Freedom of Self Expression

            As Americans, we pride ourselves in fact that our country allows us to express our individuality without fear of judgment or penalty. We strive to be unique as much as we try to “fit-in” to a cohesive society, and the freedom to express who we are as a part of the American “melting pot” allows this to occur. We are one yet we are many. I think this concept really highlights the freedom of self-expression and it’s place in American society. I chose my pointe shoes to represent this freedom because it represents a manner in which I express who I am and what I feel. The shoe itself connects to a specific art form, ballet, which has been preserved since its origins in the Baroque period in Europe, yet this specific pair evokes a more modern image of dance because they are brightly colored. Interestingly Modern Dance began in America as a sort of rebellion against the strict rules and limitations of ballet technique. Additionally, the contemporary music associated with Modern Dance could be considered more ‘American’ as opposed to classical music, which came from Europe. The art on the shoes is also my own. I used bright colors because I feel I am a bright person. I intended the pattern of colors to be random representing my busy senior year, although some hidden features which remind me of specific elements of my life. For example, the purple waves represent Cape Cod, a place that serves as an escape from my busy life. The idea of ‘personalization’ is important to Americans. We want to make every product our own from a dance to a desktop background or even cell ringtones.  Personalization allows us to express who we are and what we feel and allows us to be individuals.