©(AP Photo/Ginnette Riquelme)
Vocabulary:
- cumbia /KOOM-bee-uh/
- liberating /LI-br-ay-tuhng/
- cathartic /kuh-THAHR-tik/
- symbiotic /sim-bee-OT-ik/
- egalitarian /ih-gal-i-TAIR-ee-uhn/
[noun] – a traditional music and dance style that originated in Colombia, often combining African, Indigenous, and Spanish influences
The band played cumbia at the outdoor festival, bringing everyone to the dance floor.
[adjective] – freeing or releasing from restrictions or limitations
Many found the silent retreat liberating, as it allowed them to disconnect and reflect.
[adjective] – providing psychological relief through the expression of strong emotions
Writing in her journal was a cathartic way to release her stress.
[adjective] – involving a close relationship between two different groups that benefits both
The startup and the tech university had a symbiotic relationship that led to new innovations.
[adjective] – based on the belief that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities
The new company policy promotes an egalitarian workplace, where everyone’s voice matters.
Article reading:
The NRB operates without alcohol, admission fees, or formal security. Instead, it promotes communal responsibility, fostering a culture of respect and shared enjoyment. Organizers have established partnerships with government agencies and museums to secure technical resources, allowing for well-equipped events. Music at the events ranges from experimental jazz to Egyptian hip-hop and electronic-infused cumbia, offering a musically eclectic experience. Attendees have described the sessions as liberating and transformative, with some calling them a cathartic experience. Experts and members say that the success of the initiative lies in the symbiotic relationship between online promotion and real-world participation. The NRB continues to gain recognition for creating an egalitarian, innovative, and harmonious space where the act of dancing becomes both a form of expression and a social bridge.
Discussion Questions:
- Have you ever joined a dance event or performance? If so, what kind of music did you dance to? If not, would you like to try one? Why or why not?
- Have you ever been to a public event in a park or an unusual place, like a museum or garden? If so, what was the event like? If not, where would you like to go for a public event?
- Do you agree that people need more safe and free spaces to express themselves through dance?
- Why do you think people of all ages join events like the NRB’s dance gatherings?
- What are some possible challenges in organizing events without tickets, alcohol, or security?
Summarization
Describe:
- pavilion
- youth
- individual
- free space
- senior citizen