BREAKING BARRIERS ON "CULTURE DAY" THROUGH MEXICAN DANCE
The Ohio Chapter of WFWP has frequently put up information tables at the annual Columbus International Festival. On one such occasion in 2012, Mrs. Janet Halters came to the table I was manning (or womanning). We spoke and she signed up for more information about WFWP.
Later that year, she had called me and invited me to give a presentation about Mexican Dance at one of her events. Since one of WFWP's main areas of focus is service to the community, I decided to use my skill in performing Mexican dance, honed in my youth, to serve the community. I was also given an opportunity to introduce the broader work of WFWP.
Mrs. Halters asked me to perform on the West Broad Elementary School's "Culture Day." As it would be a school performance, I decided to ask for student volunteers to dance and I would coach them. To my amazement, twenty students signed up to learn and perform.
A couple of the Mexican dancers
On May 20, the West Broad auditorium was full of bright faces as Mrs. Halters introduced our Mexican Dance performance. Before we began the dance, I shared about WFWP's vision and mission and explained the efforts to achieve international and intercultural peace. I also explained the Ohio chapter's work as an advocate for healthy family living and volunteerism.
Then the girls filed in, took their spots, and got into pose on my cue. To the music, the girls began the "wave" part of the dance. They then went into the "train" phase and the "switch partner" part. The dance showed the beautiful spectrum of nationalities that surfaced in the dancing.
Their final bow was well synchronized; and, with arms raised high, a wave and a big smile appeared as they exited in an orderly, graceful manner. The applause was long and heart-warming. The ten practices we had managed to hold had paid off; and, even better, I got to know the girls, their personalities, and how to "make friends" crossing the generational barrier.
Our weekly practices had not been without challenges. Costumes were on a deadline and needed elastic waists, fabric painting, and adjustments here and there. Angelina appeared with a cast on her arm, Katie turned pale with stomach problems a few days prior to the event, and Brelan got a leg injury and was not able to participate at all. I really learned to love all "my" girls.
Another student, "my sweet chatterbox" had a single tear on her check because she couldn't see her mom in the audience. I was then given the opportunity to advocate for her mom, and console the little girl who had touched my heart.
I learned that Mrs. Halter is quite dedicated to raising the children's awareness of different cultures and is no stranger to investing time, money, and heart into her career.
I briefly met with the West Broad Elementary principal, Dr. James Eslinger, and explained that I was interested in getting the girls together to audition for the annual International Festival here in Columbus. He not only offered to get someone to call the parents, but also opened the option for us to hold summer practices in the gym.
Through this experience, I understand how volunteering is a great way to enhance your leadership skills and creativity, and also to bring a breath of fresh air into your year! When you do volunteer, be sure to have a photographer on hand. Let them know what kinds of shots you need, and turn in an article as well!