On Wednesday, February 5, Omaha’s Black Student Leadership Council, or BSLC, hosted a showcase at the Rose Theater. The showcase debut took place during third and fourth block during the school day and was free entry for all students. Another viewing was available to the public later the same day at 7pm, which cost $15 for entry.
BSLC members from participating schools spent their time rehearsing and preparing for the showcase.
Westview BSLC member, DaSilva Olaniyan, 11 choreographed and performed in the African dances and melodies section of the showcase.
“Dance is my way of contributing to “Black Is,” but the showcase as a whole includes so many different forms of expression for example singing, poetry, Divine 9 strolling, fashion, trivia, and more, all coming together to highlight the richness of Black identity,” Olaniyan said.
African dance is a part of Olaniyan’s heritage and she wishes to have represented that in her performances in the showcase. When rehearsing with her team, she made an effort to choreograph movements that reflect traditional and modern African styles.
“As a Nigerian, African dance is a part of who I am, and choreographing for this showcase allows me to share that heritage with others,” Olaniyan said.
Anticpating the showcase, Olaniyan felt excitement and pride.
“‘Black Is’ is a celebration of everything that makes Black culture powerful, diverse, and beautiful. It’s a reminder that Blackness is not one thing, it’s a spectrum of histories, traditions, and expressions. This showcase allows us to share those stories through art, movement, and music, and I’m honored to be a part of it,” Olaniyan said.
Another member of BSLC, Joelle Thompson, 10 performed in eight dances at the showcase.
“I decided to do dance because it is something I’ve never done before and something I thought would be fun and a little bit out of my comfort zone,” Thompson said.
The process of preparing for her performance was “long and thorough,” and filled with hard work in every aspect. Thompson anticipated the showcase with nervousness.
“I just hope everything goes well and all the work we’ve put into this is worth it. Everyone has worked hard to perfect their aspect of the performance and everyone just wants it to be enjoyable and fun for our audience,” Thompson said.
For Thompson, this showcase has meant a lot for her in terms of building up her self-confidence and credits this to meeting new people and doing performances for the showcase that are out of her comfort-zone.
“When you dance, you have to be confident and sure of yourself so you can look good and put on a good performance and dancing with BSLC has built up my confidence more. I’ve made new friends and talked to people I never thought I would before and it’s been a great experience overall,” Thompson said.
When looking at BSLC as a whole, Thompson believes that the close-knit community is very supportive and inclusive for all.
“My favorite part about being in BSLC is the sense of community I get. It’s a very accepting and welcoming place to be,” Thompson said.
Both Thompson and Olaniyan highlight the feeling of belonging and community they get from their fellow peers in BSLC.
“BSLC is more than an organization, it’s a family, and this showcase is proof of how powerful that connection is,” Olaniyan said.
Not only was the showcase a way for it’s members to share their culture and heritage, but it also serves as a way for their community to grow stronger, uplift Black voices, and provide a space for everyone to freely express themselves.
