It helps us to understand the incredible interconnectedness that we all share with one another. Socially, when we hear an opposing view from someone who is different than us, it provokes more thought. Over the decades, scientists, psychologists, sociologists, economists, and demographers have weighed in, coming to the conclusion that, without a colorful community, we can only see “black and white,” a very simplified view. Simply being exposed to diversity can shift one’s way of thinking and doing. Dancers leave smiling, on a natural high no gym could ever provide.ĭiversity Opens Our Minds To New PerspectivesĬultures define and renew themselves through encounter. There is a wonderful sense of physical happiness that comes from using the body to celebrate life. Dripping sweat doesn’t matter – it’s the connection and the liquid, amazing motion that counts. There is an emotional connection when you face each other. The connection is through the hands (see image) there are elaborate routines of silent communication with fingers telling palms what to make the rest of the body do. The communication is non-verbal because dance transcends language it is a universal language. The diversity of the crowd, the fast music, and the switching of partners with every song enable a connection with people from all over the world in a short period of time. There is unconditional love, connection, and pure joy on the salsa dance floor. They make it their own by combining American, Latin, African, Asian, and European sensibilities. The dancers not only respect one another’s cultures and histories, but also create something new together as they explore a complicated dance that allows for creative expression. It is where dancers white, black, brown, yellow, and every color and culture come together to find refuge and joy, where diversity and multiculturalism come alive. The salsa dance floor is where people of every race, ethnicity, religion, social class, age, and sexual orientation come together and feel a sense of welcome, belonging, safety, and freedom. Copyright © Linda Friedman Schmidt, Salsa Cures Sadness No.2: Silver Shines, detail, discarded clothing, 65 x 42 in Diversity is Celebrated on the Salsa Dance Floor
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