by Kashvi Paithankar

Kathak (Indian Classical Dance) isn't just a dance form; it's a way of life to me. I live & breath my dance. Every rhythm, every tatkar (footwork), and every chakkar (spin) draws me deeper into its grace and power. The intricacy and emotion in each movement teach me patience, courage, and purpose. Through Kathak, I find my voice, my freedom, and my strength. When I dance, I am not just expressing — I am home. In Kathak, I belong.

by Charlotte LaMoyne

I picked this song because it makes me think of the Bluey episode The Sign and it tells a story about family because they don't want to leave their home and will miss their happy memories. So the song reminds me of my family and that I belong with them and I feel happy that I do.

by Srihitha Sanjay

I belong in this world. I am safe, happy and strong .

by Keerthi Subramanian

I’m proud to be American, happy to be Indian, and honored to be a Tamilian. My dance is about the theme “I Belong.” I picked three songs in three languages to show who I am. I danced in Bollywood style for the Hindi song “Indiawaale” to show my love for India. I used Jazz style for the English song “You’re a Grand Old Flag” to show my American identity. I did Bharatanatyam for the Tamil song “Tamizha Tamizha” to celebrate my mother tongue. I belong to all three worlds. Through my dance, I tell my story with pride!

by Annie Chiramel

I believe that every individual has a unique purpose in life. I am here to fulfill mine, just as others are here to fulfill theirs. When we respect one another and create space for each person to shine and share their gifts—just as I share my passion for dance—we build a world where harmony can flourish among people and with nature. I belong here and you belong here. Together, we can create a better place, hand in hand.

by Joanna Xu

My dance, Beautiful as I Am, is inspired by the song Scars to Your Beautiful. Through each movement, I express the journey of embracing who I am and finding confidence in my own skin. The dance reflects the idea that belonging begins with self-acceptance — knowing that I don’t have to change to fit in. By celebrating my individuality, I show that everyone is beautiful in their own way and that true belonging starts from within.

by Bridget Werner

This year, I choreographed a jazz dance to “Wings.” This song relates to the theme of I Belong by including words about belonging because I am unique. Groups are usually made up of people with many different backgrounds and interests, so I can belong in a group even though I am different from the other people in it. This dance is very upbeat and positive, which matches how I feel about belonging.

by Lilia Anguelouch

I choose this song because it emphasizes how sometimes people just need to find the person that makes them feel like they belong. This dance should urge people to know that there is someone out there who cares and loves them, whether it be a best friend or a family member. It is important to show love in return, and build a strong relationship with someone who makes you feel like you belong. I have grown up dancing and it has helped me build so many relationships that help me know that, I belong.

by Margaret Chen

In “在我世界 (In My World),” I drew inspiration from Chinese Dance, a dance where I found belonging. To me, belonging means acceptance from one’s environment and oneself. With Chinese Dance, I was accepted by dancers and could embrace my culture, a key part of myself.

In my dance, I started looking around and moving sharply to show insecurity and not belonging, then I expanded my movements, conveying acceptance, and moved briskly, representing freedom and joy from acceptance. Throughout this piece, I incorporate Chinese Dance elements (ie. Lotus Hands, Swallow Jump) to highlight an aspect of my life where I belong.

by Baahuleya Tholkapian

I belong to anything that makes me happy and wonderful. Dance and Music cheer me up.