It was an evening of culture and class at the Southeast Newcomer Services Women’s Cultural Arts and Dance Night, which took place at the Western Star Hotel on Saturday.
Women who attended enjoyed painting, wine and entertainment while also getting to socialize and learn more about each other’s ethnic backgrounds.
“Tonight’s going to consist of painting, so they’ll paint something of culture and we have a henna tattooist and also a hair braider, they can just take a break, go get their hair braided, come back and paint, and we have wine and cheese and food,” said Stephanie Davis, program coordinator Southeast Newcomer Services, shortly after the event started.
“We also have belly dancers here tonight, so they will also perform with us and encourage the women to come up and dance as well, so it’s just a fun night for us to get together and honour women of all different cultures.”
The idea for the event came about during a brainstorming session among staff at Southeast Newcomers Services, when someone suggested a cultural night out for women, and judging by the amount of attendees that were present, it was a good suggestion.
Davis said because of the event’s success, making it annual is something that’s very much on the table.
The way it was received was encouraging, she added, and everyone involved was positive and supportive.
“I think it’s just very important for women in general to come together and bond and just socially encourage each other, like our women here who are dressed up in different (cultural clothing) for us to meet them,” she said.
“It’s just nice, I think, to learn about each other and our cultures, so that there’s not a fear of everybody’s culture.”
Davis said she also wanted to thank all the women who showed up and made the evening a success.
