Text: Cathy (Kexin) Chen
‘Dancing has always been an important part of my life. When I first came here, I barely knew anyone and felt lonely. I just really wanted to join a dance community. I got to know Lafrique Dance Company and started to take lessons there. I met a lot of WUR students there and I really liked the atmosphere, which made me feel involved’, says Marina. ‘After a while, I was offered a position teaching salsa to students and organizing events in collaboration with student associations. It was nice that I could combine student life with something I’m passionate about. I really enjoyed it!’
I felt lonely in Wageningen at first, but then I started taking dance classes
As a recent graduate, Marina has decided to try something new and challenge herself. Instead of moving back to her home country and searching for a job related to her studies, she will stay in ‘the place that feels like home’ – the dance studio in Wageningen – and continue with dance tutoring and organizing events.
‘The dance studio is like a second home to me. I want to create a home-like atmosphere there for both the locals and international students like me. I want to make everyone feel connected and united through dancing’, Marina says happily. ‘As for me, through dancing I found my feet after graduation. This is the best reward for all my effort in the past two years. I’m looking forward to meeting and working with more dance lovers!’