteryear Concert

It takes a lot of effort and patience to master your craft. There is always room for improvement, and you have to understand that there are days when things don't fall into place. And in case that happens, listen to yourself and rest before you bounce back. - Trixia Mendeguarin says of her journey.