Elikya Dancers

Our family had the most amazing experience last night. We went to the Provo Public Library to see the Elikya Dancers. Per the local paper, "The Elikya Dancers are a group of children and teens who seek to celebrate their African American heritage. Directed by Jennifer Stott, they perform high-energy cultural dances in traditional costumes." Because it is Black History Month, this particular program also featured quotes from Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Beecher Stowe, Barack Obama and others.

These girls don't just dance. They also discuss their self worth and heritage. They learn how special they are. They are all different sizes, shapes and shades of black. As I sat there watching these beautiful girls dance with confidence, energy and pride, I was embarassed to find myself getting emotional. I got teary eyed and choked up. I wanted Baylie to have this same experience. I wanted her to throw out her arms and dance, confident in herself. I felt better about my emotional weakness when we got to the car and David said that he cried during the performance (I hadn't told him about my crying yet).

For those of you in the area, I think they'll be performing at the Orem Public Library Friday, February 27 at 6:30 p.m. (I couldn't find it on the library calendar, but I think it's a go.) I highly recommend it.