Hi everyone! My name is Isabella Hanson, and I am a junior dance and creative media major here at the university! I write this sitting in the airport, anticipating every moment that is to come with my trip abroad. I am participating in a faculty led program with the Yonder Contemporary Dance Company to Edinburgh, Scotland. There, our group will perform with thousands of other live performers across the world at the renowned Fringe Festival, tour the city, and earn so much valuable insight on performance quality.
With my final moments in the states approaching, I can’t help but wonder just how drastic life is elsewhere. I have never been out of the country, so I am excited to notice all the little things that differ between my life in the U.S and that of someone living outside of it. What all will I miss? What all will I want to take back? I am definitely anticipating the culture shock to be strong.
I’m hoping that studying abroad will expand my perspective. The defining characteristic of the Fringe Festival is that it is diverse — there are people from every culture sharing their art. As an aspiring dancer and choreographer, I’m eager to see how being exposed to new kinds of art will affect my own. Maybe I can bring back a piece of Edinburgh to Tuscaloosa in a new and creative way!
I have packed all my things, prepared my body for the performances ahead, and said a temporary “goodbye” to where I call home. I am ready to gather all I can from this experience and open a new chapter in my artistry!
