Anne Frank Project in Rwanda
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Lucas Colon

My Worst Nightmare

6/14/2019

1 Comment

 
Today on the bus, Drew announced that we were going to an art center, and we’d also receive traditional Rwandan dance lessons.

This was my worst nightmare.

I canNOT dance. I only barely passed my beginner tap class last semester, and it was 100% focused on footwork. Moving my arms or the rest of my body? That was WAY too much to ask. I think the fear was evident on my face as we drove towards the center.

The art center was gorgeous. There was a treasure trove of inspiration to be found there (especially because much of the artwork was recycled), but I could only focus on one thing - how stupid I’d look dancing. My lack of adeptness would be particularly noticeable compared to the other people in my group - Imani, Lisa, and Lila are all amazing dancers. Me, on the other hand...I’m a gangly white boy. I am seriously out of my element. The music was only drums, so I had no excuse for not staying on rhythm - I had to perform.

Christian, our wonderful instructor, led us through several basic steps. I was keenly aware of Drew, Molly, and Gabrielle filming us (and I shudder to think of what those videos look like - it could be incriminating evidence!), but as the dance wore on, I stopped caring so much about what I looked like. I gradually began to lose myself in the drum music, and began to feel the polyrhythms rather than carefully think my way through each step. I started to enjoy myself towards the end of the lesson!

I still refuse to post the photos, though. Or the video, God forbid.
1 Comment
Madeline Anderson-Balmer
6/16/2019 01:18:53 pm

Hoping this horrifying dance experience was one that taught you to dance like no one is watching. Dance is also a way to tell a story, and for many there is no rythm to life that makes sense. But if you dance to your own inner rythms and just absorb the sheer joy of being grounded in your own spirit, you can feel the greater existence you are a part of. In other words, letting go and enjoying the freedom of movement, no matter the rythm or lack thereof is the secret to dance!

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    About Lucas

    I am traveling to Rwanda with the intent of a sponge - I want to absorb as many unique experiences as I possibly can, and bring them back to share with my culture. I am a multifaceted artist, and Rwanda is a treasure trove of valuable experiences to draw inspiration from. As a visual artist, I look forward to seeing unique handmade art, and letting it inspire an artistic vision. As a musician, I look forward to hearing vastly different than what I’m used to, and letting that inspire music from my soul. And as a teacher, I’m looking to see teaching methods different than what I have known. I want to bring these gifts back and share them with my culture. 

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