At the end of the most stressful week of school, I found myself buried under a mountain of assignments and exams. Each minute passing by on my phone felt like time slipping through my fingers, and the weight of the world pressing down on my shoulders. The pressure was so much, that I couldn’t focus on anything.
That Friday, like every other Friday after school, I had practice with my Indian folk dance team, “Monta Vista Raas.” This dance style, which consists of “Dandiya” sticks and “Garba,” comes from Gujarat, India. Normally, this practice was something I looked forward to—a joyous escape from the grind of schoolwork and a time to lose myself in the rhythm and energy of the dance. However that week, even dance practice felt like an additional burden.
As the twelve of us gathered in the studio and picked up our dandiyas, our captain immediately noticed my and my teammates’ burden. We were all sighing heavily and moving sluggishly, the stress evident in our actions. She could see the exhaustion in our eyes, the weight we carried physically and emotionally. The usual spark and excitement that we always bring to practice was missing.
Recognizing our drained state, she made an unexpected decision. Instead of our regular rigorous practice, she suggested we have a bonding session instead. I looked at the other members, who all had surprised looks on their faces since today was supposed to be a serious practice as we had a lot of choreography to learn. But we all let go of this concern easily as this was a break we truly needed.
Our destination was a cozy corner at Starbucks, a place where the fragrant aroma of freshly brewed coffee welcomed us. As we settled in with our iced chai tea lattes, the mood began to lighten. The familiar, inviting surroundings created a safe space for us to unwind and relax.
As we sipped our drinks, we engaged in an open and honest discussion about our lives. The conversations flowed naturally, and we began to share our personal struggles. One girl talked about her break-up with her boyfriend while another talked about the pressure her parents were putting her through due to her slipping grades. Someone else recounted a funny but mortifying moment when her “Gangnam Style” phone ringtone went off during a math test, causing our entire group to burst into laughter.
No matter how small or significant the issue, each member of our team felt comfortable enough to share their experiences. These were struggles we had once been too embarrassed to reveal, but in this moment, we found solace in each other’s company. There was no judgment, only understanding.
At that moment I realized, we were more than just a team; we were a supportive community. Each of us knew that we could rely on the others, not just in dance, but in life. The bond we formed that day was built on trust, understanding and mutual respect.
Leaving Starbucks that evening, I felt a sense of renewal. The weight on my shoulders had lightened, and I no longer felt as overwhelmed by my responsibilities. The support I got from this team not only gave me strength but reminded me that I was not alone in my struggles and that together, we could overcome any challenge.
It was a deeper connection beyond our shared love for dance, and I realized I had found a supportive community, a group of individuals who would be there for me no matter what. Reflecting on this memory two years later, as the current Raas captain, this is a team I will surely miss, and my four years in this small but bright community have brought me the most joy.
