Natalie Liu’s reflection

Fall 2023 Dance Generator’s Assistant

This past Fall semester, I had the amazing opportunity to be an assistant for Dance Generators. Before I declared a gerontology minor, I hadn’t heard about Dance Generators so I was so glad to have been offered this experience! As someone who has no dance background, I was quite nervous to be working with a dance company, but upon meeting all the members, all I felt was an over-pouring of support. Seeing and being able to participate in dances without judgment or critique was a refreshing experience because it just went to show that everyone was there to have a good time. Regardless of your age, dance is highly adaptable, thus can be made more advanced or simplified to fit each person’s individual abilities. I remember going to the Sunday workshops and thinking to myself, how was I going to fit in when I didn’t know “how to dance”. However, even within the first class, I felt welcomed. It didn’t feel like I was dancing for anyone but myself. That helped me to have a deeper connection with all the older adults, as we made movements that felt comfortable for each of us. I found joy in seeing younger and older adults come together to do something that they loved and it made me realize how simple life is. As a younger adult, I was able to learn a lot from the older adults (whether it was about dance or just life) and I felt like the older adults always appreciated what I had to say. Aside from assisting and participating with dance workshops, I also had the opportunity to do a lot of “behind the scenes” work that was fun to learn about. I learned how to manage a website, manage social media pages, handle professional emails and interactions, and capture the beauty of Dance Generators members in real time. I am so thankful to have met all the incredible members of Dance Generators. This experience has shown me how simple life truly is and how stepping outside your comfort can bring good people and good things. When you are surrounded by people who are kind and caring, helping to build a bridge between different generations is like a walk in the park. As I prepare to go into the world of caring for others in their most vulnerable times of life, I hope to take one of the aspects that stood out most to me at Dance Generators. That is, a connection can be made anywhere regardless of age and abilities, as long as everyone tries their best and supports one another.