🌎💃🎶🇨🇴 Valley Springs Middle School students smiled and laughed as they danced in the auditorium in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Four girls from John Jaramillo’s Conexiones class took the opportunity to learn Cumbia, a traditional Colombian dance. Donning traditional dresses and performing alongside the Colombian flag, they performed the dance for Spanish classes at the school on Oct. 3. The seventh-graders practiced diligently for their performance, watching instructional videos, rehearsing together, and practicing at home. Jaramillo, originally from Colombia, says the project is part of a broader cultural-exchange program that helps students connect with Latin American traditions through dance, music, and theater- all in Spanish.
“We’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with activities that help students learn Spanish through culture- dancing, role-plays, music, and choral performances,” Jaramillo said. “This focus on Cumbia lets them experience Colombian tradition firsthand.”
The performers were excited but a little nervous, though they did a great job.
“It was fun but really scary at first, because we had to do it in front of people,” said Naomi, one of the performers. “We were laughing on stage by the end.”
“It was kind of hard work because the moves represent their culture there instead of ours,” added Olivia, another performer. “We watched videos and learned the moves together.”
Conexiones is an immersive Spanish dual language program for middle grades that bridges the gap between elementary immersion and high school Spanish credits. Designed for post-immersion and heritage learners, Conexiones strengthens language skills, nurtures cultural understanding, and fosters leadership, preparing students for academic and professional success.