Today, four students from Central and South America will perform popular and indigenous dances from their respective countries. The performance starts at noon at the EMU fountain courtyard.
International Cultural Services Program coordinator Teri Page said last year’s dance presentations dealt with the effects of war on the lives of people from different countries and cultures.
This year, she said, “We wanted something more fun and interactive. Dance speaks a universal language; everyone can enjoy it.”
Student Alexander Diaz, who is Colombian, will perform two dances; “Cumbia is more of an indigenous dance for Colombians, whereas if they were out at the club, they would dance the Merengue,” Page said.
Jackeline Silva, a student from Brazil, will dance a type of samba that Page described as “kind of like the Charleston, but with a lot more shaking of the hips… it’s very expressive”
The final dance event will be held May 29 and will feature dances from Europe and Asia.
– Jill Kimball