Celebrating Hispanic Culture: Guadalupe Centers Schools Showcased Through Music and Dance

Guadalupe Centers Schools in Kansas City, Missouri, are embracing and celebrating the vibrant Hispanic culture in a unique way - through the art of song and dance.
Empowering Hispanic Roots:
Mayra Farias, a dance teacher at the elementary school, expressed the importance of showcasing and preserving their rich cultural heritage. She emphasized, "We want to make sure that not only does our culture continue, but also that we show the light and all the good things that we have." The students are learning about traditional Mariachi music and Folklorico dance, instilling a sense of pride and connection to their roots.
Cultural Understanding:
Farias highlighted the significance of helping the students understand their origins, stating, "We think that it is very important for the students to understand where they come from. My partner Luce and I have thought about showing it to our children via dance." Even the youngest performers, such as second graders, expressed their pride in representing Guadalupe Centers Elementary School through Folklorico dance.
Nurturing Cultural Pride:
With around 97% of students at Guadalupe Centers being Hispanic, the middle school students are also showcasing their cultural pride through a different art form. Music teacher Chase Shumsky explained, "What is mariachi? A lot of the songs discuss heritage, culture, beautiful settings in Mexican scenery, types of food, all types of things cultural is what Mariachi is expressing." The students in Mr. Shumsky's class find a perfect blend of culture and education, making their learning experience enjoyable and enriching.
A Joyful Experience:
Marcos Meza, a student at Guadalupe Centers Middle School, described the classes as a fun and stress-relieving time. Nicole Henriquez, another student, added, "You get to, like, actually enjoy just thinking around people who also like to do the same thing." Guadalupe Centers Schools are not just educational institutions but cultural hubs that celebrate the essence of Hispanic heritage through music and dance.