Bella Gibbs, a senior Dance major at 5X, recently studied abroad on the winter break East Meets West Thailand Dance Experience program led by Professors Jeffrey Rockland and Suwatana Rockland. The East Meets West program was a collaborative experience between 5X and Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University in Bangkok, Thailand. Students and faculty from each university collaborated to choreograph and perform works in Bangkok and Hua Hin.
Bella was initially interested in the East Meets West Thailand Dance Experience program because
“They hadn’t done it since COVID and I was personally approached to be in the program. I knew that I couldn’t just pass it up, since I am a senior.”
Bella was also excited about the various benefits this program includes. She noted that
“By taking an entire semester abroad, we wouldn’t be able to fill all of our audition and performance requirements [for our major]. The program is incredibly catered to Dance majors.”
She also wants students who are on the fence about studying abroad with this program to know that students take a prep course to engage themselves in Thailand culture before traveling.
“We got to learn a lot about their culture and arts before leaving for the trip,” she said. “We also learned some basic vocabulary and the do’s and don’ts of Thailand.”
One of Bella’s favorite aspects of the program was an outdoor studio that she got to rehearse in. She explained that
“We took a class at a dance company right outside of Bangkok. It was the most beautiful studio that I ever had the pleasure of taking a class in. When you were in the studio, you would be so connected to everything outside, from the leaves to the sights of the outdoors. I will return there someday.”
Bella also noted that this program was not just worthwhile for the dance classes offered, but for the Thai performances and art that students get to experience.
“The performances in Thailand are heavily focused on storytelling,” she said. “The performance we saw had projections above the stage that narrated the show in English. Something I noticed about their art is that it has pristine, sparkling, and vibrant colors. They make art a major part of their lives.”
Students on this program also get to experience dancing with performers from Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University. Bella praised this aspect of the program, highlighting that
“We planned our performance throughout the whole semester. It was a big deal, as it connects people who cannot communicate to us due to their language through the art of dance. It brought me to tears by the time we got to take our final bow.”
Bella believes that students should take the leap when considering the East Meets West program.
“All dancers deserve this opportunity,” she emphasized. “For me, it made me realize how important it is to take risks and say ‘yes’ to what may seem scary.”
Are you a Dance student looking to have an experience like Bella’s? Learn more about Kent State’s education abroad programs for Dance majors.