By Kaitlyn Lafferty and Susie Williams

Calling all dancers!

Did you learn any international dances last night at the International Showcase? We had groups from Malta, Australia, Japan, Netherlands and the Finland take to the stage and show everyone a little taste of their culture through dance.

Maya and Lucy from 2nd Sawston Rangers in Cambridge “loved the nutbush, so much” and are excited to “whip it out at parties”, sounds like they have a cool party trick up their sleeves. ”It was so much fun, we will be teaching everyone back at Guides how to do the Aussie Nutbush.”

Lauren from Sydney, Australia felt ”Very proud to share my culture it was a great experience” and said “The nutbush has always been in my blood, I don't actually remember learning it”, which really shows how in many countries, children learn their cultural dances from such a young age. She is ”happy others are going to go teach their groups”. It is so great seeing everyone get involved in the cultural dances. 

Hanna and Isak from Norway Tansberg and Vikings, said “It felt amazing to share my culture” you can really feel the sense of pride everyone feels when they get to show off their culture. “We really like it”, “It’s really fun and interesting to see other countries” said Scouts from St. George, Netherlands.

Not only did the Scouts enjoy all the other performances, they thought it was “really fun and interesting to see other counties” and that ”everyone joined in jumping, all participating.” It's wonderful to see that Essex International Jamboree has the opportunity to allow Guides and Scouts from all over the world to come together and express their culture. 

After watching and participating in the International Showcase, we asked all the Scout and Guide groups if they would do it again, and I received an “absolutely YES!” So if you are thinking of going to the next Jamboree, have your dance moves ready!