Reflection

Reflection

In just the time it takes to watch this dance, over 11,000 tons of trash will be produced—largely due to overconsumption. Despite the known harms of our actions, from global warming to habitat loss, we continue to accelerate industrialization for profit. I’ve seen this firsthand—even on my dance team. Each year, thousands of dollars are spent on costumes from fast fashion sites like SHEIN, only to be discarded after a few wears. Although inexpensive, these clothes release pollution and generate high carbon emissions, contributing significantly to climate change. These mindless everyday choices reveal how we continue to prioritize capitalism over the environment—even when the long-term impacts could mean the end of humanity. This dance let me advocate for change without ever having to speak. I choreographed the piece to “The Seed” by Aurora, taught it to my team, and performed it for hundreds of people. The chorus echoes a valuable Native American proverb: “When the last tree has been cut down, the last river poisoned, only then will we realize that one cannot eat money.” At its core, this dance channels the Indigenous wisdom many of us forget: our relationship with nature should come first. The song explores industrialization’s generational impacts translated into movement. The dance begins with unity and hope, shifts into anger and struggle, and ends with lonely despair—symbolizing a future where nature has been lost and we can no longer survive. Because of the message, we didn’t buy typical costumes. Instead, each dancer thrifted or reused a white item of clothing, which I hand-dyed green. This piece allowed me to share a warning, honor Indigenous knowledge and nature, and take meaningful steps to reduce overconsumption. I’m incredibly grateful to my team and all the hours they put in to make this vision come to life.