Being a university student in 2026 is full of constant pressures. With academic stresses, the biting reality of the cost-of-living crisis and the weight of the current and ongoing global horrors; it is remarkably easy to lose yourself. As a generation, we are constantly ‘plugged in’, finding no real breaks or ‘switch-off’ in the modern technological world.
Growing up, dance has always been the hobby I used to ‘escape’. Although I experienced love-hate relationships, having tried out many styles, in hindsight, this turbulence only helped grow my self-identity. It wasn’t until joining Expression Dance at university that I found this pure love for dance. I now understand it isn’t just the dance and choreography but also the people and environment that comes with it. I have seen so many people grow in confidence and flourish in themselves; it is incredible how much of a difference being a part of a society can have on individuals. Not only this, but Expression offers people of any ability and experience to join so I have seen people find a new passion and incredible improvement and creativity.
Cardiff University’s Expression Dance Society. Image Courtesy of Isabel Montgomery.
Finding a society or equivalent safe place at university, helps provide moments to forget about all these ongoing stresses in life, and I think this is an avenue that should be highlighted, not just in university but also for non-students.
However, something that has been prevalent throughout growing up alongside dance, is that for dancers, this ‘sanctuary’ from stress is often devalued. Dance is placed by many at the bottom of the “sporting hierarchy”, while although valuable and rightly praised, often the traditionally masculine sports such as football and rugby are given a
pedestal of “true athleticism”.
This isn’t solely due to differing tastes but more so a reflection of ingrained gendered bias. This is particularly evident considering dance competitions take place from university level, where Cardiff excels, to international stages. This dismissal of dance is deep rooted in misogyny, being predominantly female-led and having major creative and expressive elements.
Rather than seen as a ‘weakness’, this should be something to be celebrated, being able to combine the more ‘athletic’ elements with this creativity is what allows so many to enjoy dance. It has been great to see coverage and improvement in this aspect at university, but still there is a long way to go. Expression Dance has provided me and hopefully so many others such a safe and loving environment to reclaim the university experience.
Words by Isabel Montgomery
