By Heidi Trautmann

In the true meaning of the word… dance unites, nothing brings you closer to a human being than a dance like tango. The Costas and Rita Severis Foundation, a non-governmental, non-profit organisation whose aim it is to promote culture and peace in Cyprus,  organised a happening on 21 December in the streets of Nicosia. The call went out to all lovers and promoters of dance, joy of life and peace, from both parts of the island of Cyprus, to dance and encourage passers-by to join in.

They first met at the Büyük Han at 13.00 hrs danced to the music of the 1930s, 50s and 60s, all along through the new pedestrian area towards Lokmaci Square. It was a moving picture.

“Come and join us to offer smiles and joy to the people of our capital,” they said in their invitation.  And on went the dance across the Lokmaci checkpoint into Ledra Street where they arrived at the lower end at 16:00 hrs and did a final session at 5.15 at the Pharomeni Church square. Dancing for peace, what a nice thought to make aware of the deep trouble we are in.

Cyprus and Art lovers will know of the art historian Rita C. Severis as the author of ‘The Travelling Artists in Cyprus 1700-1960’.  She has curated exhibitions and as a foundation organised similar events of art for example in 2011 ‘Opera in the Streets of Nicosia’ with opera singers from the north and the south. The Costas and Rita Severis Foundation is currently renovating the Centre for Visual Arts and Research in the heart of Nicosia and managing the Sharing History, Art, Research and Education project.

The most direct language without any words for peace and understanding, to be recommended to political meetings, Let’s join hands and dance!