The Panther

Issue date: 2/28/07 Section: Campus News

Media Credit: Evan White Taking it back to the roots: A dancer takes it back to the roots of Africa as she dances to the rhythms.

African culture, dancing, fashion, and poetry were displayed at the fashion cultural extravaganza on Feb. 22 in the Memorial Student Center.

The event was sponsored by the African Student Association and showcased the cultures of countries such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Guinea, to name a few.

The show began with poetry and dancing from the Prairie View Classic Dance Ensemble followed by African drama acted out by members of the African Student Association. There was also a fashion show that showcased colorful vibrant prints of the motherland including casual wear and evening wear.

Sylvia Kemmey, a member of the association informed the audience about traditional clothing in Africa. She said, "The apparel in Africa is rarely bought from clothing stores. Someone usually customizes clothes for individuals." This made the fashion show even more authentic as each piece of clothing was presented.

The event was topped off with beautiful cultural dancing that proved to be the highlight of the show. Many dancers were from different locations and throughout the show they expressed dances like hip shaking or story driven movements that composed each dance.

"The main purpose of this event was simply to educate students on the different cultures of Africa, and to break the cycle of countless generalizations of what people in America think," Kemmey said.

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