Meet Violet | Binford Dance Company Feature | Year Six
The Binford Dance Company was established in 2016. It is an audition-based student dance company from Binford Middle School, an arts integrated school located in Richmond, VA. Company members study Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Improvisation, and Composition within the Binford dance program. The company has performed throughout the community including: The 2019 Superintendent’s State of the Schools Address, Generation Dream, Richmond Public Schools Fine Arts Festival, Strawberry Street Festival, Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology, Petersburg Home for Ladies, and Cedarfield Retirement Community. The company also had the opportunity to perform in the music videos “Have It All” and “Love Is Still The Answer” by Jason Mraz. The Binford Dance Company inspires students to find their own voice through performance and choreography while learning valuable skills in the rehearsal process including collaboration, respect, and confidence.
This year the company dancers met at the VMFA and chose their favorite spots to showcase their movement and choreography they have learned through this year’s dance curriculum.
MEET violet
VIOLET - 8th grade
My Relationship with Dance
My relationship with dancing had always been a beautiful thing. Going to my dance studio had always been something I looked forward to and enjoyed. Unfortunately, in the past couple of months, a lot has changed in my viewpoint towards dancing.
Being a part of my old dance studio, mean’t constant commitment, pressure, and critique. Overtime, going to my everyday classes turned into a dreaded task. Everytime I walked into the building, I felt like my skill set and the image I made for myself were being stripped from me each time. At some point, that pressure became way too much for me. My mental and physical health were put on the line, so I had to choose between one of my greatest passions or myself. It was hard, but I chose to let my mind and body heal for the better and dancing would always be there waiting for me.
Through this time, I’ve found that allowing yourself to be you and experiment with what you want to do is okay. Doing what truly makes you happy is more important than being the best at anything. Ms. Perkinson showed me that I could use dancing as a way to connect with others and put myself out there. I found peace in the fact that I could create my own movement, be more present with myself, and experiment with what I love. Ms. Perkinson reshaped the way I viewed dancing, and I will forever be grateful for her love, and support throughout my journey.
While my emotions through dancing have changed, I still love it with every part of my body. I’ve just allowed myself to breathe and take it one step at a time. I have found new passions that I will continue to explore, dancing with a new studio will hopefully be one of them soon. Being a part of the Binford Dance Company has saved me in so many ways, and I couldn’t thank Ms. Perkinson enough for the connection she makes with all of her dancers. I am so glad to have a new relationship with dance and myself. Never be afraid to find a new love in your life, you have all the time in the world.
