Akida Bintee Islam Nooha ’27

I came to Allegheny as a South Asian international student with a passion for dance and a fear of public performance, resulting from my experiences with body shaming. That changed when I joined Orchesis. I felt accepted and valued just the way I was by Ellie's group, particularly under Sarah's guidance. Sarah showed great concern and commitment through her kindness and careful management of our schedules. No matter their origin or level of expertise, she made sure that everyone felt acknowledged, welcomed, and appreciated. I was able to rediscover my joy, pride, and self-assurance in my dancing because of this feeling of belonging. I found solace and personal development in Orchesis, which evolved into much more than just a dance group.