If you missed it, you really missed it. Colors of Rhythm no doubt will be the topic of many conversations on campus. The dance brimmed from the stage with a pride for culture, life and tradition that left the audience riveted. It was an energizing display of talent from all involved.
Finney Chapel was filled with what seemed to be most of Oberlin’s student population. Familiar faces settled into the pews and simmered, anxiously waiting, looking toward the stage in expectation. The house lights dimmed and the Colors of Rhythm (COR) Committee Organizers filed onto the stage with a flare of confidence that immediately quieted the restless audience. Junior Amber Coleman, sophomore Katherine Fernandez, senior Ashleigh Goldberg, senior Yolanda Jennings, senior Lily Matini, senior Shruti Sasidharan, junior Shahana Siddiqui and sophomore Taisha Rodriguez: these women worked tirelessly since the beginning of February fundraising and working to make the event a success. Their coordination of this event proves they all share a commitment to the people of color on campus.
The program opened with a solo dance with a South Asian base called “Legacy.” Senior Purvi Patel choreographed and performed this dance to a traditional Hindu prayer song. There was a sacred and flowing tone to the piece. The crowd leaned forward engrossed in the loveliness she brought to the prayer. Perfect for an opening to a celebration of culture and tradition, she seemed to bless the audience with her graceful movements.
“Tinkling,” performed by the Philippino-American Student Association, is the national dance of the Philippines. Beautifully choreographed, the dance was the result of protest to colonial oppression. The dancers maneuvered with dexterity, jumping between clashing bamboo sticks. This dance came with a contemporary spin on the traditional symbol of a people’s tenacity to combat oppression even at a time when rhetoric dismisses the new forms oppressions have taken.
“Herecica Latino” included a brilliant fusion of Indian raga and Flamenco guitar music by Nitin Sawhney. The dancers were phenomenal and flashed brilliant colors across the stage, beautifully melding with the musical mix of Flamenco and Indian raga, South Asian and Latina women.
The next performance continued in a tradition that excited the crowd and connoted the spirit of resistance of peoples of color. “Hip Hop/Reggae Tightness” mixed these two popular dance that crunked-up the audience. Screams of excitement could be heard as the dancers moved across the stage to music by Sean Paul among many other artists.
After the intermission, sophomore Nabilah Talib performed an original spoken word piece called “Sick-Lick-Call.” This powerfully performed poem acted as a testament to life as a black woman in America, and to the impact and healing power of words. In many ways, this piece emphasized the themes of the show: resistance, tenacity, and pride.
The last three pieces where dances from all reaches of the globe. “Sa-Sa Minnade Yokkoisho,” a traditional dance from Japan, brightened the mood of the audience. “Ya Mejnoon” performed by sophomore Ozlem Akckoca, sophomore Lina Elbadawi, junior Rym Hannachi, senior Chloe Maryam Maher, and Siddiqui amazed the audience.
The program closed with an exciting salsa band performance and lively dancers.
This was definitely an explosion and celebration for non-western peoples and cultures. The women of the COR Committee spoke about this project with a confidence that was impressive. They are aware of the responsibility they have as women of color.
“We really feel like we have to have our stuff together more than normally,” committe member Sasidharan said.
When asked about why this event was run and performed by women of color, the committee emphasized that this was not on purpose.
The money raised by the event was given to Langston Middle School’s Drama Club. The committee described themselves as “one of the few performing arts concerts whose proceeds directly benefits the community.”
“I want them to know that they protest doesn’t end,” a committee member said. They are fierce in their protest against oppression. Colors of Rhythm, its organization and perpetuation, is a form of protest and celebration.
ommunity.”
“I want them to know that the protest doesn’t end,” said a member of the Committee. They are fierce in their protest against oppression. Colors of Rhythm, its organization and perpetuation, is a form of protest and celebration.