Performing student
Tyler Persson shares how an experiential learning opportunity has enhanced his time at BYU
I’m not the best dancer at BYU. Actually, I’d say that I’m fairly average amongst the incredibly talented individuals I am constantly surrounded with, both on my own International Folk Dance Ensemble, as well as among the other dance groups I associate with. Despite this, I often feel my dance classes at BYU are somewhat limited — the things we learn don't feel entirely out of reach, and I can learn all of the material adequately in a semester or so (albeit, with a lot of hard work). It isn't often that I encounter things I recognize as unattainably beyond my current skill level. However, while in China with BYU Spectacular, we folk dancers attended an exchange workshop at Minzu University (known for being one of the premier universities for Chinese ethnic minorities, which is expressed especially well in its large dance program); this experience shattered my feelings of relative competency in dance and performance. I saw people performing at levels far beyond my current ability — to dance like they do would require years of persistent learning, and even then, I feel like I wouldn't do it all justice. Much of my experience in China served as a reminder that there is such a wealth of knowledge to gain, no limit to the abilities to be attained and no small amount of hard work to be exerted to gain it all. China has reinvigorated me to work harder to achieve heights previously beyond my vision.
In addition, as I reflect on my time in China, it's clear that all of my knowledge and ability means very little without people to share it with. This BYU Spectacular tour was about people, not about performances. The interactions that we had with people in lobbies, on the streets or in any other daily comings and goings were poignant reminders of this. This puts the knowledge and abilities I've gained (and will continue to gain) into the greater context of benefiting people. It's easier now to ask myself, 'How will what I am learning be of use to someone else?' In these two ways (among others), the people in China have left their mark on me. My renewed determination to work harder and achieve more than before, and my growing understanding of the ties between my learning and the people it benefits are treasures to me. The publication of student articles allows the College of Fine Arts and Communications to highlight the experiential learning opportunities and behind-the-scenes experiences of students and faculty and tell stories with a unique voice and point of view. Submit your story at cfac.byu.edu.