Hip Hop Identity Crisis: Purpose

When someone asks who you are, do you say, "I'm a dancer?" If so, what does that really mean? Does dance say everything about who we are inside or is there more to us than just dancing? Most of us would easily answer the "who are you" question by saying we're dancers. It's part of our identity. It's our passion. It's our lifestyle. But what happens when dance leaves our lives against our wishes? Who do we become and where does that leave us?

Whether you're a choreo dancer or a freestyler, your life has likely been consumed with practices, sessions, and continual training that eats up every waking hour of your life. Even with jobs, school, family and social obligations; somehow we find time to keep dancing. But are we losing out on other areas of our lives? Is it possible that we're not allowing ourselves to fully mature in the face of life's challenges by turning to dance too much?

Many of us are young and have fewer responsibilities. Some of us are older and are juggling marriage and supporting a family. We're forced to adapt as our lives are shaped day after day. Only purpose can give us a consistency in our dance journey. If we know why we dance, then that answer will help us to understand if the only thing that defines us is dancing or if there's something more. There's nothing wrong with being passionate about dancing. It just becomes an issue if the rest of our lives are empty shells.

Maybe it's better to see ourselves as people who can dance, not "dancers." There's a slight distinction in terminology but the subtext can be deep. Challenge yourself by asking how you value your self-worth. Where does your confidence come from? What are you most afraid of? The next time someone asks who you are, ask yourself who you are without dance in your life.