“Have an open mind and just enjoy all the beauty there is around you,” said Kristina Pikula, senior who went to study abroad in Spain.
“Different between U.S. and Spain is how people greet each other, we say ‘nice to meet you’ and shake hands, however in Spain, they say ‘Hola’ and kiss each other’s cheeks. It was weird to me,” Pikula said.
Pikula became an IROC member using that experience and wanted to help international students like her host family in Spain did for her.
In the program, students are going to stay with Spanish families, which, in addition to increasing their chances to be in contact with the foreign language, will help the “uncomfortable” situation.
Carlota Santana feels that a woman can be both feminine and tough.
The same is true about flamenco dance, the artist said.
This is why the native New Yorker said she was drawn to the dance form, which has its roots in southern Spain and will soon be shared by Santana with audiences in Greeneville.
The Niswonger Performing Arts Center will host performances by Santana’s dance company, Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, Tuesday.
A 10 a.m. performance will be held for area school children in grades K through 5. An evening show for the public will begin at 7 p.m.
In a recent telephone interview with The Greeneville Sun, Santana explained that flamenco dance has influences from many cultures — including the Spanish, the Arabic and the culture of the gypsies who came to southern Spain from the country of India.
