Dance Around the World Showcases International Culture

Holcombe Hall's staff invites you to the annual Dance Around the World event for an international celebration of dance and food.

Holcombe Hall is the home of the International Education Living Learning Community. The event is free and open to all.

The event starts at 6 p.m. today in the Holcombe Hall's living room.

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

Food will be served at the beginning of the program. A majority of the seating will be on the floor. You are encouraged to stick around after the dances to take pictures and meet new friends.

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 member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

Another dance to be showcased is ballroom style. Junior Sophia Landers reflected on her journey with Dance Around the World. She is a past participant and a member of the University of Arkansas Ballroom Dance Club.

"I stayed in Holcombe my freshman and sophomore year, and I have always loved going to Dance Around the World. I'm always interested in seeing how dance forms from around the word embody the culture of people," she said.

"No matter where you go on earth, dance is a unifying factor that brings individuals together. Dancing is my way of telling a story and eliciting an emotion from an audience. West Coast Swing - the dance my partner Walter and I will be performing this year - is very much a fun, upbeat dance that has a lively attitude and can be danced to most pop and blues music," Landers said.

This will be the 11th annual Dance Around the World hosted by Holcombe Hall. Each year brings fresh dances and new faces to the stage. The dances represent student populations on campus and celebrate the unique aspects of all.

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.

About University Housing. University Housing is a department within the Division of Student Affairs serving a residential community of around 5,700 on-campus students. More than 200 students find employment opportunities with University Housing each year. We offer educational programs that support the success of students and services that help students focus on academics at the University of Arkansas. Living on campus starts with a housing contract.

About the Division of Student Affairs. The Division of Student Affairs supports students in pursuing knowledge, earning a degree, finding meaningful careers, exploring diversity, and connecting with the global community. We provide students housing, dining, health care resources, and create innovative programs that educate and inspire. We enhance the University of Arkansas experience and help students succeed, one student at a time.