On October 19-23, 2020 Colorado State University’s held its First Virtual Diversity Symposium. This was held to inform the community regarding different forms of diversity.

Diversity of speakers

There are many ways in which this awareness is distributed and displayed within the United States and the world. A specific way that most colleges get this awareness out is through exposure — social gatherings, informative campus lectures and symposia.

The 20th annual diversity symposium aided in the university’s goal of “creating and sustaining a welcoming, accessible and inclusive campus. Enhancing usability for everyone and helping create an environment in which we support, protect and respect rich dimensions of diversity.” This is why the symposium was free to the community, therefore making it accessible to anyone interested in learning.

With COVID being on the rise at the time, Colorado State decided to conduct their symposium virtually. A variety of speakers collaborated in this conference in an attempt to educate on different forms of diversity. Each keynote speaker possessed their own agenda and topic. They all came together in implementing the importance of understanding the various forms of diversity, as well as acknowledging this journey of acceptance and understanding.

Uniformity through dance

Many presentations brought to light barriers and stereotypes that are formed around the world, including terms of racial inequality or the lack of knowledge of a certain diversity. This included Madeline and Matthew Harvey’s presentation of “Dancing Voices.” Mr. and Mrs. Harvey brought to life the fact that dancing is its own form of hidden diversity.

“The body is a powerful communicator gesture timing and movement dynamics can speak volumes”

Mr. and Mrs. Harvey

In taking into consideration the word diversity, the first thing that comes to mind is race, ethnicity, and culture. A lack of consideration for culture and language presented in many groups through movement and music is obvious. In their presentation, various dance videos were displayed of the Harveys’ performances. After each performance, the question of “how did that performance makes you feel” was presented. Inspired by their experience that music and dance have their own language and communication. This is in the sense of feeling emotion through interpretation.

These choreographers traveled around the world and collaborated with different cultures, choreographers from different backgrounds and dancing styles. Through this global mobility, they achieved a hidden diversity of those who do understand this language. Bringing “cultural awareness, cross-generational communication, and foster cultural diversity through dance .(2020 University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602).”

Recognizing hidden culture

It has become easy for us to define diversity as what society defines it as. Race, ethnicity, and culture classifications. Someone who identifies themself as a dancer who moves fluid through different cultures. Someone who expresses themselves through their body is a hidden diversity and it is just one of many.

These are aspects that make people who they are today and these things should be recognized. They are part of the little things that make them who they are. This ultimately contribute to what makes them special.

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