LEADING WITH LOVE THROUGH DANCE

Thinking of the first time I met this fantastic human – my first thought was that she looked like she Loved what she was doing! A few days after my son, Asheem, was in the Fashion Show for El Batey fundraising in November 2022, someone asked me if my son would be interested in auditioning for a dance company. They told me the time, date, and location of where to show up and to ask for MarCe Zerrate.

We showed up, and they warmly greeted us and invited Asheem on stage. There are a few other dancers there as well. They are there for a little under 2 hours dancing to different music as she encourages my calling out: ‘Essssooo!’ She’d play the song and then helps them adjust for positions on stage and choreographic adjustments.

 At the end, I asked her how she thought he did, and she said, “He did an amazing job!” She gave me the next time that they would come together. I asked her if that meant he was accepted. She looked confused. I explained that I was told he was auditioning. And she says, “Ohhhh, yeah, well, he’s got the part! I Loved him! So bring him Friday!” We all laughed together! 

 Her dance company, Amor and Heritage, was gearing up to dance for an “Encanto” themed performance where everything was being pre-recorded! It was a fantastic experience for everyone! 

Since then, MarCe has invited Asheem to perform multiple times, and he even participated in the Summer Camp at Buffalo State College this year. Each time I see her, she’s always positive and smiling no matter what’s going on around her. She encourages the children to do their absolute best lovingly. 

 During the Summer Camp, I saw her infused dancing with Love of One’s Heritage. Every week, the children explored different dances from around the world. Older youth and adult instructors would teach the dances from their cultural backgrounds. MarCe would explain when the dance was popular, what the songs were about, where the dance style was from, and what if any, other countries had adaptations of that dance style!  Also, each week, they would get stickers representing different countries/territories to put in a passport-style booklet where they would add a unique thing about that country. The children eagerly awaited their stickers and were glad to report what additional facts they learned from that country the following week! 

 MarCe Zerrate and Amor and Heritage Dance is on track to achieve its mission to promote Diversity, Multiculturalism, and Kindness through DANCE! 

 The educational component fosters tolerance, understanding of other cultures, self-confidence, sharing kindness, and staying healthy. All this through the fun, exciting, and diverse world of dance! 

If you would like to experience all the love offered by Amor and Heritage Dance firsthand, you can find them on Facebook and Instagram or contact them on their website: www.amorandheritage.org.