Every April, for 37 years, UNCG has held an International Festival. In recent years, it has been held on the Kaplan Lawn, in front of the Elliot University Center. The above photo features the dance stage with the Jackson Library serving as a backdrop for the performers. The festival is a chance for students and their friends and families to celebrate their ethnic heritage.

A woman whose daughter was working in the Morocco booth wanted attendees to know how much she loves America and the fact that people from countries that haven’t historically gotten along can live alongside each other in the United States- and even be friends. Another woman, taking a photo of a map of the Middle East, turned and commented to those standing nearby that she missed the region, “every single bit of it.”

International festivals emphasize the most visible aspects of cultures, food, dance, language, and clothing, and don’t usually present opportunities to dig deeper to explore values, beliefs, life experiences, and other less-visible aspects of culture. However, these events are a very important starting point on the road to mutual understanding.

Let’s take our cue from the three performers above and “Let It Be A Dance.”