Messmer High School was very fortunate to have the Resurrection
Dance Theater of Haiti perform for the school community recently. The dance company consisted of
young men plucked from the streets of
Haiti, rescued from sleeping on cardboard boxes and severe abuse. To see these
young men dance with so much enthusiasm and spirit was amazing. During the
introduction the audience was told that due to the conditions of the country,
the average age in Haiti is fifteen. This fact was shocking to the audience and
made the students look at their own lives in comparison.
Sophomore Timothy
McCollum described how the performance affected him, "It showed me how
people can go through things and still have faith in God, and it's amazing how
they can still give back to others." Sophomore Travess Stone learned
"Not to complain about what I don't have and just be thankful." Three fantastic drummers accompanied the dancers, and the youngest dancer, DiDi, 13, was
featured in a number about life on the streets of Haiti. Senior Tierra Watson
was brought up on stage to be a part of this performance. She said, "I had
a good time up there protecting DiDi. I've never been pulled up on stage
before--it was fun!"
DiDi was asked how he got to be such a good dancer.
He said, "Hard work and more hard work." The entire performance was
outstanding and received a standing ovation. Messmer is grateful to have had the
Resurrection Dance Theater of Haiti perform, inform, and entertain. See the video at top left of DiDi in action.
