Dance and other cultural expressions had always been popular in Wayne County, as immigrants flooded the country beginning in the late 19th century. From 1921-1930, nearly 100,000 Poles came to America. Polish dance troupes flourished as immigrants clung to their European heritage. Nkenge said students at the academy emphasizing black culture have formed the African Dance Troupe. The youth group reproduces dance derived from western African countries, she said.
Girls perform a fast-paced dance, while their male classmates drum a rhythmic beat.
Canton Township's Michael Belvitch is a classic example of an American studying dance to satisfy a parent's whim to maintain links to his Irish ancestors. Belvitch took his study a step further, becoming an international champion in Irish dancing. Belvitch's father said his son gained not only an understanding of Irish culture, but learned about others as he traveled the world to compete.