Cultural Dance Fusion Marks Human Rights Day in South Dublin
On Sunday, 7 December, over 350 visitors from 25 countries attended the Cultural Dance Fusion, a lively cultural celebration of International Human Rights Day, in the Church of Scientology & Community Centre in Firhouse, South Dublin.
It brought individuals of various ages and backgrounds together by a common purpose, which is the celebration of cultural diversity and the creation of human rights awareness in the form of art, music and the spirit of community.
A Stage of global stories
The heart of the event lies in its rich and colourful performances, created through a powerful collaboration between Unitate – Events in the Moldovan and Romanian Communities, choreographer Lasha Sabashvili, founder of the National Rhythm of Georgia dance school, and the Church of Scientology & Community Centre.
It turned into an intersection of cultures on the stage, and the performance presented the rich and vibrant Georgian, Moldovan, Indonesian, Indian, and Brazilian cultures. The dances were narratives of legacy, character and pride and were delivered with traditional costumes and music.
The programme featured a wide range of performers and community leaders who reflected the global nature of the celebration. Participants included H.E. Jana Costachi, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Ireland; Nicolae Dulea and the Unitate team; Cristina Vesca and the Mostenirea Collective; Eva and Roman Adam; Irene Murphy with the Indonesian Irish Association; Dhanya Kiran of the Mudra School of Indian Classical Dances; Ricardo Javier Cofré, representing the Capoeira Study and Research Community; and Denise Egan with Scoil Rince Nà Aogáin. Their involvement added depth and authenticity to the performances.
Fefe Nkewa, a Congolese singer, and special guest Sean McGuinness, a legendary musician and founding member of the Dublin City Ramblers, brought strong musical moments to the stage. MCs Stephen Leeson and Angel guided the programme with warmth and clarity, keeping the audience engaged throughout the day.
The atmosphere across the venue was open and welcoming. Families, artists, and community members did more than watch the performances. They shared the experience, applauding, smiling, and celebrating together.
Human rights at the heart of the celebration
Although culture was at the centre stage, human rights education was the backbone of the event. United for Human Rights came with volunteers who provided free educational resources that would create awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights all day.
Instead of lectures, learning occurred naturally in terms of discussion and interest. Visitors engaged with displays and resources at their own pace, discovering how human rights apply to everyday life.
The project was inspired by the Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, saying, ‘Human rights need to be a fact and not an ideal dream.’ Through education and celebration, the event demonstrated how awareness could be raised in a free and conducive atmosphere in the most effective way.
Food, craft, and charity
At the same time as the performances were vibrant, the Christmas Market was organised by Unitate. There were also stalls selling ethnic crafts, traditional food, and handmade products, which further enhanced the cultural exchange during the day.
There was also a charitable orientation to the event. To contribute to the Human Right #25: Food & Shelter for All, both Ballycullen Food Bank and Clondalkin Helping Homeless raised funds on behalf of the local organisations.
It is this relationship between global human rights and local action that made the celebration have a deeper meaning and that community care must start where one lives.
Honouring the hands that made it happen
The opening was made by the speech of Cllr. Francis Timmons, who talked about the significance of such initiatives that foster inclusion, understanding, and respect. He represented the Mayor of South Dublin. He was also given a set of United for Human Rights educational materials as a token of appreciation for his current support of human rights and peace.
The organisers gave in earnest appreciation to the performers, teachers, volunteers and sponsors who gave their time and talent to the organisers, most of whom had done it voluntarily. The special sponsor of the LED backdrop was Mass Events, which improved the visual aesthetic of the performances.
Final thoughts
The Cultural Dance Fusion was such a successful event that it created a great interest among the artists, families, and other people in the community to participate in any other further initiatives.
According to those who are organising the event, it will be the start of more joint programmes meant to bring communities together towards a common cause, to celebrate diversity, and to ensure that human rights do not fade away in remembrance.
When the music died down and the lights went down, it was one thing still: once culture and compassion meet, they establish long-lasting relationships that have extended well beyond the stage.
