Leading Through Dance: A Journey of Culture, Community, and Purpose

Leadership is not about titles or being the biggest personality in the room. It is setting an example and being deeply committed to a purpose bigger than yourself.

I define leadership as serving my community - helping others on the outside to better themselves on the inside. I’ve lived this definition of leadership through dance. My involvement in a Venezuelan dance group has broadened my view on leadership, and has inspired me to be a leader in my community by bringing others together. 

As a child, I was always dancing at family parties and school events. At any occasion I’d skip around and flow to the rhythm of music. My mamá saw this enthusiasm and signed me up for ballet, thinking that it would be a perfect fit. But I hated it - the restrictive style didn’t feel like me.

A few years later, she encouraged me to join Somos Venezuela KC, a traditional Venezuelan dance group. At first I was hesitant, but after that first rehearsal, I felt something click. I connected not just with the music but with my roots. I felt proud to share something that was a part of me, and I wanted to make my mamá and abuelita proud too. 

Over the years, I’ve contributed to the troupe by bringing energy, discipline, and mentorship. We’ve performed at schools, churches, festivals, and art institutes like The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, sharing our traditions with hundreds of people. I take time to learn the meaning behind each dance and teach it to audiences at events. I often rehearse with the younger dancers and soothe their nerves before performances. I even help run our social media presence by brainstorming ideas and appearing in posts to promote special events. 

One of my proudest moments came after a school festival where we performed to celebrate the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month.

A little girl came up to me and said “I want to dance like you.” That really stuck with me. It made me realize that what we do truly matters - that our dancing has the power to inspire and bring a community together.

I realized then that leadership can be as simple as sparking pride in someone else. To me, dancing is more than a performance - it’s tradition, history, and pride. 

Through this experience, I’ve discovered that I lead by example. I may not be the loudest voice in the room, but I am dependable, hardworking, and passionate. I’ve also realized just how deeply I care about my culture and its preservation.

Somos Venezuela KC has shaped my future. I now see leadership as a responsibility to unite others. I want to continue to serve my community, dancing to honor my culture, and creating spaces where Latino students can feel seen and connected.

Through every performance I’ve learned that leadership is not standing in front. Leadership is what you give: your time, your heart, and your passion.

Guest Contributor, Lucia Weida, '26

Lucia Weida is a senior who actively participates in her school and local community. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Student Advisory Board and plays both high school and club soccer. In addition, she participates in a Venezuelan cultural dance troupe. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going on walks, and spending time with friends.