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Ever Widening Circles

Darial Sneed

Heroes

7 minute lesson

When Dance Creates Opportunities

Ever Widening Circles

How can dance help break down stereotypes?

Behind the headlines coming out of Iraq live everyday people. Like you and me, they want to create, express themselves, and walk the streets of their cities without fear. But these freedoms do not come to them easily, with ongoing violence frequently shaking up their lives.

The story that Hussein Smko is sharing in his choreography is important. He was just 9 years old when the Iraq War began. His love for dance took him from his home in Erbil, Iraq to the renowned Battery Dance Company in New York City, USA. His story holds a few lessons for all of us.

Why It Matters

The thing is, while all our stories are unique, what we choose to include in ours can inspire countless others in similar situations. We may not always be able to see the impact of our actions, but how we shape our own lives could very well help to open the door of opportunity for another; giving them the space to act on a dream.

We all have the ability to change the world for someone else. So how can we work with what’s already around us to create something better? Think about it, there’s probably someone out there who has done this for you.

Let's Talk About It
  1. What surprised you the most about Hussein’s story?
  2. Are there any other places you can see art having an impact on people?
  3. What are you passionate about? How do you think you can help others with it?
Image: A Plus logo

A Plus

A Plus is a digital media company devoted to spreading the message of positive journalism, a kind of storytelling that focuses on our shared humanity. It is rooted in our heartfelt beliefs that each person can effect positive change in the world and that we are all inextricably connected.

Thank You

Thank you to the EWCed writing staff! If you want to submit content to EWCed, please let us know.

Citations

“The Dancer From Iraq.” YouTube. A Plus, 02 June 2018. Web. 23 July 2018. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGyzSS4tEKg>.

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