Orisi Risi perform African dances and tell folk tales in front of Boyd Campus Center.

The couple performed African songs and dances that allowed the audience to participate in the event, such as learning to count to ten in the Nigerian language. The Harrells are also storytellers. Mr. Harrell told stories such as "Aja Ati Ijapa" ("Dog and Turtle").

"African stories teach lessons, morals and right from wrong," said Mr. Harrell. The Harrells know the importance of African folklore and how vital it is to learn other languages. "Travel places to meet new friends and learn to greet others in their language," Mr. Harrell said. "When traveling, go with respect and others will respect you in return."

The event ended with a good-bye dance. Mr. Harrell closed by saying, "We should have peace, love, and respect for everyone wherever we go." The Hispanic Poetry Reading, held on Friday afternoon in Pruden Lounge, had a turnout of over 50 students. Students and faculty read the works of Hispanic poets such as Jose Marti, Alfonsina Stormi,and Octavio Paz.

"It was cool to hear what the poems sounded like in a different language," said Sophomore Joy D’Amelio. Later Friday afternoon, Alvaro Duarte and Beatriz Amberman, representing The Hispanic Folk Ballet, demonstrated many dances. They are recognized in several states and take pride in promoting Spanish culture. Later that evening, Ritmo Latino Salsa Dance took place in Village II Commons. The students and faculty laughed and danced the night away.

"It was so fun! It was awesome! The romantic songs in the United States are usually slower, but the Hispanic songs had a faster tempo. I had a lot of fun dancing," D’Amelio said. Carlos and Awilda Hernandez performed at the event. The Hernandezes spoke through translator AnaBeth Rios.

"We perform because it's our life, our blood, and to express how we feel," the Hernandezes said. The South Indian Dancers performed on Saturday. Malini Sriama, their instructor, introduced the two dancers, Mythili Rao, 16, and Prasanti Ganni, 25, who are local high school students. They performed several traditional Indian dances.

Saturday afternoon, students watched a performance of the Blue Sky Eagle Family Native American Dancers. The family is from the Acoma Pueblo in New Mexico. They have been performing together for about a year. However, the family’s patriarch, Blue Sky Eagle, has been performing throughout Europe, Russia, and the U.S. for nearly all of his 92 years.

The family performed several traditional Pueblo dances, including the Harvest Dance and the Eagle Dance. Blue Sky Eagle spoke of his people’s history, as well as the history of each dance. The Blue Sky Eagle family ended their performance with the "Friendship Dance," in which they invited students to come up and participate in the traditional dance of friendship.

Blue Sky, son of Blue Sky Eagle, was excited about the concept behind Discovery Days. "I think it’s the most wonderful thing you can do. It helps the school, it helps the students," Blue Sky said. Linda Berry, Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, said she was disappointed that more students didn’t participate in the Discovery Day events.

"Word came back from the dorms that the students didn't think of themselves as part of a culture, they were ‘just Americans’," she said. "I only hope that people will get involved and take the initiative to learn about other cultures." Many of those who attended the weekend’s events thought that Discovery Days was a great concept. Patrice Tiggs of the Southeast Tidewater Opportunity Project (STOP) Organization was one such person.

"I think that different cultures should be discovered. The concept of a Discovery Day is a very good concept," Tiggs said. "Learning about different cultures helps bridge the gaps. When you start breaking down barriers, then you start to open up more opportunities for people to learn, to grow and to share with each other."

D’Amelio also liked the idea. "I thought that it [Discovery Days] was a good idea and a good way to experience other cultures," said D’Amelio.