Dreams Come True

The Euphoria Dance Company was started in September 2010 by Oscar Nabet Jr. at the request of a small group of young people in the town of Benque Viejo del Carmen, Belize (pop. 8,000). Working along with the Benque House of Culture, Euphoria was given the opportunity to flourish under the direction of Oscar, only 20 years old. Mr. Nabet embraced dance with a passion from a young age, always drawn towards the expressive and performing arts and choreography. He put his talent and knowledge to use as the Director of this highly talented dance group, the Euphoria Dance Company, which currently has about 14 members and is open to accepting more. These young people work hard, practicing several times a week, sometimes dancing for hours under the heat of the scorching sun, determined to improve their techniques and rise to a professional standard. Their hard work and excellence showed through at a recent performance, "Sueños en la Pista" or "Dreams on the Dance Floor". This was a competition where six dance pairs each represented one community group and competed to dance the best and win a cash prize for the community group they represented. Mr. Nabet worked tirelessly for nearly six months developing the concept for this event, gathering sponsors and community support, publicizing, gathering interest and organizing the countless logistics. In the meantime he was also teaching his group members the intricate steps and movements to new dances such as the Tango, Mambo, Salsa, Paso Doble and more. Suenos en la Pista drew an audience of over one thousand people, and involved groups and individuals from all areas of the community.  In my role at the House of Culture, I serve as an advisor on the board of the Euphoria Dance Company and am a personal friend with Mr. Nabet, gave him feedback and input as requested during the planning process. Prior to the event I assisted Mr. Nabet in organizing a yoga workshop to teach the dancers some flexibility and strengthening techniques, with Miss Christen Eure instructing. I also organized five other Peace Corps volunteers from around the country of Belize to serve as judges for this event. Upon their informational meeting the judges were astonished at the quality of organization and the significant role they were to play in determining the winners of this exciting event. Many compliments and comments of praise were extended to me, but I humbly declined to take too much credit, acknowledging instead the amazing efforts and determination of my young and talented coworker, Mr. Nabet, and his committed crew with Euphoria Dance Company. This event was a huge success thanks to the enthusiasm of young dancers, the determination and commitment of the Director and his Board, and a small handful of Peace Corps volunteers who had the honor of participating in the event and appreciating the talent and success of these Benquenos. (Thank you Zachary Pullin, Jenna Altherr, Kevin Frasure, Colleen Richard, and Kristen Devoucoux!!) Together, all involved invested their time and interest towards helping the community and engage people, young and old, in healthy activities and entertainment. 

The dance pair who won, Erik & Vivian, continue to dance for many events and for the Euphoria Dance Company which will continue in its efforts to empower the young people and teach them the art of dance. The community group HelpAge, which was awarded the cash prize, is dedicated to serving the elderly population of their town, especially those people who are without families to care for them. The cash prize they were awarded will go towards supplies for their Adult Daycare Center which is currently under construction. Peace Corps Volunteer, Roger German, contributed his skills and time in the grant writing process to fund this center. Clearly, it takes the efforts of many to create good things and Peace Corps volunteers throughout Belize are contributing their skills and energies towards some of this goodness. It is a joy to be a part of it and an exciting experience all around.