January 20th, 2009 – Sierra Vista, AZ

The Alma Dolores International Dance Center received the 2009 award for the outstanding Sierra Vista arts organization at the 15th Annual Mayor’s Arts & Humanities Awards. Alma was presented her award by Tanja Biami of the city’s Arts and Humanities Commission on Jan 20th 2009 at the ceremony held at the Cochise College Library Commons. The ceremonies were kicked off by special performances by some of Alma’s students. They performed Polynesian, Jazz, and Mexican Folklorico dances.

In accepting her award, Alma spoke of her love of dance and the joy it brings her to share it with her students.

She talked about the many languages that she hears spoken by her students and their families including English, French, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese, but pointed out that there is no one “language of dance”. “Dance doesn’t have a language. Dance uses the body to tell about different cultures,” Alma said. She also spoke of the hard work that both she and her teachers put into the studio and the rewards of seeing her students develop. She compares her students to seeds that grow and blossom. That is the reward that she, the other dance teachers, and parents at the studio receive from their childrens’ involvement in dance.

Biami, who is also one of the many adult dance students at the studio, spoke of her own personal growth and development in dance. Biami mentioned that Alma had encouraged her and the other students in the adult Belly Dance class to go to Phoenix last year and compete in the regional dance competition. Biami mentioned that though “there wasn’t much competition in the 40 years and over category”, they were thrilled to not only win a first place in that category, but also in the 20 and over category as well.

This event, now in its 15th year, was hosted by the Sierra Vista Arts and Humanities Commission and Mayor Strain. The commission and the Mayor have presented awards to individuals, groups, art educators, and businesses that support the arts and humanities in the Sierra Vista area. The Sierra Vista Womens Club provided refreshments to attendees following the ceremonies.

Other winners of the 2009 Mayor’s Arts and Humanities Awards included: Artist – Jane Pitts; Individual – Harry Walther; Arts in Education – Linda Dailing. In the Humanities Category, the winners were: Individual – Tom Shupert and Organization – Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers.