THEY SAID SHOW US YOUR CULTURE AND I DID JUST THAT!
- Shaneika Smith
- Dec 12, 2017
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 19
They were SUPER excited to be a part of the presentation.
Embracing the
JAMAICAN CULTURE!
Jamaica is a very unique country with an outstanding culture. There are so many things to love, share and elucidate with others. After 3 months of being away from Jamaica, I thought I was over reggae music and dance-hall, curry and jerk, patties and bun, lime leaf and soursop leaf tea. But I was fooling myself as I fell into deep depression, due to the fact that these things were not easily available in Colombia.However, when I was asked to share some aspects of my culture with the students and the general school public where I was working I instantaneously became elated. I immediately tapped into my creative skills in an effort to create the perfect Jamaican experience.
Another fellow from the Czech Republic and I collaborated in creating an unforgettable Jamaican/Czech Republic Day!
We started the program with national anthems from both nations. ( When mi hear di Jamaican anthem mi heart swell big so til,an me just start bawl).
We then took them through the different cultural aspects of each country ranging from food, music, dress and dance.
They were doing tie and dye for the first time and they also learned the Jamaican"BREADFRUIT DANCE"
Music and dancing are very popular in
Colombia, with dozens of popular vibrant styles. The most prevalent local musical styles are Vallenato, Salsa, Merengue, Reggaeton,Cumbia and Bambuco. These are usually played literally on every corner in the streets. The dances that accompanies these
exasperating music brings me life. The artistry combined with a compilation of various fancy foot works, supplemented by passion, poise and grace is next to no other. I firmly believe that Colombians are genetically disposed to dance.
Against this background I thought it would be necessary to challenge my students to learn a Jamaican dance routine. "Yuh woulda wonda if dem a Jamaican wen me done wid dem"
To be honest "I cannot dance to save my life" but the students were so enthused by the initiative that they took the time out to watch YouTube videos and as such, were able to choreograph a Jamaican routine.
Take a look!
Yuh Tink me done yet?
I must have taught this group once, but they were super excited to show that they could do a rendition of "ONE LOVE" by Bob Marley.
Aren't they adorable?
The students were charged with the responsibility of highlighting one Jamaican Icon and of course they chose the World's Fastest Man Usain Bolt. They made a statue where they could replicate his body and place their heads at the top.
Art Work Done by Different Individuals from different grade
levels!
Welcome to Jamrock!
Tie and Dye ( All the members of the dance group wore this!)
They made Jamaican Color Arm-Bands and Necklaces.....
Jamaican Hat and Bag made from Paper
Everything Jamaican!!!!! IRIE!
A drawing of Bob Marley and the Jamaican Flag!
Yuh wah breadfruit???
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