Student dances for fun

By Jessica McDonald

mcdo0361@algonquincollege.com

Pointing toes, plies, and pirouettes are more than dance definitions for Ayssa Gauthier. They are methods of expression – techniques to perform and perfect.

“It’s a way to express yourself – art of the body, self-expression – it’s just something I’ve always done to get things off my mind,” said Gauthier, first-year human and community student at Algonquin.

Since the age of six, she has danced everything from ballet to jazz to hip hop.

Even though dancing is not considered a sport, the health benefits of dance are obvious to any dancer, she explained.

“It keeps you in shape, keeps your muscles (strong), and (is) good for your mind. If you’re having a bad day, people who love dance get on the floor and everything negative is gone,” she explained.

Being a dancer involves dedication and hard work. Gauthier would wake up every morning, go for a run, do her stretches, go to school, then go to her dance practice.

“I would go to practice, dance, go home and then listen to the song over and over to get some feeling to that song.”

Last year, Gauthier formed a hip hop group at Algonquin, and although the club is no longer active, she learned a lot from the experience.

“It’s not really happening this year. I took the initiative, it was a lot harder than I thought it would be a lot of work,” she said.

But her love for dance didn’t end when the group did. This year she plans to try salsa dancing.

 “Everything that you try is going to be some sort of obstacle ... It’s a new step you’re learning, and a new way of pushing yourself,” said Gauthier.

She suggests for those who are interested in learning a new dance style, to be patient because it takes time to learn new steps.

“You’re not going to get everything off the bat. You have to push yourself every time,” she added.