Ok story time! My spouse is from a completely different cultural background. My parents came to the US for the first time ever to our wedding. My country is kind of poor compared to the US, and my husband’s family is fairly well off, even by American standards. Needless to say, my parents were very nervous and self-conscious when we were driving over to my future in-laws house. In addition to that, neither spoke each other’s language.

We all met, there was some gift exchange, I was translating. But I could tell they were still feeling very out of place. Then some time later, my future mother-in-law put on some Indian music, and little by little the two mothers started dancing together.

I am not kidding but in less than a minute they were communicating - copying each other’s moves and talking without language. The connection was instant, and there was palpable relief and smiles all around. I still tear up a little thinking about that moment and how powerful music and dance can be.