FINAL REFLECTION

 

 

 1

  Encouraging experimentation and adapting 

 

Matthew Bernard

Taking Improvisation has taught me to trust my instincts and move without overthinking every decision. As time went on in the course, I’ve come to realize that dancing through improvisation is less about being perfect and more about being present in the moment. From the stretching at the beginning of class, to the many forms of rhythm I learned, each moment of movement has shown me how to communicate emotions and ideas without needing structure or choreography. In addition to learning about communicating through movement, I also learned how important it is to be aware of the space, timing, and other people when improvising in a group. As a whole, this class has shown me that creativity can develop stronger if you just decide to let go and be open to new opportunities.

When I began taking this course, I felt uncomfortable, since I was never accustomed to dancing that freely before. If I had to recall the last time I danced so freely in the past was when I was 7 years old, where I would hear random songs played through MTV. Now that time has passed and I have gotten older, it has become a massive challenge to get back to dancing as freely as I used to. It was not until I noticed that everyone in the class was also facing the exact same challenge that I would start to feel more confident and less worried about my improvisational dancing. By having such a supportive crowd, it made it much easier to take risks and try new things. In the end, I became much more relaxed when it came to dancing freely, which made the entire experience of being in the class much more rewarding.

As someone who is currently studying graphic design, I noticed that while nontraditional, I can apply what I learned in this class to my creative process. Improvisation, unlike other courses I have taken, taught me to explore ideas more freely, instead of trying to make everything perfect from the start. This mindset also has helped me by encouraging experimentation and adapting as I go. The course has also shown me the value of thinking outside the box and approaching problems from different angles. Overall, these skills have made me more creative and flexible in my work.

 

2

 A rough map of where you plan to move

 Daniela Hamel

I learned a lot about dance/ improv throughout this semester. Firstly, I have learned to appreciate the importance of stretching. Every class, Jorge leads a stretch, and when I stretch, my body feels better (chronic pain). Now, I implement these stretches into my daily life and am trying to do so every day. I also learned about techniques to promote improvisational dance movements (spelling names, making shapes, representing animals, etc). I also now understand the purpose of a score in dance improv; it is not a choreographed routine, but a rough map of where you plan to move during the dance.

I liked this class and, at times, was able to really take away the mental and physical benefits that dance improv offers. Unfortunately, however, the class environment was extremely distracting throughout the entire semester. This made it difficult to focus and keep a happy and peaceful inner mind. Frequently, I was annoyed, frustrated, or insecure, damaging my experience. Regardless, I did enjoy this class and am glad I got to meet Jorge and have him as my instructor.

I can implement elements of what I learned this semester into my future career. I am aspiring to get certified as a laser technician, specializing in laser tattoo and hair removal. I know I will be on my feet for long days and my body will ache. I plan to continue stretching so that I can work without pain distracting me and so that I can age well. I also think that the nature of improvisation and the tricks to encourage it can be utilized in my career and every day life. Not everything can be precisely planned out and sometimes I think I do a better job with general assignments/ tasks if I just create a rough outline to follow and improvise my way through it.

 

3

  Letting go and being present

 Benji Dienstfrey

There are a lot of things to take away from this class. First it aloud me to get away from my phone and focus on the present. I learned that it is important to find time each day to disconnect. In order to stay connected to the world around you today, it is almost vital to have a computer and a phone. We text our friends to set up meetings, email employers for jobs, and turn in assignments online. In addition to this, so much of our time and attention is sucked away into our screens. This class was reminder to disconnect from all of this, even just for an hour. Along with this, I learned that it is very difficult for us to let go. School, work, and daily life are rigid. Hence, it is difficult to fully let go in an art-form that has no boundaries. 

At first I felt uncomfortable while learning in this class. It is difficult to learn in a class where my classmates are not serious about the subject matter because I sometimes felt judged in my seriousness. However, at the same time I am judging my classmates for not taking advantage of their education. Eventually, I let go of this judgment and fear of being judged. This was for the better as I saved myself from frustration with my classmates and I no longer felt worried about the thoughts of others that I can not control. 

I am a musician. There are a lot of parallels of dance in music. However, in music their are a lot of formulas and rules that make things sound good to the average ear (almost similar to math). I have spent a lot of time studying these formulas to the point where they are natural to me and I do not have to think about them. Now I hope to push myself to let go of the rules and listen to the music in my subconscious. I hope that I can take what I learned in dance class about letting go and being present in the now, and apply it to my music.  

4

 We learned built off of each other

 

Amanda Schilling

My largest take away from this class was how movement helps to regulate our nervous system and build the mind body connection. I learned about different styles of movements/ the five rhythms and how they have different impacts and allow you to express different feelings.

Overall I really enjoyed this class. While some classes were difficult due to behaviors of multiple people, you did a good job of managing the class. I enjoyed watching the videos as examples to better understand the different concepts. I also enjoyed how what we learned built off of each other. At the beginning improvising was hard because we did not have the “tools” to know how to move, but as the semester went on it became easier as we could reference different things we have learned.

I will apply this class to my field of marketing as it helped me to not be nervous in front of other people which is important for the public speaking required in marking. I will also use movement to help regulate the stress that I have as a result of work/school.

 

5

A sense of freedom in fluidity

 

Ella-Rose Duval

My takeaways for this class is that I have learned to be comfortable in my own movements and not let the thought of other people judging me dictate my performance. I also learned to flow: which, to me, means to relinquish the need for total control and trust my body’s natural rhythm without overthinking the "next step." This class allowed me to step outside of the structured world I usually navigate and find a sense of freedom in fluidity. 

I felt comfortable in this class. What made it safe was Jorge’s ability to make everyone feel seen and supported, creating an environment where there was no such thing as a "wrong" movement. I enjoyed coming to this class and learning new ways to communicate without words and how to lean into the uncertainty of a scene.

I would apply what I have learned here into my sport. Since I have been in this class, I have been much more patient and relaxed into my stroke which makes rowing much easier and more efficient. The patience that I have learned in this class is also reflected in my day to day life. When I get overwhelmed, I take a second to reflect and go into the same mind space I do when I dance improv.

 

 6

Body awareness, coordination, and confidence.

Alexa Resnick

I absolutely loved this class! The energy in the class is amazing, and I love how you can express yourself in whatever way you want to. I like the stretching because I don't usually stretch on a day-to-day basis. I like how the class is fun and freeing. My favorite activity was when we learned different dances like the salsa. I enjoyed how nothing was about being right or wrong. In all of my classes I learn information that is tested, and I only study to do well in the class; however, in this class, the whole experience is a learning process. 

I felt free learning in this class. It was a fun experience to learn more about myself and improv. My favorite part of this class was making up dances with groups and picking out music. I picked out nostalgic music that reminded me of fun times or a fun moment because this class was very fun and entertaining. I liked taking the lead on choosing music like Pop Muzik and I like to move it. 

Using ideas from dance improvisation in physical therapy can make sessions feel less rigid and way more engaging for patients. Concepts from the 5 Rhythms, focus on exploring movement instead of just doing it “perfectly,” which is really helpful in rehab. Instead of only giving strict instructions, I can guide patients with prompts that let them move in ways that feel natural, helping them build body awareness, coordination, and confidence. This can be especially useful for people who are scared to move after an injury or who tend to overthink everything. It also makes therapy feel less intimidating and more personal, which can improve consistency and long-term results. As a future physical therapist, using this approach will let me treat the whole person, not just the injury, by helping patients feel more connected to their bodies while they recover.

 

7

 A ritual part of my day

  Claire Hicks

Overall, I LOVED this class. I met so many amazing people, learned how to feel really good doing stretches, and gained significant confidence in myself, no longer relying on a plan. I feel like I can be more on the fly, stray away from my daily lists, and just let myself do what makes me happy and feel good. I learned so much about movements, styles, and how to move my body in ways I never have before.

 

I feel very happy with all I've learned. I think I have a lot of good knowledge and understanding of dance and movement that I will carry with me. I think Jorge created an excellent learning environment, where I was able to focus and work through distractions to find my inner balance and peace. It became a ritual part of my day, a place I knew I could go to relax while also grow.

 

I can apply this in the business world, being more confident in doing things on the spur of the moment and not worrying when I have to do things I did not plan on doing. It also took me out of my shell and allowed me to be freer with people, removing any embarrassment or stage fright I previously had. I think it contributed significantly to my self-confidence and helped me overcome my fear of perception that I previously didn't even know I had.

 

 

8

 

 How to foster creativity through improv

 

 Molly Walker

I have learned a lot this semester in this class and have many takeaways as the school year comes to an end. An important thing I learned in this class is that confidence is more important than I had thought. Through learning improvisation, I learned how to have more confidence in myself which not only enhanced my dancing, but my overall mood and well-being. I also learned how the support of peers is powerful. Sharing this environment with my classmates allowed me to grow confident in myself through learning from others and leaning on my friends. 

Learning in this class came very easy with the instruction of Jorge. The environment was very comfortable and inclusive right off the bat and I was never reluctant to come to class. I enjoyed having this class and looked forward to Mondays and Wednesdays, the days we met. The way we learned, one topic per class usually, was also very helpful in my understanding of the content. I feel we were given thorough time to learn concepts, engage in them, and have time to reflect and utilize the skills we learned in the outside world. 

I am going to be able to apply what I have learned this semester in my life in a lot of ways once this class comes to a conclusion. First, the confidence I have learned and practiced through improv will impact most areas of my life both personally and professionally. This confidence will especially shine in interviews and any future job I go into. I have also learned how to foster creativity through improv by coming up with moves on the spot, spontaneously. Creativity is also an incredibly important trait as it is the foundation of all brilliant ideas and inventions. Having improv as an additional creative outlet and tool will improve all areas of my life on whichever path I wind up on. 

9

Expressing myself creatively

 

Karlyn Mazow

One of my biggest takeaways from this improvisation dance class was learning how to be present in the moment and trust my instincts. Improvisation pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me that movement does not need to be perfect or planned to be meaningful. I developed a deeper awareness of how my body moves, how I respond to music and space, and how to express emotion without words. The class also emphasized listening, both to my own body and to others, which helped me understand the importance of connection and adaptability in a shared environment. Overall, I gained confidence in expressing myself creatively and letting go of overthinking.

I genuinely looked forward to this class every day because it became a space where I could reset and recharge after long academic days. It was a great way to release my energy and step away from stress, allowing me to reconnect my mind and body. I felt a sense of freedom while learning, as there was no pressure to be “right,” only to explore and be open. Over time, I became more comfortable taking risks and being vulnerable in my movement. The environment felt supportive and encouraging, which made the learning process enjoyable and fulfilling. It quickly became one of the most refreshing parts of my routine.

As a Communication Studies and Media Management major, I see many ways to apply what I learned in this class to my field. Improvisation strengthened my ability to think quickly, adapt, and communicate non-verbally, skills that are essential in content creation, marketing, and storytelling. It also reinforced the importance of authenticity and emotional connection, which are key in creating engaging and relatable content. Learning to trust my instincts and be more comfortable with spontaneity will help me generate ideas more freely and respond to fast-paced trends in social media. Additionally, the confidence I built through movement translates into how I present myself and communicate in professional settings. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this course and owe all of that to Jorge!

 

10

 More flexible and open to change

 

 Benji Greenstein

One of my main takeaways from this class is the importance of adaptability and thinking in the moment,  especially through improv dance. I learned how to trust my instincts,  and collaborate with others without over-planning. These skills helped me become more confident in expressing ideas.

Learning in this class felt great because it pushed me out of my comfort zone. It was also great collaborating with my friends and enjoying our time.

As an entrepreneur and self-worker, I can apply what I learned by being more flexible and open to change when facing challenges in business. Improv skills can help me think quickly, communicate effectively, and adapt to new opportunities (such as different styles of dance).

 

11

 Have fun exploring movement

 

Morgan Miller

One of the biggest takeaways from this improv dance class was learning how to trust spontaneity and let movement come without overthinking it. I realized that improvisation isn’t about “getting it right,” but about moving to how you feel in the movement, basing it on the music, the space, and the people around me. The class taught me how to be present, how to listen with my body, and how to embrace uncertainty as a creative tool rather than something to avoid being nervous about. I also learned how much better movement becomes when you allow instinct, emotion, and intuition to guide you instead of relying on choreography alone. 

Learning in this class felt freeing, flexible, and surprisingly grounding. At first, stepping into improvisation during the first week of class felt uncomfortable because there were no clear rules or steps to follow, and I didn't know anyone in the class. But as the weeks went on and I became more comfortable with the people around me, that openness became exciting. I felt more connected to myself and to the room, and I started to enjoy the vulnerability that comes with moving without choreography. The environment felt supportive and creative, which made it easier to take risks, let go of self‑judgment, and actually have fun exploring movement in a way I never had before.

What I learned in this class applies directly to my field of study, finance,  because improvisation builds skills that go far beyond dance. It strengthened my ability to think on my feet, adapt quickly, and stay confident even when the path isn’t fully defined. All of these are essential for the finance industry, and I am going to have to make decisions fast and be confident in what I am doing in a sort of uncomfortable or intimidating environment. Also, this class taught me the importance of presence, collaboration, and trusting your instincts, which are key in building better communication skills, especially when working in business. It will allow me to be a more authentic leader and have a more flexible mindset when working with others.

 

12

 

Myself without feeling limited

 

Michael Suarez

This class has done a great job at helping me meet new people and giving me another opportunity to showcase my dancing in front of an audience. I appreciate the opportunity to meet new people and express myself in front of them. 

 

I feel like this class also helped me become more of myself without feeling limited. I also like that this class helped me improve my ability to function under pressure by maintaining calm and not allowing the reactions from others to influence my own performance. 

 

Overall, I feel like this class has made me a better dancer and performer by helping me stay more comfortable in front of others and staying calm under pressure.

 

 

 

13

 

  Progress often comes from trying new things

 

Julia Hansburg

One of my biggest takeaways from this dance class was learning how to approach movement through improvisation. Each week, we explored different techniques that pushed me to think creatively and trust my instincts. I also became more aware of my body and how it can express emotion and ideas without words. Over time, I noticed real growth in my flexibility, confidence, and ability to move more freely.

Learning in this class was both exciting and challenging in the best way. At first, stepping out of my comfort zone felt uncomfortable, but as the weeks went on, I started to enjoy that challenge. I felt my body becoming looser and more responsive each time we met, which made the experience even more rewarding. I also really valued working with my classmates, as their energy and creativity made the environment supportive and inspiring.

I can apply what I learned in this class to my own field of study by embracing creativity, adaptability, and confidence in my work. The improvisation skills I developed can help me think more quickly and approach problems from new perspectives. Also, being comfortable with stepping outside my comfort zone will allow me to take more risks and grow academically and professionally. The class taught me that progress often comes from trying new things and being open to the process.

 

14

 The value of being adaptable

Judah Pardau

This class taught me to be more comfortable with uncertainty, stay present, and trust my instincts instead of overthinking every move. At first that was uncomfortable, but over time I started to enjoy the freedom of it and became more confident taking risks without worrying about being perfect. 

I can apply what I learned to my own career by using some of the warm-ups to release stress after long days in finance and reset mentally. 

More broadly, improvisation helped me see the value of being adaptable, thinking quickly, and staying calm in situations where not everything is predictable.

 

15

 Something Unique

Jason Egre

 

I have made a lot of progress from the beginning of class until now. 

I liked how we did something unique and new each class.

It kept my brain stimulated. 

 

16

Out of my comfort zone 

Jackson Bass

One of my biggest takeaways from this class is learning how to trust myself and not overthink movement. At the beginning, I felt like I always needed a plan or something structured, but improvisation showed me that movement can still have meaning even when it’s created in the moment. I also learned different ways to generate movement, like using imagery, shapes, and music, which helped expand how I think about dance. Another big takeaway was understanding what a “score” is in improv as it’s not choreography, but more of a guide that gives direction while still allowing freedom. Overall, I gained more confidence in expressing myself and being comfortable with uncertainty.

Learning in this class was a mix of challenging and rewarding. At first, it was uncomfortable because improvisation forced me out of my comfort zone and made me feel exposed. I wasn’t used to moving without structure, so it took time to adjust. As the semester went on, I became more relaxed and started to enjoy the freedom that came with it. The class became a space where I could disconnect from stress and just focus on being present. Even when there were distractions at times, I still found the experience valuable and felt like I grew both mentally and physically.

As a Communication Studies major, I can apply what I learned in this class in a lot of ways. Improvisation helped me think more quickly, adapt to different situations, and communicate without overthinking, which are all important skills in communication and professional settings. It also taught me to be more confident and comfortable presenting myself in front of others. In addition, the idea of not needing everything to be perfect right away can help with things like presentations, creative work, and problem solving. Overall, this class helped me become more flexible, creative, and confident, which will be useful in both my academic and professional life.

 

17

 a more enjoyable way helps

 

Noah Yi

I learned that you can express yourself in many different ways in this class. You can express a variety of different things through movement and improvisation. I've also learned that there is no right or wrong answer when moving. I enjoyed this class as it made me able to stop the stress for a bit. Stretching in the beginning was very useful and overall made my body feel better. I learned that movements have different types of speed and levels which can correlate to the different perspectives of what you're trying to express. 

I felt like I learned efficiently under Jorge and that there wasn't any pressure to be better than others. I enjoyed the process of learning everything as it was a fun and interesting process. I also felt that learning in a more enjoyable way helps stick everything in memory better.

In the field of finance and accounting, I would definitely use what i've learned in this class to reset sometimes. My studies being business can be stressful and fast paced which dedicating time to movement and stretching will help my overall body and mind. I also think that being able to move flexibly is overall beneficial when aging. 

18

My mind and body connection

Jade Capell

Throughout this semester I have taken valuable lessons from the class. I have learned to jump out of my comfort zone. Each class allowed me to explore my mind and body connection. Through the various exercises and explorations I got to take away that my body can move in very different ways. I have learned to express what is going on in my head through movement which I had never connected with one another. I now will take away the ability to express myself through  different movements at different levels using different forms. I will take away lyrical, flow, chaos and staccato styles. 

I felt very calm learning in this class. In comparison to my other classes which are lecture and exam based, this class differs greatly. I enjoyed using my body to express how I feel versus my words or my writing. This class allowed me to breathe and take a break from technology. In many classes I am glued to my computer but I was always happy and grateful to take a break during this course.

I will be able to bring improvisation into my own field of studies, as that is psychology. I hope in the future when working with clients I can bring movement into my therapy. Whether children have trouble communicating or may suffer from conditions in which they can’t speak, movement will be a great practice to express emotions. I believe moving your body is therapeutic and I hope I can share this practice in the future.

 

 19

 Stay present in the moment

 

Madison Cohn

In this class, I gained a lot of skills that helped me feel more confident and truly enjoy dancing. Learning how to move my body in different ways and channel various movements throughout the class has helped me grow as a dancer. I also learned the importance of stretching before dancing, as well as grounding myself and letting go of outside distractions. This class taught me to focus on myself and stay present in the moment while dancing. At first improving can be frightening but understanding also the different elements of dance helped me feel more comfortable in my skin and body. 

In this class, I felt that not only did I learn about improv dancing along with different styles, but I learned how to let loose with my body. I think that it was impactful to learn how first to dance through  different animals, elements, and even our names. It is interesting to see how much we have all progressed from that point and learned how to express ourselves in many different ways. I also learned how not to care about people looking at you and just feel the music too. I also learned about how important it is to stretch your body before dancing and make yourself feel calm and relaxed and focused on a task. 

I think the biggest thing that will help me in my journey to law school and becoming a lawyer is the confidence needed at times and putting yourself out of your comfort zone. No matter what field anyone is in there will always be a fear of someone judging you or having to do something you are not comfortable with. This class taught me that it is important to focus on what you are doing and not worry about others around you.

20

  Thinking quickly and adapting

 

Michael Safir

In this dance improv class, I learned how to trust myself more and not overthink every movement. One of the biggest takeaways was realizing that improvisation isn’t about getting it right,  but just expressing yourself and staying present. I also learned how to pay attention to others and react to what they’re doing, which made it feel more like a shared experience instead of dancing alone. 

At first, learning in this class felt a little uncomfortable because I wasn’t used to moving without set choreography. But over time, it became more enjoyable and even freeing. I started to feel more confident and less worried about how I looked, which made it easier to take risks and just go with the moment. 

I think I can apply what I learned to my own field by being more open and flexible. Improvisation helped me get better at thinking quickly and adapting when things don’t go as planned. It also showed me the importance of being open to other people’s ideas, which is something that can help in group work or any kind of collaboration.

 21

Everyone just let loose

Griffin Thorn

My main takeaway from this class is learning how to be present and let go of whatever is going on outside the studio. This semester has honestly been one of the busiest of my life. I have been spending the last three months grinding through interviews trying to land a job in real estate in New York City, which is a huge move coming from Los Angeles. It took up nearly all of my mental energy and made it hard to show up to every class, but when I was there I genuinely loved it.

Learning in this environment was a real reset for me. Walking in and just moving without a plan was the opposite of everything else I was doing, which was constant preparation, interviews, and pressure. It gave me a space to actually decompress. One of my favorite moments was when we all danced around the room in a circle and everyone just let loose. That kind of freedom is rare and I did not expect to find it in a dance class.

Applying this to my field as a Management major actually makes a lot of sense. Improvisation teaches you to think on your feet, adapt quickly, and not freeze when things do not go as planned. Those are exactly the skills you need in a fast paced industry like real estate. This class reminded me that not everything needs to be scripted to go well, sometimes you just have to trust yourself and move. Thank you for being so thoughtful Jorge!

 

22

 It makes no difference

 

Eric Kastner

Jorge, I can honestly say this class has improved my life. Before this class, I hated being the center of attention and did my best to avoid it.

This class showed me that I can make a fool out of myself in front of everyone, and it makes no difference in my life. 

I used to get nervous standing up in front of a crowd, but because of this class, it makes no difference to me anymore, so I will be forever grateful to you because of that. Thank you

 

23

Kate Burns

From this class, my main takeaway is that anyone can dance! I was worried coming in because I never considered myself to be a dancer, but this class showed me that dance, like any other art, is just a beautiful expression that is determined by the creativeness of the artist. I noticed from watching others in the class dance that any movement is good movement and can be dancing!

I loved learning in this class because I was able to do solo work but also find confidence in group work. I liked being able to stretch and warmup and then learn a new topic and then practice and apply it. I also liked how the lessons worked together and we would call back topics we previously learned; it really helps the information stick.

I would apply what I learned in this class to my major of aerospace engineering because I feel like you can't do well in engineering when only spending your time doing STEM. It is really helpful to tap into the creative side of your brain and move and think different. I will definitely also be applying the stretching and focus exercises to my post-workout and per-studying routines.

Side note: Jorge is the best teacher ever! You made this class as amazing as it was. Thank you for your positive support, welcoming heart, and kindness.

 

 24

 take risks, be present, and grow

Emi Mizrahi Daniel

One of my biggest takeaways from this improvisation class was learning that movement does not always need to be planned to be meaningful. I learned that improvisation is about trusting the body, responding in the moment, and being open to discovery. The class showed me how elements such as space, timing, rhythm, shape, and energy can create endless possibilities through spontaneous movement. I also learned the value of vulnerability, presence, and collaboration, especially when working with others in group exercises. Improvisation taught me that creativity often happens when we release the need for perfection and allow ourselves to explore.

Learning in this class felt freeing, challenging, and rewarding at the same time. At first, improvisation can feel uncomfortable because there is no script or exact right answer, which requires confidence and trust in yourself. Over time, I began to enjoy that freedom and felt more connected to my body and emotions through movement. I appreciated that the class encouraged individuality and personal expression rather than comparison. It became a space where I could take risks, be present, and grow more comfortable with uncertainty.

As a psychology student, I can apply many lessons from improvisation to my own field of study. Improvisation requires awareness, adaptability, emotional expression, and responding authentically in the present moment, which are all valuable skills in psychology and counseling. Working with people often means entering situations that are unpredictable, where flexibility and presence are essential. The class also deepened my understanding of nonverbal communication and how emotions can be expressed through the body. These insights can help me better understand others, build empathy, and approach future professional work with more openness and confidence.

 

25

 More adaptable and confident

Tyler Rowe

One of my biggest takeaways from this dance class was learning how to improvise and create movement without overthinking. I also learned how important teamwork is when rehearsing with a group. Everyone has to be in sync and support each other, and that is not easy. Overall,  gained so many new skills and became more comfortable trying things I have never done before. 

I felt challenged at first learning in this class, I did not really know what to expect. Especially with improv, it definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. Over time, I started to understand and feel more confident in the movements. The class was a positive environment, and working with others made it more fun. 

I can apply what I learned by being more open to new ideas and being more creative, especially when working on projects in the future. The teamwork skills I gained are priceless and will help me collaborate better with others in my field. Overall, this class taught me to be more adaptable and confident, which can be useful in any area of study.

 

 26

  Reacting, adapting, and building

Dylan Hersh 

 

The biggest takeaways from this improv class was learning how to think quickly and stay present in the moment. I realized that improv is less about being perfect and more about reacting, adapting, and building off what is happening around you. The idea of saying “yes, and” stood out because it encourages openness and collaboration rather than hesitation or rejection. I also learned how important confidence and commitment are, even if you are unsure of what you are doing. Overall, the class showed me how stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to better creativity and stronger communication.

At the beginning, I felt a little uncomfortable because improv requires you to act on the spot without overthinking, which is not something I was used to. Over time, I became more comfortable taking risks and participating without worrying about judgment. The class became more enjoyable as I gained confidence and started to trust myself more. It was a very different experience from traditional classes, and that made it more engaging and fun. By the end, I felt more relaxed and confident in being able to handle unexpected situations.

As a finance major, the skills I learned in improv are actually very useful in my field. Being able to think quickly, communicate clearly, and adapt to changing situations is important in areas like investment banking and business in general. Improv also helped me become more confident when speaking in front of others, which is valuable for presentations, meetings, and networking. The ability to stay calm under pressure and respond in real time is something I will definitely carry into my career. Overall, improv helped strengthen soft skills that are essential in both professional and personal settings.

 

27

 Meaning can come from spontaneous choices

  Oliver Swiezy

One of the main things I gained from this class was learning to rely on my instincts instead of constantly trying to control or plan everything. In the beginning, I felt like movement had to be organized and thought out ahead of time, but improvisation showed me that meaning can come from spontaneous choices. I was also introduced to different ways of creating movement, such as using visual ideas, shapes, and music as inspiration, which helped me approach dance in a more open minded way. Learning about the concept of a score was also important because it showed me how structure and freedom can exist at the same time. Overall, I became more confident in my ability to express ideas through movement without needing everything to be perfect or predictable.

My experience in this class was uncomfortable at first but became more enjoyable over time. Being asked to improvise made me feel unsure because I wasn’t used to moving without clear direction. It pushed me into unfamiliar territory, which was challenging in the beginning. However, as I continued practicing, I started to feel more comfortable and less self conscious. I began to appreciate the freedom that came with not having everything planned out. The class eventually felt like a break from outside stress, where I could focus on the moment and what I was doing. Even with some distractions along the way, I still found the class meaningful and noticed growth in both my mindset and physical movement.

As a political science major, I can apply what I learned in this class in ways I didn’t expect. Improvisation requires thinking on the spot, adapting to changing situations, and being confident in your decisions, which are all important skills in politics. Whether it’s participating in discussions, debates, or responding to unexpected questions, being able to react in real time is valuable. The idea of working within a score also connects to political systems, where there are guidelines and structures, but still room for interpretation and strategy. This class helped me become more comfortable with uncertainty and strengthened my ability to think flexibly, which will be useful in my field.

 

 28

 More present and aware

 Sofia Yarosh

This class taught me how to go with the flow and not overthink everything. At the start, I was always trying to plan my movements and make them look “right,” but I learned to trust myself more and just move naturally. One of the biggest takeaways for me was realizing there isn’t one correct way to dance, which made everything feel a lot less stressful. I also learned how important it is to be present and aware of my body and surroundings. Jorge created a really comfortable environment, which made it easier to try new things, take risks, and not be afraid of messing up.

In the beginning, I felt pretty awkward and nervous because improvisation was so different from anything I had done before. It required a lot of vulnerability, which was uncomfortable at first. But as the semester went on, I started to feel more confident and relaxed. I began to actually enjoy the process and looked forward to coming to class. Jorge was extremely understanding and supportive, especially during stressful times, and that made a huge difference in how I experienced the class. By the end, I felt much more comfortable just being myself and expressing how I felt through movement.

I think this class connects a lot to my future career in medicine. It taught me how to stay calm, think on the spot, and adjust to different situations, which is really important when working with patients. Not everything in medicine goes as planned, so being able to adapt is a big skill. It also helped me be more present and aware, which will help with communication and understanding patients better. Overall, I think this class will help me become a more flexible, attentive, and understanding doctor.

 

29

 Move in ways that feel natural

 

Kyle Urdan

I really liked this class. It felt different from my other classes. There was no pressure to be right or wrong. I liked that I could just move and be myself. The energy was always high and positive. I also liked the stretching because I don’t usually do that. My favorite part was learning different dances like salsa and doing group improv. It made class fun and not stressful.

I felt free in this class. It didn’t feel like school; it felt like an experience. I learned more about myself through movement. I liked making up dances with my group and picking music. Choosing certain songs made it even more fun. I liked taking the lead sometimes and just going with the moment.

I can use what I learned in this class in physical therapy. Instead of making everything strict, I can help people move in ways that feel natural. Improv teaches you to trust your body. That can help patients feel more comfortable and less nervous. It can also help them move better and build confidence. I think this approach will make therapy more personal and more effective.

 

30

  comfort zone

 

Michael Lubin 

 

I learned in this class how to build a respectful and supportive space for myself and all of my peers to remain comfortable in. 

I got out of my comfort zone when I was dancing in front of the class.

 I believe this skill can be relayed to other aspects of my life.

 

 31

How to think on my feet

 

Esteban Espinoza

At the start of the class, I felt pretty uncomfortable. I had no dance background, so being in front of a group like that felt awkward at first. But over time, it got a lot easier and started to feel more natural. I think that had a lot to do with the fact that the class was based on improvisation. There wasn’t really a “right” or “wrong” way to move, which made me stop worrying so much about how I looked and just focus on what felt natural. It also made it clear that everyone moves differently, and that’s kind of the point. As the semester went on, I got more comfortable just doing my own thing instead of comparing myself to everyone else.

I actually liked this class a lot because it was so different from everything else I’m used to. Most of my classes follow a strict structure, but this one didn’t, and that made it feel a lot more relaxed. Everyone kind of learned at their own pace, and there wasn’t pressure to get everything right immediately. It was a good break from the usual routine.

Even though dance is very different from my field of study, I think there are a lot of practical things I can take from this class. I’ll be starting work in New York City in July, and I know there will be situations where I feel nervous, especially before presentations or high-pressure moments. The breathing techniques we practiced in class are something I can use to calm myself down and stay focused. On top of that, the improvisational aspect of the class taught me how to think on my feet and adapt quickly, which is really important in a fast-paced work environment. Not everything will go exactly as planned, and being able to adjust in the moment without freezing up is a skill I’ve definitely improved.