Diversity & International Programming

Dance Around the World

As Azusa Pacific University’s Office of World Missions would like to become more relevant in our growing global societies, we’ve incorporated Dance Around the World in our Focus International, a short term mission program. Last year we sent out 25 teams in 21 countries, this year we have 21 teams in 18 countries. It is pertinent that not only do the participants learn of why and how we go in cross-cultural contexts, rather to simply partake a Bonheoffer’s approach to a “life together” mindset within their teams and the national host culture. There is something very powerful when your everyday Americans can partake in life together with any other everyday cultures outside of their norm. Dance Around the World allows students to learn from another team member who feels confident to teach a certain style of dance, ie. South Indian for India, Lao for Laos, Zulu warrior for South Africa. Due to young adults demographics and their high energy to learn, Dance Around the World has become a highlight during our training program as a transitional piece to our longer sitting sessions. It has also allowed peers to teach peers, of which a deeper sense of ownership and FUN are shared. More details can be provided.