Dance Around the World Showcases International Culture

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Holcombe Hall, home of the International Education Living Learning Community, is holding an annual Dance Around the World celebration at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, in the hall's living room.

The event is free and open to everyone who is interested in learning about other cultures.

Dance Around the World features more than eight international performances, including dances from Japan, Panama, India, Poland and others. Restaurants in Northwest Arkansas, representing various countries, will also provide catered food.

Dance as Culture

One dance style to be showcased at the event is called "stepping."

"Stepping represents the historical roots of our black Greek letter organization members and pride of our background. We do it today to remember our roots," said Quandarrius Doss, a resident assistant in Futrall Hall and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

Tatsuya Sugiura is a teaching assistant who is putting together a traditional Japanese dance.

"The dance we are putting together is a product of the love that both Japanese and non-Japanese students have for this culture and we hope that through our performance we can bring even more people to appreciate it," he said.

"We are looking forward to welcoming performers from around the world and learn more about each country," said Tiana Williams, a Holcombe Hall resident and emcee for Dance Around the World.

"Dance Around the World has consistently been a success in the past, and for the program's 10th anniversary, we expect the event to be even better this year."

International Education Week

Holcombe Hall is home to American and international students. It is a place where they live together and learn from each other. Residents participate in rich experiences, which promote inquiry, understanding and appreciation for traditions, values and lifestyles present in the world.

"Dance Around the World" is one of the many programs being promoted during  International Education Week at the University of Arkansas. International Education Week (IEW) is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.

About Living Learning Communities: University Housing offers several residential communities to students organized around academic majors and educational interests. Each Living Learning Community, or LLC, allows on-campus students to live alongside others who share their interests and participate in monthly activities that promote academic and personal success. Learn more about LLCs.