Stephanie McNeill was exposed to dance and the arts within two years of life.
Exploration of the arts was encouraged by her parents during her time as a home school student. Since then, McNeill strives to fully feel and express all emotions through dance.
“Its easier to express so many different things at the same time instead of putting my feelings in boxes,” said McNeill.
McNeill prefers to work with modern dance because of the freedom it allows verses other dance forms like ballet that has strict rules.
“With dance I can embody the work of art instead of being the driving force behind it,” added McNeill.
Obtaining a fine arts major and dance minor came with some hesitation, McNeill worried about the social repercussions that could come from perusing the arts.
“In the end, the pros defiantly outweigh the cons,” said McNeill, “I just couldn’t see myself in any other field of study.”
Recently, McNeill has been using personal experiences to charge her expressions in themes like arts as healing and the creative process.
“Dance is an easier way for me to express what I feel like is going on spiritually in my life,” said McNeill.
McNeill believes that all people use the creative arts in some way when expressing emotion whether its actively creating or just engaging.
In the end, however, dance prevails when she goes to express her emotions to herself, others and God.
“Words are hard that is why I do the visual arts,” added McNeill.
(The Trail Blazer is online at: http://www.thetrailblazeronline.net)