--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: As a child I didn't understand why there…" description: "\"As a child I didn't understand why there were no black students in dance schools: classmates and teachers made me feel different and tried steering me ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/137/michaela-deprince-5344_children_as-a-child-i-didn-t-understand-why-there_1881581.jpg" --- # As a child I didn't understand why there were no black… ![“As a child I didn't understand why there were no black students in dance schools: classmates and teachers made me feel different and tried steering me toward modern dance.” quote by Michaela DePrince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/137/michaela-deprince-5344_children_as-a-child-i-didn-t-understand-why-there_1881581.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/137/michaela-deprince-5344_children_as-a-child-i-didn-t-understand-why-there_1881581.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/137/michaela-deprince-5344_children_as-a-child-i-didn-t-understand-why-there_1881581.jpg) > “As a child I didn't understand why there were no black students in dance schools: classmates and teachers made me feel different and tried steering me toward modern dance.” [Michaela DePrince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michaela-deprince/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Early exclusion based on race can shape one’s perception of belonging and influence artistic direction. **In simple terms:** Racial bias in schooling affected her dance path. Key Takeaway Advocate inclusive environments for all. Themes identity racism art education Mood hopeful determined Type inspirational educational When to use this quote - dance schools - arts programs - community workshops - policy advocacy Key Concepts social inclusion cultural representation Questions to Reflect On - How did this experience shape your artistic voice? - What steps can institutions take to be inclusive? A Different Perspective Personal experience may not reflect broader trends. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Classmates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/classmates/) [Dance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dance/) [Modern dance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/modern-dance/) ## Related quotes > [Before I moved here, I had no desire to become a dancer. But when I saw the dance schools in the city and the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shakti-mohan/before-i-moved-here-i-had-no-desire-to-become-a-dancer-but-when-i-saw/) [Shakti Mohan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shakti-mohan/) > [I've been in dance schools since I was four. I went to the Brit school. 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