On Nov. 6, Grand Valley State University’s Africana studies program (AAA), in collaboration with the African Student Council and Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc., held an African Dance Party.
The event aimed to expand students’ understanding of African cultures through dance, music and shared experiences. The party was open to students from various cultural backgrounds, offering a chance to explore and appreciate African traditions in an interactive format.
Edgar Page, an assistant professor in the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance (MTD), has been part of the University’s dance department since August 2022, and has organized this event for the past two years. The dance party supports the program’s goal to provide experiential learning outside of the traditional classroom setting. Page, who initially began his venture into dance training through Detroit’s public school system, comes from a legacy that celebrates the African diaspora and African dance traditions.
“I am still getting to know different individuals, and (figuring out how to) impact the (University) community,” said Page.
Page emphasized the diversity of the dance party’s attendees, which contributed to the event’s inclusive atmosphere. The event was initially scheduled to last one hour, but was extended to two hours, as students enjoyed learning various cultures’ dance moves. This created a shared, multicultural learning experience.
Page was joined in his efforts to organize the event by Assistant Professor Jakia Marie. Marie, also the program coordinator of AAA, believes the opportunity to host the event emphasized both education and connection.
“Our partnerships were important because we had students from all (over) the world and various cultural backgrounds in attendance, which added more depth, and honestly, fun to the (event),” Marie said. “By the end, students were teaching dance moves that represented their countries and cultures. We didn’t plan to spend more than 60 minutes together, but we ended up dancing for two hours because of the organic relationships that were being forged by the spirit of dance.”
There were numerous music selections that were familiar to students, including artists such as Beyoncé and Big Freedia, which helped ease students into the activities. Marie noted that hearing popular songs allowed students to feel more connected to the experience. This alignment with contemporary media demonstrated the influence of African cultural roots on modern music, offering a practical link to course discussions on the African diaspora.
“I find joy seeing students build their self-efficacy,” said Marie. “College and other new experiences can be intimidating, and I love to see students overcome that initial hesitation and succeed. This is also why I try to host events where students can meet one another and connect, because trying new things is always easier when you have a friend and the atmosphere is relaxing and welcoming.”
AAA offers students the opportunity to engage with a global perspective that may have been absent from many students’ K-12 education, expanding their knowledge of Africa and its cultures’ contributions. The program is an interdisciplinary minor that serves as a valuable complement to various fields of study. AAA cultivates an understanding of Africa’s diversity and complexity, raises an in-depth awareness of African American experiences and provides a comprehensive knowledge of the African diaspora’s history. The African Dance Party exemplifies this mission, bringing cultural lessons to life, and helping students see the interconnectedness of diverse, global communities.
