The Experience of a Black Dancer at a PWI

Being a black student at a PWI, or a Predominately White Institution, is different for everyone. Personally, my 1st year at a PWI was an absolute culture shock.

I grew up in a predominantly black area. This doesn’t mean I didn’t have any white friends or didn’t interact with white people in my hometown; it just means that living in an area that is mostly white, republican, and racist is opposite to how I grew up, and can be very intimidating. When I chose this college, it was mostly because I witnessed the personal relationship teachers share with their students; I wanted that for me. It’s a small department, so naturally there’s more chances to get individualized attention, corrections, and feedback.

So I thought…