PMSLA 2023 Dance Studies in Colombia
Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Latin America, Universidad del Valle – Colombia
Introduction
In August 2024, six PhD students from Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland travelled to Colombia on a 4-week study tour hosted by Universidad del Valle in Cali, Colombia. Accompanied by Ralph Buck, Head of School in Dance Studies and Associate Dean International for the Faculty of Creative Arts & Industries, the group immersed themselves in the vibrant local community with an exchange of cultures through dance and embodied movement, sharing dances from Aotearoa and across the Pacific with their Colombian counterparts, and taking in the sights, sounds and movements in Cali and Bogota. Read about their first-hand experiences from their post-programme reflections shared below.
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Teuila Hughes
Colombia was beyond anything I could have imagined. In the months leading up to the trip, there was some worry about spending a month in Cali, one of the most dangerous cities in the world. My concerns also stemmed from having watched the complete Netflix series, Narcos that painted quite a violent and intimidating image…Continue…
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Syrai-Tiare Taumihau
This trip to Colombia was really like a once-in-a-lifetime trip. I was quite nervous about travelling and being there because of all the unknowns and the reputation Colombia has in the world. However, after spending a month there, I developed a great appreciation not only for the culture but for the people we interacted with….Continue…
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Joanna Cook
My time in Colombia was nothing short of incredible. Before leaving, I had apprehensions due to the negative perceptions often associated with the country, such as safety concerns and drug-related issues. However, this trip proved to be a remarkable experience. It was exceptionally well organised, with a local producer/chaperone guiding us and an excellent translator….Continue…
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Jasmin ‘Ofamo’oni
Living in Cali, Colombia for one month was an unforgettable experience which will leave a lasting impression on me. Aside from my own personal development, Colombia fostered a deeper appreciation for diverse culture, and a renewed commitment to living life with resilience, open-mindedness, and a genuine connection to the world around me. My preconceived notions…Continue…
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Iatua Felagai Taito
Being on this PMSLA (Prime Ministers Scholarship for Latin America) tour to go to Colombia and share such a beautiful embodied exchange of knowledge was powerful. I enjoyed learning about Caleno and Colombian culture, and understanding the way they view performing arts in their perspectives. I enjoyed teaching the students from Universidad del Valle as…Continue…
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Bronte Jones
Dancing my way through Colombia On Sunday 27th of August we jetted of on our month-long adventure to Colombia. I didn’t quite know what to expect from this trip, but the 36-hour total commute across the Pacific Ocean left me feeling a bit anxious. As soon as we arrived, this feeling eased. As soon as…Continue…