A Blank Canvas

This past weekend, I had the privilege of spending time with my dance family, Blank Canvas Dance Company, at UNC. As I reflect on that experience, I feel compelled to share why I believe the concept of a blank canvas is so vital in life and how dance serves as a powerful way to bring people together to tell unique stories.

As I’ve mentioned in my Tiny Tutu blog, I've been dancing since I was two years old. My journey began at a small-town recreational studio, and over the years, I had the opportunity to be part of various dance teams: from competition teams to precision groups, to my high school dance team. Each of these experiences was special in its own way. They brought together different people, exposed me to other dance styles, and allowed me to share my story in new and creative ways.

On my way home from my fall showcase this weekend, I was chatting with my dad about how special it has been to have a “blank canvas” in life. And what’s even more incredible is that Blank Canvas Dance Company, the group I’m part of, embodies this idea perfectly. When you come together to dance, you step into a shared space where everyone—regardless of background—contributes to telling one collective story. It’s a beautiful reminder of how life, much like a blank canvas, allows us to create something meaningful, with endless possibilities.

Whether you’re from a big city or a small town, whether you grew up in a certain economic class or cultural environment, or whether you’ve been dancing your whole life or just started, dance brings us together. It transcends those differences. And when you step into a rehearsal or performance, all of that fades away, and you’re left with a shared purpose—to tell a story. A choreographed story that has the power to move others, just like the music we listen to on the radio evokes memories or emotions.

One of my favorite aspects of Blank Canvas has been the people I’ve met. The way our club operates is unique—at the start of each semester, we’re given a proposal video for each dance, and we choose which ones we want to join based on the concept, the timing of the rehearsals, and the vibe of the piece.

This semester, I had the privilege of working with one of the most talented and inspiring choreographers I’ve met— Hannah Meyer . What stands out most about her work is how deeply she connects with the stories she tells through dance. One piece she created this semester, titled United In Grief, was especially powerful. In this dance, she opened up about her own experience with grief and invited the dancers to reflect that same emotion in their movement. The way she expressed her journey through this piece, and how she encouraged each of us to find our interpretation of grief through dance, was profoundly moving. It felt like a raw, emotional conversation without words—just movement and expression. Being part of that process was an honor.

As I watched the other dances this weekend, I was blown away by the creativity and emotion in each performance. It’s impossible not to experience that "dance FOMO" when you are surrounded by such talent and passion. But what struck me the most was how each piece, whether lighthearted or deeply emotional, was a reflection of the choreographer’s unique perspective. It reminded me how the dance floor is a space where stories are shared, where differences are celebrated, and where every person—regardless of their background—can come together to create something beautiful.

In a world that often feels chaotic and divided, dance offers a rare opportunity to pause, come together, and share our humanity. Just like a blank canvas, it gives us the freedom to express, connect, and tell stories that transcend our individual experiences.