Stories from Staff: Building Belonging Through Dance

By Rahel Behailu, Program Executive, Global Excellence

Growing up in East Africa, between Ethiopia and Kenya, my life was surrounded by family, community, and culture. I was raised by missionary parents in a vibrant environment where traditions were celebrated, meals were shared, and the sense of belonging was constant. That connection to culture and community shaped me deeply; it was my foundation. But everything shifted when I immigrated to the United States to pursue college. Living in the South, in Arkansas, exposed me to something I had never encountered before: racism and discrimination. For the first time in my life, I was no longer part of a community that reflected me. I was the only African student in my school, and that isolation weighed heavily on me.

At school, the part of myself that felt left out was the very part I had once celebrated: my identity, my culture, my sense of pride in who I was. 

Instead, I often felt invisible or reduced to stereotypes. What I believed was missing was belonging, the ability to show up fully as myself without having to question whether I was “too different” to be accepted.  

Over time, the loneliness and disconnect became more than just external. I struggled with depression and carried the heavy weight of being far from home, far from the community that once affirmed me. In losing touch with my cultural roots, I also began to lose touch with my mental and emotional well-being.

That began to shift when I moved to Seattle and started working at the Y. Teaching classes and connecting with members gave me something I hadn’t felt in a long time, a safe space where people could show up as themselves and share their own challenges. I realized it wasn’t just about exercise or health programs; it was about building community. 

In those rooms, I saw people from different walks of life bringing their stories, traditions, and strengths. For the first time since leaving home, I didn’t feel like I had to hide or shrink parts of who I was. 

Creating that space for others also helped me reconnect with myself.  It mattered because it gave me a new perspective that belonging isn’t about fitting into a mold, but about having the courage to create spaces where authenticity is welcome. Through the Y, I found a sense of community again, one that celebrated culture, honored challenges, and reminded me that I wasn’t alone.

At first, I felt unsure about teaching dance classes at the Y. I wasn’t sure if people would connect with me or understand what I brought into the room. But as I began teaching, I saw how movement broke down barriers, it created joy, laughter, and a sense of togetherness. What started as a class quickly became a community, where people supported one another and celebrated each other’s progress. In helping others find connection through dance, I also found it for myself. Teaching became more than just fitness; it was a way to embrace who I am and create a space where I finally felt a true sense of belonging.

Teaching dance classes at the Y surprised me in ways I didn’t expect. Instead of feeling out of place, I found that people were curious and eager to learn, not just the steps, but the culture and joy behind them. 

Sharing myself through movement opened the door for others to share their own stories, and together we built a community rooted in trust and celebration. I learned that belonging doesn’t come from blending in, but from bringing your whole self forward, and inviting others to do the same.  

Now, teaching and leading at the Y feels so much more than fitness; it’s about creating a space where people feel seen, valued, and connected. I show up with confidence in who I am and embrace my culture as a strength I can share with others. My role in the community has shifted from simply instructing to building bridges, bringing people together across differences, and helping them find joy and belonging through movement and shared experiences. I’ve learned that when I show up fully as myself, I not only find my own sense of home but also help others feel safe to do the same.

My story shows that all of us, no matter where we come from, share the same need for connection, belonging, and spaces where we can be our authentic selves. 

The truth others can relate to is that feeling “different” or disconnected can be deeply isolating, but community has the power to heal and transform those experiences. The broader insight is that when we bring our whole selves forward, our cultures, our struggles, and our strengths, we create spaces that lift everyone up. 

For the Y, this means intentionally creating environments that celebrate diversity, honor personal stories, and remove barriers so that every individual feels seen, included, and empowered to thrive.

Note: The Stories from Staff series is shared in the unedited voice of YMCA of Greater Seattle staff. They reflect personal experiences and perspectives, and do not necessarily represent the views or official positions of the YMCA of Greater Seattle.