By Laura Kim
Dorothy Rhee (Grad ’14) is the epitome a four-stranded student, equally excelling in the fields of academics, athletics, service and of course, arts. She truly knows how to embrace all the opportunities that are available at Collingwood: she is a competitive swimmer in the Collingwood swim team, a dedicated member of Round Square, Thunderbird mentoring and Backpack Buddies, and an AP scholar who thirsts for knowledge and mental challenge. But first and foremost, she is an exceptional dancer and choreographer in the Collingwood Hip Hop Crew.
If you have not yet had the privilege of watching the Hip Hop Crew’s performances at annual Collingwood dance shows and assemblies, you would never imagine the incredible “transformation” Dorothy demonstrates on stage. Usually a calm, affectionate, sweet girl at school, Dorothy becomes a fearless, confident young woman when she begins dancing. Her dance performance is as powerful as the striking performances on the show, “So You Think You Can Dance,” which Dorothy loved to watch as a child. She could never take her eyes off the television screen when the show was on, and enthralled by the breathtaking performances, she finally auditioned for Hip Hop Crew in grade 9 despite many doubts and hesitations. Today, she has become an unparalleled dancer who clearly influences other prospective dancers in the audience. Nonetheless, humility is Dorothy’s middle name — she thanks Collingwood and its excellent dance program for bringing out her passion for dancing.
“I am extremely happy that I have found another way to truly express myself," Dorothy said.
Dance signifies opportunity for Dorothy: it has given her confidence, freedom and motivation, the fundamental building blocks of a successful individual. Even though she is currently the longest-serving member in Hip Hop Crew, she is still awed by the fact that she is able to perform in front of hundreds of people. Meanwhile, she probably does not realize that the audience is awed as well by the radiating confidence Dorothy displays on stage. Furthermore, dance has enabled her to be freed from her own anxieties and uncertainties, and thrive. In dance, there is no pressure about being right or wrong– there is no single method of approach! This novel concept was an eye-opener for Dorothy, who was able to use her talent to the fullest. Yet most importantly, dance has become a valuable passion that encourages her to challenge herself and constantly seek improvements.
Dance signifies opportunity for Dorothy: it has given her confidence, freedom and motivation, the fundamental building blocks of a successful individual. Even though she is currently the longest-serving member in Hip Hop Crew, she is still awed by the fact that she is able to perform in front of hundreds of people. Meanwhile, she probably does not realize that the audience is awed as well by the radiating confidence Dorothy displays on stage. Furthermore, dance has enabled her to be freed from her own anxieties and uncertainties, and thrive. In dance, there is no pressure about being right or wrong– there is no single method of approach! This novel concept was an eye-opener for Dorothy, who was able to use her talent to the fullest. Yet most importantly, dance has become a valuable passion that encourages her to challenge herself and constantly seek improvements.
Dorothy is no longer a girl who used to only dream of dancing as she watched “So You Think You Can Dance” — in fact, she has exercised and developed her passion enormously, trying out many different styles of dance. She has always enjoyed dancing R&B Hip Hop, and recently, she developed a new interest in Krumping, a form of street dance characterized by free, expressive, exaggerated and highly energetic movement. It may come to your surprise that Dorothy prefers more masculine and powerful dance styles such as Krumping. Nevertheless, as a choreographer for Hip Hop Crew, she continues to explore a wide range dance styles.
Being a four-stranded student is energizing, however, Dorothy still manages to spare time to embrace her interests other than dancing. Her interests are as diverse as her accomplishments. She loves to travel and immerse herself in foreign cultures. She also enjoys swimming, snowboarding and watching movies. Her hobbies may characterize her as a typical teenager, but she is by no means “typical” — she is a phenomenal member of the Collingwood community whose endearing, genuine personality, intelligence, composure and demeanour are respected and looked upon by everyone around her.
As she goes off to university next year, she has even a greater opportunity that awaits her. At university, she will find herself performing in front of an audience ten times larger than the one at Collingwood, and meet some of the most talented young dancers in the country. Thanks to her unsurpassed dedication in all fields, Dorothy was able to dance her way through Collingwood. Although she may occasionally trip and fall, but there is no doubt that she will get up each time, and dance through the rest of her journey.