Finding synchronicity in the center
Ali Olanda Olivia finds the joy of dancing alongside other members of her community at Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center.
By Bella Haveman and Amy Holmberg
The drum beats pound, matching the energy within the room as Ali Olanda Olivia walks in, her bare feet making contact with the cold concrete floor. The dancers make a circle around three wooden drums, the drummers striking them with wooden rods. Each dancer rocks to the beat, moving from foot to foot and jumping with synchronized precision. Olanda Olivia wraps her wrists, waist and head with red fabric, and jumps in, matching each movement with practiced ease. Mexica Aztec Danza happens every Tuesday and Thursday at Indigenous Roots St Paul, MN, and was one of Olanda Olivia’s favorite events. But it hadn’t always been something she knew.
Olanda Olivia didn’t grow up dancing or knowing much about her culture and the people who made up her ancestry. She grew up with her mother, where she went to Catholic church. It wasn’t until freshman year of college, when a friend brought her to one of the Danza nights, that Olanda Olivia grew curious. She fell in love with the dance and sense of community she found within the center, and continued to come back to learn about her culture and history.
“My heart (synchronizes) with the beat of a drum… Immediately I feel like I’m at home.” Olanda Olivia said.
Indigenous Roots started with Danza and drum community circles in 2007. Occasionally, the center is asked to perform dances at places of mourning or celebration throughout the community. Partnering with bands, artists and other groups, Indigenous Roots creates a space to educate and better the community with color and music. One such instance included a night of dance starring the band Alma Andina.
The night started with locked doors and dimmed lights. The band members arrived early, practicing their sets and beginning the long set up for their event that showcased music from all over the world. A DJ pumped out dance mixes with a blend of pop and Spanish party songs to pump up the band as they set up. They were ready to play and sing for hours, expecting not to finish until at least 1 a.m.
At about 9 p.m., guests started to arrive. Couples and friends came into the low-lit room in groups, the colorful flashing lights reflecting off of the concrete floors that would serve as the night’s dance floor. Hand-painted murals splashed across the walls, depicting colorful images and scenes. The band started its music, a set compiled with music from Indigenous Chilean, Peruvian and more. The lead member switched between piped instruments, the rest of the band following suit with flowing rhythms.
Group after group rose to dance, a woman leading her partner into a salsa, a couple beginning a simple sway, while a group of women swung about, clapping to the beat.
“There’s always opportunities here. You are always going to be welcomed by beautiful souls.” Olanda Olivia said.
