"I have thought about the next steps, and you know, they still don't know that I can dance. They don't know it, and it's frustrating me because I feel that it's an edge that I have, and I'm not talking about I took this hip hop class, I'm talking about this is how people actually know me"

In this quote by Naima Adedapo, the speaker is reviewing the idea of identity and recognition within a particular arena, possibly a competitive or performance-based environment. The speaker feels that there is an aspect of their identity, specifically their ability to dance, that has actually not been totally acknowledged or appreciated by others. This element-- dancing-- is significant to the speaker not simply as an ability but as a specifying function of who they are, recommending that it plays a crucial function in their self-perception and how they are understood by others in their individual or expert life.

Using the expression "I took this hip hop class" implies that the speaker's dance ability is not something casually obtained or shallow; it is an intrinsic part of their identity. They are revealing a frustration that people have actually not acknowledged this talent, despite it being a significant part of how others "really understand" them. This distinction highlights the difference between learned abilities and fundamental skills that define us more profoundly.

The yearning for acknowledgment in the excerpt can be deemed a desire for credibility and recognition. The speaker appears to think that showcasing their dance capability could give them an "edge" in their current setting. This edge might not only use a competitive advantage but could likewise permit them to express themselves more completely and truly in front of others.

This story shows a wider human desire for acknowledgment of one's real self, particularly the skills or characteristics that we hold dear. It underscores the aggravation and harshness that can arise when our perception of self does not line up with how others view us, particularly in environments where we look for to make an impact. Adedapo's words resonate with those who have ever felt ignored or misconstrued in their capabilities and work as a tip of the importance of self-advocacy and authenticity.