Culture serves as a profound source of inspiration for art among students and individuals alike. Through art, students can freely express themselves and showcase how their cultural backgrounds influence them. This inspiration stems from unique values, beliefs, family traditions, and historical contexts, highlighting the rich diversity present in today’s schools. Each culture boasts its own distinct forms of music and dance.
Dances/Music
Mrs. Haziri, our ESL teacher and head of the Diversity Club, hails from Albania. A notable dance from her culture is the Valle, where participants join hands in a formation reminiscent of a line dance. Mrs. Haziri emphasizes the importance of family in Albanian culture, stating, “In my culture, family is a big thing, and we spend time with each other.” This dance beautifully symbolizes that familial bond. Music also plays a crucial role in her life, as she shares, “Music is a huge part of my life,” especially since her daughter has become a renowned singer.
Creative Art
Freshman Friza Alam draws inspiration from her American and Bangladeshi heritage, particularly from Henna. In Bangladesh, Henna (known as Mehendi) serves various purposes, notably as body art. Intricate designs are applied to hands and feet for special occasions, especially weddings and religious celebrations. Additionally, Henna is used as a natural hair dye that adds a reddish tint to dark hair, helping to cover gray for both men and women. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Henna symbolizes joy, love, and blessings, and it has traditional medicinal applications for the skin.
Traditions
Sophomore Viktoriia is inspired by a fundamental aspect of her Ukrainian culture, which emphasizes how individuals present themselves in public. This includes their demeanor, attire, and behavior. Viktoriia notes that her culture places great importance on these aspects, influencing her daily life. Additionally, she highlights the significance of fashion, food, and holidays in her culture. For instance, she celebrates Christmas on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day, and it’s traditional to have twelve different dishes for the occasion. Viktoriia is inspired by Yana Doga, an influencer who has launched her own hair care brand.
Family
The appreciation of our local community and loved ones is a vital aspect of culture, as many individuals support each other in challenging times. Each culture has its unique approach to understanding community. LHS junior Braulio Escobar states, “We always try our best to keep working hard and believe in each other and how we treat everyone like family.” He believes that helping others and working hard fosters unity. A significant source of inspiration in his life is his parents, whom he admires for their dedication and perseverance.