Cultural Learning Through Dance and Music: A Journey of Language and Expression

By Heather Gibson, Middle and Lower School Spanish Teacher

Dance and music are not just about learning fun moves or catchy tunes—they are gateways to deeper, more meaningful experiences that connect us to language, culture, and the world around us. At OES, students in fifth and sixth grade Spanish are immersed in the rhythm of the language daily, discovering the power of music to bring words and cultures to life.

As they step into the classroom, the sounds of Latin music from diverse countries and genres fill the air. This daily soundtrack becomes a bridge to new vocabulary, grammar, and cultural understanding. The lyrics of songs offer insight into language structure, while the beats and rhythms help students feel the pulse of the language in a way that textbooks alone can’t provide. Even the instruments, the clothing, and the dances featured in the songs offer rich cultural clues, helping students view the world through a broader, more empathetic lens.

Music, after all, is poetry in motion—and poetry is life expressed through an artist’s unique vision. Recently in Spanish class, students embraced this idea as they learned the basic steps of salsa and practiced a dance routine to “Vivir Mi Vida” by Puerto Rican superstar Marc Anthony. The excitement was palpable as students began to express not only the words of the song but the emotions and energy behind them through movement. It was impossible to resist the urge to sing along while dancing—language and dance truly intertwined. (See a brief video of the students dancing.)

Maestra Heather Gibson, with her deep passion for Latin dance, was thrilled to bring this vibrant aspect of culture into the classroom. For the students, it wasn’t just about learning a dance move—it was about embracing a piece of Puerto Rican culture, feeling the music, and experiencing the joy of language in action.

The classroom was alive with energy, laughter, and celebration—a powerful reminder that learning a language is not just about words on a page, but about connecting to the heart and soul of the people who speak it. What a joyful journey it is, dancing through language and culture!