DelaneyShea

In the typically empty west gym, drums beat with a deafening force and guitars strum rhythmically to the booming voice of Maná’s “Oye Mi Amor.” Girls dance around in circles to the beat, laughing and smiling in the same labored breaths that allow them to move so fluidly.

On Oct. 13, La Diferencia Norteño performed music for Marian students, inspiring them to get up and dance to the music.

Between food, dance and language, each and every culture has a unique place in the hearts of all people around the world, regardless of location. In October, the spotlight turns a new focus on Hispanic heritage, bringing along new opportunities to appreciate Hispanic traditions and customs.

At Marian, the tradition to make that spotlight brighter falls on a special Crusader Activity Block (CAB). The Board of Belonging organizes an immersive event every year for Hispanic Heritage month. In previous years there’s been a quinceañera parade, poetry recitation, storytelling, mariachi band and a dance instructor, among other fun activities. This year, Hispanic heritage danced into the spotlight with powerful voices to bring the rhythm of Hispanic culture to Marian girls.

La Diferencia Norteño Banda performed many songs typically played at dances, called bailes. Junior Vianey Granillo Gabino said, “bailes are basically like parties. They’re really social events where you dance all night.” Mostly teenagers and adults attend these bailes, and Granillo Gabino said they are “important because you meet many new people along the way.”

One member from La Diferencia Norteño Banda, after performing for the majority non-Hispanic audience, said, “it’s good to preserve traditional music with people from the same heritage and people with different heritage. Everyone wants to listen because it brings you memories and transmits culture through various groups of people.”

Since the band is Omaha-based, they play their fair share of events in both Spanish and English. Many of these include events that are important to both people of Hispanic and non-Hispanic heritage, such as weddings, birthdays, celebrations or even quinceañeras.

With the misconception that Spanish-speaking bands and musicians are only for Hispanic people, many find themselves feeling out of place when it comes to traditional baile music. On the other hand, Marian girls showed up and showed out when invited to dance.

The distinctive guitar and rhythmic drums of Latino music led the way for many students to show off their culture through unique dances. But in the same tempo, many non-Hispanic girls joined in the dancing, with many learning traditional dance moves from Hispanic students on the fly. Granillo Gabino, after leading many girls to dance with her, said, “music allows everyone to come together as one and forget about everyone’s differences.”

When this mindset is put into action when discussing the importance of heritage and music in culture, compassion takes the reins and clears the path for true connection.

So, when drums vibrate the floor of the west gym and guitars sends waves of movement into the air, Marian girls will be more than ready to put on their dancing shoes to show how it’s done. Or learn how it’s done.