After moving to Manila, expat partner Nurana Pasaribu felt isolated and unsure of her identity. But rekindling an old passion has helped to find her (two dancing) feet.
A major adjustment
“Before relocating to the Philippines, I was a secondary school teacher. I loved my job but, looking back now, I can see that I was very close to being completely burnt out. The timing of our move was fortuitous as I needed to recharge my batteries,” says Nurana. “But I had a big adjustment to make in Manila, where I knew no one. I was so used to being surrounded by people (in school and outside of work). It was strange for me to feel so isolated. More than that, I wasn’t really sure who I was without my job. It was a major part of my identity.”
Where’s my tribe?
“Although I have an online job (related to education), I only communicate with colleagues by email. I signed up for the gym to stay fit and keep active but that’s a solitary activity. I really wanted to meet people, also independently from my partner. The game-changer for me was returning to a lifelong passion of mine – dancing,” says Nurana. “I joined a club with dancers of all ages. In the Philippines, if you have a passion you just do it. No one cares about your age. It’s a super refreshing attitude. I’m only 30 but I thought my dancing days were done!”
An affordable hobby
“At the dance club I joined, everyone is also very supportive of each other. The teachers give you the space to express yourself but they are extremely knowledgeable and I have learned so much from them. I have pushed myself to get out of my comfort zone – trying new dance styles and even performing in a dance battle!” says Nurana, adding that it’s a very affordable hobby in the Philippines compared to Western Europe.
Therapeutic benefits
“The whole experience of joining this dance community has been really good for me. I would go as far as saying it’s been therapeutic. I feel more comfortable in my own skin and more in tune with my mind and body. Above all else, I have relearned how to make friends, something I didn’t need to do for many years in my home country. There are many reasons why I am very happy to be a dancer again.”
Photo: Nurana at the dance club
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