Sometimes we just don’t know what we’re missing

I wouldn’t have bet in a million years that a dance show would be one of my favorite cultural events in Berea. The first time my wife took me to see Kinetic Expressions, a show featuring modern dance, I was prepared for an evening of stupefying boredom. The extent of my dance experience, after all, was more or less confined to the Hokey Pokey, which in my opinion, was not what it was all about.

The show turned out to be energetic and engaging, though I had one complaint: I didn’t want it to end. What I know about dance you could write on the back of a gum wrapper – a small one – but I was hooked from the first number to the last.

Seeing Kinetic Expressions turned out to be, for me, a valuable lesson about cultural offerings in Berea. Unless you try something, you have no idea of what you’re missing. Nonetheless people manage to complain that there’s just not enough to do in Berea.

Artist/merchant Charley Harvey once remarked how amazing it was that, thanks in part to Berea College, it was possible for him to live near the foothills of Appalachia, yet he could walk out his front door to a college convocation to see the Dali Lama and other interesting people. Harvey was right. Berea has retained its small town charm though it can also boast some rich cultural offerings.

It’s true that you won’t find a bowling ally in Berea, nor is there a movie theater. Those things are just a short drive up the road. But if you pay attention to the opportunities available in town, you can enjoy readings by renowned authors, hear some of the world’s most remarkable musicians, not to mention seeing the work of some gifted crafts people.

But since Berea offers such a wealth of cultural opportunities that are both readily available and often free, they’re easy to take for granted. That’s a shame. So next time there’s an interesting convocation, a folk dance class, or a jam session featuring local musicians, give it a try. You may find something, like I did, that you won’t want to miss again.

Author’s note: Kinetic Expressions will take place at the Jelkyl Drama Center, McGaw Theater at 8 p.m. March 13-15. Call for tickets at (859) 985-3300.

written by Andy McDonald,
BereaOnline.com Contributing Editor