I recently received an alumni e-mail from Boston University, where I went to undergrad. The e-mail was from Boston University’s alumni magazine, Bostonia featured a vibrant cameo of a student donned in tradiational Indian garb that beckoned me to click on the accompanying link.
Body language
My browser opened to an incredibly visual web piece called “Body Language,” featuring dynamic photos of dancers against brilliantly lit hues of purples and greens. The piece profiles five multicultural dance troupes and their stories, what each group represents, and what significance the culture brings to the crew’s dance.
It was a stunning piece that showcased the zest and life of multicultural activity, and a revelation of dance as a common, yet powerful medium to explore the intricacies and stories of multiculturalism. In fact, dance as a cultural bridge is an idea that prevails on many campuses and beyond.
Carnevale
Northeastern University’s International Student & Scholar Institute dedicates nearly two months to multicultural expression in Carnevale.Replete with global dance performances to “International Idol”, NU’s international student rendition of America’s talent show hit, Carnevale is another spectacular celebration of diversity and internationalism on college campuses.
Chameleon
While not college or university-based, the Chameleon project is one such performance with the very mission to explores such notions as home, identitiy, and relationships in a multicultural context. Performed by New York City–based dance troupe, A.H. Dance Company.
“Chameleon” challenges the boundaries of traditional dance performance by marrying different mediums of expression in one piece to convey what it means to be a global nomad.
