Different Cultures Essays Examples

In order to understand another’s culture, one must become immersed into that culture, stepping beyond one’s own socio-cultural norms into an unfamiliar one, takes an open mine, and a willingness to release biases. I immersed myself fully into the Latin culture when I attended a bachata / salsa, hispanic dance class. What I gained in the inter with the instructor after the class was a greater insight into the unfamiliar.
The bachata / salsa class in midtown Manhattan began with a bunch of strangers from different cultures and backgrounds gathering awkwardly. I noticed that the majority of my classmates had never had a dance class before. The dance instructor was friendly and accommodating as she paired off six sets of partners. Ms. Rodriguez was ready to begin once we were in pairs. Once we started our lesson, our hips gyrated and our movements throbbed as the music blared through the room with infectious beats and horns. I observed the norms and values of the Latin culture as being expressive, sexy, sensual, and energetic regardless of age or size. The Latin culture illustrates vibrancy and youthfulness and happiness above all of the problems that plague their societies.
Ms. Rodriguez explains how bachata / salsa dancing is different from American dance culture, which is labeled “restrictive and robotic”. He expressed how bachata / salsa music is all about passion, energy and community. She further addresses that Latin dance is a big part of their daily lives.
Through the interview, my cultural assessment of the Colombian dance instructor was one of pride and strength. She said that the dance reflects belief in celebrating life with family. Culturally strong, interdependent and adhering to traditional values, the instructor told me that dance was not about movement, but a lifestyle of independence and patriotism of the overall culture as a whole.
As Ms. Rodriguez reiterated, they are not afraid to expose flesh, to gyrate and spin against one another, and it is not an outright sexual expression , but an act of thankfulness for life and the gift of life. Far from an orchestrated, choreographed set of moves, or the latest dance routine trend, the bachata / salsa class taught me that the Latin culture is bold and celebrates the beauty of the human body. I learned that it is not wise to perceive something about a culture you aren’t familiar with. M. Rodriquez was helpful and pleasant as she joyfully described that Latin “fire” as a zest for life. She feels as if the Latin dance differs from mainstream dance as well as classical dance is that there are no rules. The music guides the ‘heat’ behind the hispanic culture’s
In closing, my interview with the bachata / salsa dance instructor, Ms. Rodriguez, introduced me to the Latin culture I had been unfamiliar with prior to signing up for the class. Her candid commentary revealed how latin music is vital for inflicting the spirit of community and strengthen that bond many hispanics to each other. Through the sultry and swift dance moves, the Latin culture is exemplified and celebrated. Latin dancing differs from the mainstream dance trends because the movements come from the heart.