ML King Day 2014

 MLK “An individual has not started living until they can rise above the narrow confines of their individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”  Martin Luther King, Jr.

On the morning of January 20th, 16 World Dancers took part in Santa Barbara’s annual MLK tribute. We were honored by the invitation to help kick-off the day’s events, and were happy to contribute to this special time of reverence in our community. But the experience surpassed our expectations! The sun was bright, the morning sky was radiant, and our spirits soared in celebration of Dr. King’s selfless service to humanity.

! ! Diane MLK

Diana Repogle-Purinton

Photos by Tom Spadoro

Some impressions of the day…

! Betsy 2

BETSY STIVERS: What a perfect way to celebrate Martin Luther King Day and all he stands for! It was so wonderful to come together as group, dance (and even sing a little) with the community at De La Guerra Plaza. I personally had a blast and truly felt the positive support and love for each other that was growing in our group and the crowd as the event progressed. Proud Mary was the perfect finale.”

 

! ! a group Cindy MLK

CINDY LYON: MLK day and the other events we perform at always become magical. Dancing simply unites people. How blessed we are to be part of this surprising magic!

 

Teresa 2 MLK

TERESA NOWAK: Dear Janet and Fellow Dancers, I must say that I truly love you all. Dancing today at the MLK Festivities was a SOULful experience. Dancing for a REASON…. dancing for a CAUSE, dancing for what it RIGHT, and dancing for those in NEED. This is what separates World Dance from all others. Together we DANCED, and arm and arm we SANG. My HEART is full! And my Soul on fire! “Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better.” MLK

 

! ! a group Juanita

JUANITA JOHNSON: “We really did something today….four years ago we imagined it and now we all are graced by inspiration and commitment. Thanks for taking me along for the ride!”

 

! ! Becky 3 MLK

BECKY SPADORO: “I think we got that crowd going! MLK is one of my heroes so it’s wonderful to honor him. Here’s one of my favorite MLK quotes: ‘All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.'”

 

! ! Joan MLK

JOAN MELENDEZ: We were honoring King’s memory and the things he stood for – unity and dedication to others. The people who were gathered to watch really felt this with us – through our dance offering. It was such a powerful experience!

 

! ! Michele 2

MICHELE LENABURG: What a glorious day to celebrate and dance at the MLK gathering. It was exciting to see the crowd get fired up during ‘Proud Mary’ and to see so many join us dancing filled with free spirit and love!

 

! ! Sherry Larry

SHERRY ROBIN: I had so much fun dancing with World Dance friends and sharing our dances with the community today! As I danced, I noticed people in the audience swinging to the music and observing our every moves. It was an honor to be part of this important holiday. Thank you Janet for teaching me to dance!

 

! ! janet MLK