Mworia K
As the sun dipped low on Thursday 29th of August 2024, casting warm beams of light on the Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland Central orchestrated a moment of pure magic. The concrete expanse became a hub of music, Brazilian Samba, and Caribbean Rhythms, inviting attendees to shed their daily armor and step into a world where strangers became dance partners and self-expression reigned supreme. Seasoned dancers moved alongside those who hadn’t felt music in their bones for a while. One of the attendees shared that she hadn’t danced since before she started using a walker, yet there she was, swaying to the beat, her face alight with rediscovered joy. It was a poignant reminder that music and movement speak a universal language, one that transcends physical limitations and social barriers.
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At the heart of this thoughtfully realized community were the instructors – vibrant souls whose energy proved irresistibly contagious. They guided us through simple yet invigorating routines, their patience, and enthusiasm coaxing even the most hesitant wallflower onto the makeshift dance floor. Adding to the carnival atmosphere, two of the ladies were dancing on stilts, resplendent in pink feathers and sequins. They wove through the crowd, their towering presence a reminder that sometimes we need to elevate ourselves above the ordinary to see life’s extraordinary potential.
life’s extraordinary potential.
In these trying times, as we collectively still emerge from the cocoon of pandemic isolation, events like these feel almost providential. They offer more than just entertainment; they provide a canvas for self-discovery and connection.Oakland Central designs these summer events to allow the community a moment of stress relief as they explore various artistic expressions.
There’s a profound beauty in showing up, in allowing yourself to be seen, in moving your body simply for the joy of it. Oakland Central has created a space where this was not only possible but celebrated. The presence of security, seamlessly integrated into the jubilant atmosphere, ensured that self-expression could flourish without reservation. Sometimes the most revolutionary act is to dance in public, to laugh with strangers, to create beautiful chaos amidst life’s unpredictability.
As the evening’s rhythms faded and the plaza slowly emptied, the energy lingered – a shared secret among those who had participated. We left not just with new dance steps, but with a renewed sense of community and self. In a world that often demands we shrink ourselves to fit predetermined molds, here was a space that invited expansion, that celebrated each person’s unique rhythm. It served as a powerful reminder that no matter who you are or where you come from, there’s always a place for you in the dance of life. All you need to do is show up and let the music guide you home to yourself.
~By Mworia. L. K.
