Summer Dance Matters: Cultural Awareness

Julianna Rubio Slager’s joyful ballet, Mi Familia

Dance is a universal language that transcends boundaries and connects people from all walks of life. Each dance form carries with it a unique cultural history, which allows dancers to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and traditions. Dancing diverse forms of dance not only helps to build physical strength, but it also helps to build cultural awareness and appreciation. In this blog post, we will explore how dancing diverse forms of dance can expand cultural awareness.

When we dance, we not only move our bodies, but we also connect with the music and the emotions that come with it. Different dance forms, such as salsa, hip hop, and traditional folk dances, each have their own unique rhythms, movements, and cultural significance. By learning and dancing these forms, we become exposed to the cultural histories and traditions that are woven into the fabric of these dances. As we become more familiar with these cultures, we gain a better understanding of the people, their customs, and their values.

Furthermore, dancing diverse forms of dance also exposes us to a variety of music genres. For instance, salsa music has its roots in Latin America, while hip hop music originated in the African American community. By learning the dances that correspond to these music genres, we gain an understanding of the musical styles and influences that have shaped these cultures. We also learn to appreciate the nuances of the music and how it contributes to the overall performance of the dance.

Dancing also provides us with an opportunity to interact with people from different cultures. In dance classes or performances, we often work in groups or pairs, allowing us to connect with others who may have a different background than our own. These interactions can be eye-opening, and can lead to new friendships and a greater appreciation for diversity.

By learning diverse forms of dance, we not only gain cultural awareness, but we also learn to become more adaptable and open-minded. Dancers must be willing to learn new movements, rhythms, and cultural histories, which requires flexibility and an open mind. This mentality of openness and willingness to learn can translate to other areas of life and help us become more empathetic and understanding of others.

In conclusion, dancing diverse forms of dance is a valuable way to gain cultural awareness and appreciation. By immersing ourselves in the history and traditions of different cultures through dance, we become more connected to the world around us. We learn to appreciate the uniqueness of each culture and to see the beauty in our differences. Dancing not only helps us to build physical strength and endurance, but it also helps us to build a stronger sense of cultural awareness and understanding.

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