Dancing in Unity
Yesterday was Unity Day on the UMR (MST) campus. The event celebrated diversity through the arts — including the art of cooking, one of my favorite arts.
I was vaguely aware of Unity Day, something that happens around twice a semester. The event was in the atrium of the Havener Center; I had a 12:00-1:00 meeting in a room on the second floor, close to the atrium. When I walked into the Havener for the meeting and saw the tables of food, I knew I had come too late. The meeting went well, but we could hear music, cheers, and singing from the open space just outside the closed doors to our meeting room.
When the meeting was over, I walked out and looked over the railing, into the atrium. Two young women were dancing. I couldn't see well, being above them at a sharp angle. They were dressed in soft gray and white clothing. The dance involved their mirroring each others' gestures as far as I could see. From my impression, the dance expressed a kind of focused grace, a strong quiet.
After that dance, I walked down the stairs, still hoping for some food. The next act was a step show by the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha. Stepping is an African American art form, the steppers moving in unison, often in a close line. The moves are strong, with stamping and powerful arm gestures. The steppers express strength and unity. If you've never seen a step show, I recommend you do if you have the chance. There's a stepping contest in Spike Lee's movie, School Daze. (I googled Spike Lee and
School Daze and decided to let you find your own links if you're interested.)
And, yes, I did score some food: two wonderful egg rolls.