What Bagage Danse left me: Emotion, Community, and Hope

Last Saturday was one of those days that stay in your heart. Taking part in Bagage Danse, where the documentary about Jarana Peruana was presented, was an experience full of emotion, connection, and learning.

I began my presentation with my heart racing, excited to share BicuKids’ story and mission, but also nervous, wondering if I’d be able to express it all the way I felt it. Would I remember everything? Would the message resonate?

The first minutes were intense, but soon I saw attentive faces, warm smiles, and nods of connection. I could tell that the young bicultural people in the audience felt seen. Afterward, some approached me to say they would have loved to have books like ours when they were children, books that helped them understand their two cultures and take pride in both from an early age.

My husband and my son Noah were also in the audience. Watching Noah listen to the story inspired by our family and our bicultural friends filled me with emotion. Seeing his face light up reminded me why this project matters so much.

But Bagage Danse was more than a presentation, it was a meeting point for projects that share the same purpose. The documentary on Jarana Peruana, directed by Karl Struyf from the association AIF, touched me deeply. Seeing Juan Carlos Velásquez and Antonia Ascarruz, the group’s leaders, keep the spirit of Peruvian dance and music alive, rain or shine, was truly inspiring. Antonia, beyond being a dancer and the creator of Jarana Peruana’s choreographies, was also co-organizer of Bagage Danse event and the one who invited me to take part in this beautiful event. Her energy, generosity, and perseverance make her a true symbol of strength and resilience.

The film captured that beautifully: the sense of community, the mix of generations and nationalities, and the joy of seeing young people, migrants, children, and grandchildren of migrants, dancing and celebrating Peruvian culture in Belgium. 

Bicultural identity lives on as long as we stay connected to our roots, no matter where we live or were born.

And beyond the screen, the Peruvian spirit was alive in every corner, music, dance, Peruvian food, and a bicultural celebration filled with rhythm and joy thanks to Jarana Peruana, Víctor Espinoza, Farilyn Erazo and the multicultural DJ who closed the night. A true bridge between cultures, flavors, and generations.

This time, Paula, my friend and the talented illustrator behind BicuKids, couldn’t join me but there will be many more opportunities for everyone to meet her and discover her wonderful artist. She’s a fundamental part of this shared dream we’re building together.

As a migrant woman, I left feeling grateful for the power of community and the pride of living our culture abroad. 

As a mom, I felt hope seeing bicultural youth confident, curious, and proud of who they are, imagining that our children might grow up the same way. 

And as a creator, I carry with me Karl’s words: “You just have to dare.” Dare to begin, to create, to show yourself.

Because only then can we bring visibility, representation, and pride to bicultural families.

I went home with a full heart, thankful for the generosity of the audience, the meaningful conversations, and the new connections that were born that night. Bagage Danse reminded me that when art, education, and culture come together, bridges between worlds are built. And somewhere on that bridge, BicuKids has found its home.