arts in transformation

Gerardo and Moises working in the new mural "Alegremia"

Yahoska performs a Nicaraguan folkloric dance


Below is an article I wrote on the arts in transformation for the cultural center newsletter.

Yahoska Urcuyo’s passion for dance is evident as she cascades with confidence and grace across the stage. Her folkloric dress whirls with flashes of color and a huge smile shines on her face. Dance has played a transforming role in her life and she says it has brought her joy, new friendships and new experiences. “Sometimes I carry lots of sadness from problems at home or in my neighborhood, but dance transforms me into a new person,” she says.

For many students at the Center who take dance, theatre, painting or music classes, the arts have made a profound impact on them. Painting teacher Gerardo Hernández describes art as “a bridge to make changes in young lives”. He delights in seeing his students come out of their shell as they learn to encourage and critique one another in class.

Moises Hernandez, 11, says drawing and painting classes are teaching him valuable skills that will help him to pursue a future career in architecture. A clever, quiet student with a creative eye and gifted hand, professor Gerardo chose him and a few other students to help paint a new mural at the Center. “It’s more fun to paint together and learn from one another,” he says. Moises says that Gerardo has been an inspiration to him and is not just his professor, but a mentor and friend.

Not only do the arts provide an outlet for self-expression and learning new skills, they build self-confidence and teach discipline and respect. Nineth Larios, who teaches recorder and guitar classes at the Center, says that arts classes require and encourage concentration, dedication and respect for others. She also says students gain self-confidence by performing in front of people.

The impact of the arts reaches beyond the personal level and has the ability to influence others in positive ways. Motivated by the desires and needs of her community where violence and crime are a part of daily life, Yahoska, 20, volunteers teaching dance to children in a local school. “It’s not just a dance class,” she says, “we play games and talk about how to communicate, trust and respect one another.” She says that she teaches using the same methods she was taught through the Center. Yahoska’s dream is to become a child psychologist so she can continue to help the children in her community.