Diana Wolf is a professional dancer, dance instructor and the owner of a dance studio. Of Lebanese origins and a member of Webster Gardens Lutheran Church, Diana became active in CFNA two years ago when her pastor asked her to attend a CFNA Walkathon meeting. She quickly learned about the CFNA program and then offered to teach a New American dance class at the Peace Center. Here she shares her observations, including the comments of several of her students.

The purpose of this class is to attract young New American ladies to the Peace Center’s After School Program. The program is based on folk dances from North Africa and the Middle East at this time, but will be influenced as students from other cultures share their dances from their homelands as well.

Dance requires energy, discipline and patience with one’s self. My hope is to share with these young ladies the power and fun that comes with dancing. During our time together the past two years, they have shared with me their beautiful voices and we have now added a new song to our program.

This season is our fourth semester of dance. Comments from some of the young ladies who have been with me from the beginning include the following:

Bariam age 13 – “I learn lots of new, cool dance moves. Dance helps when I am angry, it helps make the anger go away.”

Matuda age 16 - “Dancing means a lot for me as it helps to work out frustrations and struggles in life. It is fun and spiritually reminds me of my wonderful body that God has given me. Because I know that dancing helps me a lot, I always make time to dance, it makes me feel free and whole.”

Senite age 12 – “I like to come here and dance, it helps me let go of all my anger and brings me joy.”

Amri age 12 – “I improve my self-confidence and it makes me more faithful to God because He made my body. It also makes me want to help people more.”

Aluda age 9 – “I like to dance with Diana, it makes me feel happy and proud.”

CFNA Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Stanish Stanley offers the following: “During my four years at the Peace Center I have noticed some of those now in the dance class struggling with behavioral issues, often resulting in explosions of anger. Over the past several months however, many of our dancing friends have mellowed and matured to become influential ambassadors for Christ among their peers.

“Moreover, many have themselves become volunteers, offering to baby-sit children when their mothers come to the Peace Center for Bible study. Without a doubt, the dance program has instilled not only a sense of comradery, but also a spirit of service which I believe is what CFNA should represent to the refugee community in St. Louis and beyond.

”It is my hope more people with skills in the arts will find time to share their gifts with our New American neighbors. We thank God for the gift of dance, and look forward to more sharing, dancing and singing in the future.

Diana Wolf Webster Gardens Lutheran Church

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