Where is BodyHype?
Compiled by: Olivia Sakaguchi
When classes started this Fall, it was difficult to imagine a semester without late-night rehearsals in Murphy or finals cram sessions in Frist. Yet in cities far from Princeton, BodyHype members have found ways to adapt to the virtual semester. In order to learn more about how BodyHype is spending its time outside of the Orange Bubble, we caught up with members about where they are living, how they are staying connected to dance, and their adjustment to a virtual semester.
Auset
I’ve been extremely busy with school and research, but dance has always been my favorite way to unwind. I was living in Washington D.C. for most of the semester, but I remained connected to the Princeton dance community through the dance department’s Zoom Happy Hour dance sessions as well as rehearsal for the senior piece!
Completing a semester via zoom has been very exhausting. The increased screen time is draining and strains my eyeballs. However, I’m grateful to have zoom and video chat to connect with friends - whom I miss dearly!
Kyle
This semester has been difficult to say the least— MAE courses and labs are definitely meant to be in person, but our professors have been able to adapt their courses and teaching to fit the virtual format pretty well. Knowing that my fellow classmates were going through the same struggles was comforting and built a unique sense of camaraderie, and I think we’ll all walk out of this semester with truly valuable experiences.
I really haven’t been dancing that much this semester because I don’t have much room in my house, but being stuck at home for so long just makes me want to get back to dancing even more when we’re fully able to return to campus!!
Elena
This has actually been the first time since elementary school that I am not dancing full-time and it definitely makes it a different semester. I have more time to work, but I think when I have dance scheduled into my day I work more efficiently.
I was extremely fortunate to live with four of my friends (who are BodyHype members too) in Princeton this semester. They were all on gap years and doing internships. It was always great to plan meals, go on walks around campus, and watch movies while I procrastinated. Learning online tricks you into thinking that you should be working 24/7, but with my friends distracting me from time to time, I took breaks I didn’t realize I needed!
Marissa
I am currently residing in Philadelphia with some close friends! Throughout our time here, I have completely fallen in love with this city and its people, who somehow still manage to be optimistic and enthusiastic (particularly after Philly swung the election!!) in the face of such difficult times.
Although adjusting to a full semester of virtual learning has been difficult, it has definitely renewed my gratitude for what I have had in the past and what I am currently privileged enough to have now. I think that when we return to campus, I will have a much greater appreciation for all of the small things that Princeton has to offer.
Ysa
My relationship to dance has become a lot more intimate and personal, and with that, I’m more intentional about carving out space in my day to just dance. Maintaining a daily practice of improvisation helps me to continue to be creative and lets me invite wonder and curiosity to the space I’m living in. Making work as part of my dance thesis and Princeton Dance Festival (PDF) has been a huge way that I’ve stayed connected to dance and gives me a way to connect with others around me.
I’m currently living in Princeton, New Jersey (the unceded land of the Lenni-Lenape people). I really enjoy the proximity to other students as well as to nature. I often dance outside on lawns or in parks, and I love having the ability to gather with others outdoors and dance.
Sometimes it is hard to find solace in the optimistic words said about these unprecedented times. But a common theme BodyHype members touched on is the opportunity for self-reflection. Whether we learned the value of a well-deserved break, the importance of carving out time for creative practice, or the love we have for our communities, it seems we all have a better understanding of what adds value to our lives.
A huge thank you to the BodyHype members who shared their experiences in this post. We miss you all dearly!