By Jaquelyn Johnson
“We live in an era that is full of technological distractions and I feel it is important for our children to engage in physical activities and engage their minds to learning something new!” said Milteri Tucker.
Tucker spoke after a dance performance she directed at the Owen Dolen Recreational Center, in the Westchester Square section of the Bronx. The program, sponsored by the NYC Parks, was loosely based on The Wiz and the center was transformed into a yellow brick road of performances. It began with a choreographed dance show to celebrate the culture of the African American community and ended with a buffet dinner.
The event was held in honor of Black History Month, with pictures of African American icons such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks lining the walls along a hand-drawn yellow brick road.
For approximately two months, Tucker taught the children different dance techniques during a Friday after school program. She explained that they were learning more than just dance techniques. Dance, she said, teaches about comradery and teamwork, lessons that can be applied to everyday life.
“I hope that they are expanding their horizons, and learn that dance is much more than just a verb,” she says. “It is a medium to communicate thoughts and ideas. It a profession as well, for those who wish to pursue a career in dance and give back to their community.”
The performers took the stage in costumes representing the classic characters of the Wizard of Oz, including a break dancing lion who seemed to be the antithesis of cowardly and a Dorothy who clicked her heels three times to magically end up on a stage in the Bronx. The rest of the performers interweaved a mixture of African folklore dance with contemporary hip hop to create a spectacular show for the more than 60 parents, press, and NYC Parks employees in attendance.
Also in attendance were NYC Parks & Recreation Assistant Commissioner Nancy Barthold and the first African American Tony Award winner for choreography, Dr. George Faison.
Faison presented a slideshow of his work and described his R.E.S.P.E.C.T project at the Firehouse Theater. Located in Harlem, the Firehouse Theater is a former firehouse transformed into a dance studio by Faison himself. The R.E.S.P.E.C.T project uses creativity as a way to confront issues facing today’s youth face, from peer pressure and poverty, to date rape and gang violence.
Although the performances were centered around the after school program, Faison brought along some of his R.E.S.P.E.C.T members to perform. The audience responded enthusiastically to a poem one member recited about the importance of embracing African American culture.
After the lively performances, there were raffles with winning prizes that consisted of small trucks, basketballs and Barbie fantasy dream houses. There was also a buffet of food that included classic Southern cooking such as: yams, collard greens and turkey.
The show closed with a promise of future events, including a possible St. Patrick’s Day performance.
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