Please confirm that you would like to log out of Medscape.
If you log out, you will be required to enter your username and password the next time you visit.
Log outCancel
Marshall Hall, MPH | January 13, 2022
| Contributor Information
Swipe to advance
5 Things: Lessons I've Learned From Dance
Marshall Hall, MPH | January 13, 2022 | Contributor Information
My passion for dancing began during my high school years in ballroom classes. During that time, I also became aware of a variety of dance styles through movies like Step Up and Stomp the Yard, from which I learned about "breaking" — better known as breakdancing.
I first learned how to break in my living room by mimicking what I saw in movies and on YouTube. Along the way, I became friends with seasoned dancers who taught me and introduced me to the dance community. I subsequently taught dance for several years and have been a member of numerous dance crews, including Underground Crew, Wolf Clan, and Blowup Kingz.
I have conducted research examining the health of dancers and hope to continue exploring the topic throughout my career as I study and practice osteopathic medicine. Here are the five lessons I've learned from dance that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life.
Image courtesy of Marshall Hall
5 Things: Lessons I've Learned From Dance
Marshall Hall, MPH | January 13, 2022 | Contributor Information
Always a Student, Never a Master
In dance, you are always a student. There is always something to improve on and something new to learn.
Dance not only pushes us to be better but it also teaches us to be patient and dedicated, to think outside of the box, to set goals, and to stay focused. These same principles can be applied to any aspect of our lives, pushing us to always seek to improve ourselves and stay humble as we learn.
Image courtesy of Marshall Hall
5 Things: Lessons I've Learned From Dance
Marshall Hall, MPH | January 13, 2022 | Contributor Information
Celebrating Our Differences
It is truly amazing how dance brings people from all parts of the world together. There is an unspoken respect — no matter your religion, race, creed, class, or culture.
When dancers come together, despite never having met or spoken to each other, there is an immediate connection when we dance together. Every time we dance, we bring ourselves, our personalities, backgrounds, and experiences to be celebrated with each other. Similarly, we should celebrate our differences that enrich our lives.
Image courtesy of Marshall Hall
5 Things: Lessons I've Learned From Dance
Marshall Hall, MPH | January 13, 2022 | Contributor Information
Staying a Child at Heart
It's easy to get caught up in "grown-up" life. We can sometimes forget to have fun and relax. When I dance, it is like being a kid again. It reminds me of the importance of staying connected to our passions. Growing up wasn't supposed to mean leaving behind what made us happy but instead sharing those things with others. For me, dance is grounding, freeing, and helps to keep me young at heart.
Image courtesy of Marshall Hall
5 Things: Lessons I've Learned From Dance
Marshall Hall, MPH | January 13, 2022 | Contributor Information
Finding Your Chosen Family
A large part of dance is your crew, dance company, community— essentially, your family.
Being part of a crew teaches us how to be better people and watch out for others. It is about helping each other be better and do better, both in dance and our daily lives. It teaches us to be selfless in our actions and be kind to each other. We look past each other's flaws and mistakes and see the best in each other.
Image courtesy of Marshall Hall
5 Things: Lessons I've Learned From Dance
Marshall Hall, MPH | January 13, 2022 | Contributor Information
Be Yourself
It's easy to fall into the trap of copying what everyone else is doing, but it is truly difficult to discover yourself and find your own flavor.
When we watch a seasoned dancer, we can see their personality shine. Beneath the intricacies, artistry, and athleticism of each dancer, there are years of cultivated self-discovery and creativity. Even if they never speak a word, we can already understand who they are even when they aren't dancing. We learn that dance encourages us to be our true selves. When we're dancing, it's easier to be ourselves than it is to try and be someone else.
Every opportunity that there is to dance is an opportunity to be comfortable with who you are and become a better version of yourself.
Marshall Hall is originally from Utah, where he received his undergraduate degree in psychology and his master's degree in public health from the University of Utah. He is currently a fourth-year medical student at Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. His medical interests include dermatology, health education, dance medicine, and preventive medicine. In his free time, he enjoys dancing, running, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his wife.
Commenting is limited to medical professionals. To comment please Log-in.
Comments on Medscape are moderated and should be professional in tone and on topic. You must declare any conflicts of interest related to your comments and responses. Please see our Commenting Guide for further information. We reserve the right to remove posts at our sole discretion.
Comments on Medscape are moderated and should be professional in tone and on topic. You must declare any conflicts of interest related to your comments and responses. Please see our Commenting Guide for further information. We reserve the right to remove posts at our sole discretion.
Close
Contributor Information
Marshall Hall, MPH
Medical student
University of North Texas Health Science Center
Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Fort Worth, Texas
Disclosure: Marshall Hall, MPH, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Close
References
Close
Image Zoom
Close
Feedback
Please do not use this form to submit personal or patient medical information or to report adverse drug events. You are encouraged to report adverse drug event information to the FDA.
Comments