A celebration of ethnic diversity through song and dance

By Ian Perrotta

Hamtramck’s ethnic diversity was on full display last Thursday at Dickinson East Elementary School’s 13th Annual Multicultural Celebration and Ice Cream Social.

Over 800 people attended the event, which was held outside on the school’s playground. The ice cream social began at 5:30 p.m. and featured an assortment of frozen Good Humor snacks available for $1. Performers and community volunteers received a ticket for a free treat as a token of thanks. Additionally, the homerooms with the most students in attendance received ice cream parties at school the next day.

Principal Nayal Maktari marked the occasion by giving a brief speech thanking the crowd for attending and trusting their children’s education with the school. He noted the teachers and staff members also in attendance and said that they come to all of the schools events because they truly care about the children and the community. Maktari also thanked Rose Dina, a second-grade teacher who puts the show together every year.

“She’s an incredible teacher and goes above and beyond so I want to thank her for what she does,” he said.

During the multicultural show, students of all grades performed various routines that showcased their musical and dancing skills. A few students played instruments and about a dozen groups highlighted the uniqueness of a country or culture’s dance.

Jordanian Dancers
Mariam Altuhaimer
Fadwa Altuhaimer

Hoedown Throwdown
Merima Skapur
Alexandra Paradowski
Victoria Palokaj

Arabic Dancers
Nuha Alhamdi
Nada Alhamdi

Strings Duet
Gabrielle Belcher
Michael Belcher
Locomotion Group

Masuma Jasim
Drita Memcenovic
Sarah Algehaim

Bengali Dancer
Wahida Chowdhur
Hawaiian Dancers

Kristina Konaszewski
Malak Alrifai
Duaa Alhalemi

Gwiazda Polish Dance School

Dance Solo
Mariam Altuhaimer

Piano Solo
Francehesca Mae Roque

Albanian Dancers
Sadije Kllokoqi
Mark Dedvukaj
Prena Palokaj
Edrana Malaj

Africian American Hip Hop Dancers
Anyra Hayes
Yadira Goodwin
Monae Flowers

Bosnian Dancers
Sendiana Besic
Merima Skapur
Emina Skapur
Dzenana Muratovic