I want to share the story of five women, including myself, who have experienced migration and how, through dance, we have felt closer to home despite the thousands of kilometres of distance.
Upon arriving in New Zealand, I immediately sensed the wonder of this country—a place surrounded by positivity. I noticed that nearly everything around me was fresh and beautiful. The streets were peaceful, with many lovely people and incredible landscapes. Life seemed simpler than in Colombia in some way; for the first time, I genuinely felt happy in a place I had always dreamed of.
As this joy enveloped me, a growing sense of nostalgia emerged—missing the customs, family, friends, colours, and flavours—the vibrant energy of my homeland.
Migrants often experience the feeling of being physically present but emotionally disconnected, feeling that they do not belong. For years, I felt a disconnection between my life and my roots, as if my heart was distant from where I came from. Fortunately, over time, my steps led me to where I truly belonged: The Tierra Viva Colombian Dance group.
In 2021, I walked into a dance hall in New Zealand for the first time, where I met my teacher, Diana. She was a strict figure—rigorous, disciplined, and highly coordinated. She is a person who, through her discipline and experience, contributes significantly to each of the dancers. It is necessary, especially when starting and maintaining a dance group like Tierra Viva, to have a high commitment and effort.
The history of the dance group evokes strong emotions in me. It began five years ago when Diana assumed the role of an impeccable teacher, forming a steadfast dance community. Although she is demanding and firm and has a great love for dance, I would prefer to let her express, in her own words, why dance is so important to her and why she started with this fascinating idea of bringing Colombian Folklore to New Zealand:
"My life underwent a significant transformation when I discovered the art of dance. This beautiful art form taught me the importance of discipline and dedication in achieving our goals. It also made me realize that tears are not just a
sign of sadness, but also a way for our bodies to process emotions and express love. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to learn and teach dance, and my deepest wish is for others to experience the same joy and vibrancy that it has brought to my life. May dance infuse your being with its energy and grace, moving you from the outer edges of your body to the innermost depths of your heart." - Diana Prieto, Director and founder of Tierra Viva.
Diana and Julian, Directors of Tierra Viva Dance Group.
Much like our teacher and director, who have felt the impact of dance in their lives, I was intrigued to delve into the viewpoints of the three dancers in the group. I wanted to grasp their personal connections and how their dance journeys intertwined with Tierra Viva.
Ana is one of the oldest dancers in the group; from my perspective, she has always shown herself to be an attentive observer during practice. She is one of the most outstanding dancers. Her success is due to her commitment to improvement, which makes me understand that perseverance and discipline take precedence over any previous experience or ability. Her dedication and determination guide the new dancers toward improvement. But it is interesting to see her perspective on how dance has impacted her:
"My life in New Zealand differs since I am part of the Tierra Viva dancing group, where I have found a family. Tierra Viva is not just a space where we can learn about Colombian folklore and dance; it is also a space where my mind feels free of worries and stress. Every time there is a new performance my brain switches to a challenging mood, and my mind starts working hard to memorize the steps and the music. I have realized that dance occupies my mind, thinking about improving my movements and feeling more natural. Dance is more than just showcasing culture; it is deeper than that. For me, it is about enhancing my well-being and mental health. Dance is more than a hobby; it is the therapy that my mind and body need to overcome bad days and things that bother my mind, while also helping me keep my body in shape." - Ana Ruiz Ortiz, Tierra Viva Dancer.
All of us have found a family and refuge in Tierra Viva. Through dance, we connect with our essences and bring the culture of Colombia to New Zealand. Dance not only showcases culture but also helps us maintain mental and physical well-being. Every step and movement helps us find a connection to our homeland, regardless of our location.
Joys, another dancer within the group, showcases leadership skills and remarkable coordination. We all strive to emulate her consistency, as her guidance and commitment serve as great inspiration. Her upbringing in this environment fuels her deep passion. We highly appreciate her corrections and teachings, which shed light on the art of dancing. The impact that dance has had on her life has been so profound that her words better define the connection I have discussed extensively in this article:
"Since I was young, dance has always been a part of me. I get the impression that I am in a joyful environment, surrounded by all the different aromas that the music evokes. Every time I dance, the situation transforms, especially when I am dancing to the music of my beloved Colombia. It transports me to a different world where I can envision myself living in a village and participating in all its customs. I envision myself dancing with everyone who has contributed to my development. I picture myself surrounded by vivid hues, allowing the musical notes of each instrument to carry me away. I allow my body to move with them as I immerse myself and explore. Dancing in New Zealand enables me to stay connected to my roots and show others the joy and learning that originate from Colombia. Dancing means everything to me. It's my way of breathing. Dance enables us to feel connected to our roots no matter where we are. It is remarkable how, by closing your eyes and immersing yourself in each song, you can be transported to the most beautiful landscapes and cherished moments. It is a powerful experience to be able to recreate and relive those memories through dance, preserving the spirit of Colombia within you. It's like a small piece of home that you can carry wherever you go." - Joys Florez Lozano, Tierra Viva Dancer.
Lastly, one of the group's dancers highlights the substantial effort put into each performance, and her words beautifully align with the essence of dance for us. One of our newest members is Karen. She arrived at Tierra Viva with her radiant smile, ready to receive criticism and discipline. Her love for Colombia is palpable, and being here allows her to recognize how she began around one year ago and continues to grow, proudly representing our country:
"Dance has given me so much. It has taught me to work as a team and to value art and the people who dedicate themselves to it. When you witness a 3-minute performance, you cannot fathom the hours of rehearsal and preparation behind it. I appreciate comprehending the coordination required—with space, music, body, companions, and even the audience. This experience has also taught me patience and the value of colleagues who have been patient throughout everyone's learning journey." - Karen Diaz Velandia, Tierra Viva Dancer.
The experience of migrating and finding a new home is an emotional journey. Through dance and togetherness at Tierra Viva, we have transformed our lives and found ways to maintain our connections to Colombia in a distant place. Each of these stories reflects the ability of art and passion to create a bridge between seemingly separate worlds.
I am privileged to take pride in sharing with those who have immigrated to distant lands and connect with the customs we love, especially dance. I love being a part of it.
From my perspective, dancing is a unique experience that embodies discipline, love, and perseverance. Through each movement, we manifest the customs and roots of various places on our beloved Earth. Every costume and every step proudly represent the act of elevating the name of Colombia.
Andrea Nino Duarte
Journalist and Social Media Manager of Tierra Viva Colombian Dance Group
Colombia
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