Cultural Immersion through Dance (VIDEO)
by Leah Simon
A Latino rhythm speaks as it bounces in the air, layered with the high-pitched voice of the mandarina, overtop of the raspyness of the guayo and the soft tone of the accordion. Before the smooth-flowing words of Raulin Rodriguez glide through the air, my mind processes the genre of music (there are a few types: bembo, merengue, bachata, regeton to name a few) and my body reacts, legs bouncing and hips swaying right in with the beat. “Esta Noche” is playing, a famous classic bachata song, and the romantic, serenading lyrics speak to me as my body converses back. The movement of my body beckons a male counterpart and within moments, there is one in front of me following my steps and providing me with a conversation partner. It is only through my experience of immersion here in this unique language that I now have this familiarity […]