Unleashing the Rhythm: Sioux Falls Youth Embrace Latin Music and Dance

In the heart of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, an 11-year-old boy named Kiyon Rice is discovering a new world of music and movement. Kiyon is one of 18 children participating in a unique Latin music and dance camp, where they are immersed in the vibrant rhythms and cultures of Latin America.

Empowering the Next Generation of Artists through Music

Fostering Community through Music

The Latin music and dance camp is a collaborative effort between Levitt at the Falls and Augustana University, with the goal of building community through the power of music. Rose Ann Hofland, the vice president of programming at Levitt at the Falls, emphasizes the importance of engaging youth in this initiative. "Our whole goal is to build community through music, and an important part of our community is youth, so being able to utilize Levitt's great network of different artists that we work with to inspire the next generation of artists is something we're passionate about," Hofland said.The camp provides a unique opportunity for the young participants to explore a diverse range of Latin music styles, including salsa and samba. By immersing themselves in these rhythms and dances, the children are not only learning new skills but also forging meaningful connections with one another. "They're making friends through music. There's so many sport camps, there's so many art camps, there's so many types of summer camps. But this is a unique camp because they get to make friends in music, they get to be safe in music, and they get to experience something they've never experienced ever," said Eduardo Mendoza, the lead instructor of the camp.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Artists

The Latin music and dance camp is more than just a summer activity; it's a platform for inspiring the next generation of artists. By exposing the young participants to the vibrant world of Latin music and dance, the organizers hope to ignite a passion that will continue to grow and flourish. "Our whole goal is to build community through music, and an important part of our community is youth, so being able to utilize Levitt's great network of different artists that we work with to inspire the next generation of artists is something we're passionate about," Hofland said.The camp's impact extends beyond the immediate experience, as the children will have the opportunity to perform alongside Mendoza and his band, El Grupo Cascada, at the Levitt on Saturday during a family show. This performance will not only showcase the skills they have developed but also instill a sense of pride and accomplishment in the young artists.

Embracing the Unfamiliar and Discovering New Passions

For Kiyon Rice, the Latin music and dance camp has been a transformative experience. Although the rhythms and dances were initially unfamiliar to him, he has embraced the opportunity to explore this new artistic realm. "I love it because it's a new thing to me. I love the new dances. I love the songs. It's not what I'm used to, but I still like it," Rice said.The camp's ability to introduce children to unfamiliar genres and cultures is a testament to its value. By exposing the participants to diverse musical traditions, the organizers are broadening their horizons and encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones. This openness to the unknown can lead to the discovery of new passions and the cultivation of a deeper appreciation for the richness of global cultures.

Expanding the Reach of Latin Music and Dance

The Latin music and dance camp in Sioux Falls is not just a local initiative; it is part of a larger effort to bring the vibrant rhythms and movements of Latin America to communities across the United States. By offering this unique learning experience, the organizers are not only enriching the lives of the young participants but also contributing to the growing appreciation and understanding of Latin music and dance.As the camp continues to inspire and engage the youth of Sioux Falls, it serves as a model for similar initiatives in other communities. The success of this program demonstrates the power of music to bridge cultural divides, foster community, and ignite the creative spark in young minds. Through the shared experience of learning and performing Latin music and dance, the participants are not only developing new skills but also cultivating a deeper connection to the diverse tapestry of global cultures.