Issue date: 10/1/07 Section: Style

Media Credit: Rachel Hirsh Abbey Greslick and Arletta Hayes decked in tribal fusion belly dance attire strike a pose for the camera. Belly is a modified fusion of traditional Middle Eastern Fance fraught with ancient meanings. In recent years, the belly dance club has celebrated great popularity at UMaine.

Media Credit: Rachel Hirsh

Midnight Mosaic certainly held true to its name. Much like mosaic artwork, a piece comprised of many tiny images combined to create a new aesthetic, the Memorial Union was alight with the sounds and faces of many diverse cultures.

From the often-overlooked third floor of the Union came the sounds of Middle Eastern music. Finally crossing the threshold of the Walker Room, I was greeted by the swaying bodies of several belly dancers. As they swung their hips in a sensual fashion, the question asked itself, who knew such different tones could stem from simple hip-jewelry?

The women of this particular group all became interested in dancing for different reasons; however, the connecting strand appeared to be a desire to experience another culture.

Rachel Olivares, part of the group for about a year, dates her interest in dancing back to her mother. "My mom ordered [belly dancing] exercise videos," Olivares recalled, "and I decided to live out the culture and dance."

Erin Switzer explained what attracted her to dancing. "Growing up, I was intrigued [by belly dancing]. There was a dancer in a Greek restaurant my family would go to … I just felt like doing it." Switzer eventually found a teacher in a Unitarian church.

The group eventually explained that they have named themselves "Levona Spirit" in homage to their old instructor Margaret (Liz) Seekins. Arletta Hayes, co-choreographer, described her dancing as "tribal fusion." "It's earthy and snake-like," Hayes continued, "It's almost hypnotic … and it's a great way to tone-up."

Other forms of dancing included Egyptian Caberet and Gypsy Seduction.

Moving back downstairs into the more heavily-traveled sections of the Union, food awaited. Several groups sold items ranging from Spanish cuisine to shortbread cookies. After partaking in some inexpensive quesadillas, the foot-traffic indicated there was much to be seen in the other rooms.

In one of these rooms, Shotaro Takahashi, president of the Asian Student Association, was seen overlooking some of the festivities. In this room, speeches were being given on traditional Asian garb and at one particularly crowded table, students were translating names into different languages. Takahashi pointed out that he was just here to make sure people get to see everything. "That, and prevent total chaos from erupting."

Across the hallway was the African Student Association. With Shaun Christian, vice president of African Student Association, as the master of ceremonies, students were treated to several presentations on African culture and heritage. "Welcome to South Africa" kicked off the first presentation. As the presentation went on, the audience was led on a trip through the great city of Cape Town.

Learning was abundant in this room. Who knew that Gambia, the smallest country in Africa, was only liberated in 1965? Who knew that Ethiopia was almost twice the size of Texas?

Zakaria Yousaf and Liban Abu provided some beat poetry from Somalia. Utilizing audience participation, Yousaf and Abu spread smiles to faces and made many think of our fellow man in Africa. Later, speaking to Yousaf and Abu, Abu explained, "[We decided] to get the audience involved at the last minute." The audience's words roughly translated to "Oh, yeah!" the pair explained. Abu then went on to say how he's trying to start his own barbershop on campus; he even went on to say that "the first cut's free."

After the presentations were over, Christian, the VP of AFSA, expressed his desire "to spread the word about African culture," and how he hoped to see even more people at Culture Fest on Oct. 27.

Following the foot-traffic into another room, Forrest Dantzler and Yousef Mohamed gave lessons on how to dance to popular hip-hop songs. With Dantzler in the lead, they taught us how to "Walk it out." Moving on to "Soldier Boy," Dantzler struck a Superman pose. Afterward, "Chicken Noodle Soup" involved "letting it rain" and crazy flailing legs. In the crowded Bumps Room, with nearly everyone clapping, they made us all smile and laugh by dancing to the "Electric Slide," this time inviting several in the audience to join the festivities.

With happy grins still on everyone's face, the crowd moved outside to the hallway. Back toward the information booth was Dylan Montgomery and his Capoeira Club. They were practicing. "We practice the physical, philosophical and musical aspects of the Afro-Brazilian arts," Montgomery said. This artistic dance could only be summed up in one word: awesome.

Montgomery and his partner fought-danced in a flowing choreographed motion. The graceful movement between the two was outstanding.

As the evening came to a close, gleeful people moved outside into the cold autumn night. The lightheartedness of the evening was still visible on all their faces. As the participants of this cultural event filed outside, the meaning behind "Midnight Mosaic" was made clear: the vast array of multicultural people created a mosaic of ethnicities. Say good-bye to monoculture Maine. Say hello to the University of Maine's patchwork quilt of diversity.

If there is anyone who is dismayed by Maine's lack of ethnic diversity, make a stop to Culture Fest on Oct. 27. They will be pleasantly surprised.

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