A better world through dance

By Soumia Kaltimi

One of the most important aspects of Costa Rican culture is dancing. On August 8th 2022, we had the opportunity to learn some of the most popular dances in Costa Rica, such as: Bachata, Salsa, Merengue and Reggeton.

Dancing is a way people in Costa Rica make friends and enjoy their weekends. During our dance session I was able to see why people in Costa Rica see dancing as a way to interact with others or for leisure. My partner and I spent 90 percent of our time laughing from all the steps we have missed and the wrong dance moves. While doing that we became vulnerable to one another which erased the intimidated feeling I was having by the idea of dancing with a partner because it is something I have never done before. There was no pretense, just pure joy and amusement during our dance which made it easy for us to connect with one another. 

While dancing Merengue it made me reflect on how we view dance moves in the US. Specifically dances involving hips movement. It has a negative view if it is performed outside of clubs or parties. In Costa Rica there is no such a thing as a dance that is deemed as inappropriate at a setting because they view it simply as a form of bonding and nothing else. 

If we as a society view dances the same way Costa Rican do, we will truly be able to connect with one another on deeper levels and create the world a better place for us all.