Teddy Anderson uses the art of dance to spread an importance message - acceptance of all earth's people, regardless of skin colour, ethnic background or religion.
The 23-year-old spent part of the afternoon of March 31 at Manor School, sharing his message with students. Kids from Carlyle Elementary School joined in for the event, as well.
Anderson's cultural background is colourful, as he's lived in many different countries around the world. This allowed him to learn about the various peoples of the earth and to understand why it's important for everyone to live in harmony.
He began hoop dancing when he was 15-years-old and has since danced in 18 countries around the world.
Beginning with a Lakota prayer in native sign language, Anderson had the students' full attention. After he finished the prayer, he asked the students to recall the meanings of some of his signings. He said he was incredibly impressed by their ability to remember, especially since they remembered the sign for "know," as most students struggle with that one.
Before he started his hoop dances, he explained that the dances were interpretations of what one sees and how one perceives the world. The themes evident in Anderson's dances included peace, oneness of humanity, one world, one people, anti-racism, and so on. He said he enjoys dancing because he can use dance as a tool to teach about social issues.
After he completed each dance, he took time to explain his interpretations, which were quite educational for students and staff.
The students clearly enjoyed the hoop dances, but perhaps enjoyed the chance to participate more so. Two students from each grade were invited to participate in a hoop dance, where they learned some of the beginner moves involved with dancing.
Once the students were back in their seats, Anderson finished his presentation by allowing students and staff ask him questions.
At this point, Anderson spoke to his time living and growing up in Rwanda mere months after the genocide. He explained to everyone how shocked he had been when he saw how the two tribes would not play together at school. Coming from his background where he learned the importance of accepting all people, regardless of their skin colour or tribe, this was a real awakening for him.
He took experiences, such as the one in Rwanda, and used them in his interpretive hoop dances in order to spread the message of unity to people all over the world.
