 | I first heard about the Global Education Center (GEC) in 1999. My goal was to drop in to find out what African dance classes were available as my passion for African dance had been birthed and I was thirsty to learn as much as I could about it. Right around the time I was planning to visit the Global Education Center, I got pregnant. If I lived in Nashville, making a trip after discovering my pregnancy would have been easy but I lived in Clarksville, TN at the time so I delayed going for 10 years. |
| Fast forward to 2009. By that time I had moved to Murfreesboro, TN, where I now live, and a friend invited me to visit the African dance class at Global. I had no idea that this was going to be the beginning of a relationship that would morph into something great in my life. But I have to admit, I was very sad that I had gone so long before deciding to visit the Global Education Center because what I found was refreshing, life transformative and enriching. |  |
A series of events left Global needing an African dance teacher. I had been teaching friends and family off and on for all of those 10 years plus I had launched a small class in Murfreesboro at the time so I was up for the task. It was taking the position as the African dance instructor that allowed me to get to know Ellen Gilbert, the director of GEC, other staff and guest artists. Getting to know this wonderful group and their commitment to sharing multicultural art and anti-bias education helped me to become integrated as part of Global as both are areas that are near and dear to my heart. Essentially, I found a large part of life’s purpose at the Global Education Center.
This non-profit has poured into me so that I can grow as a teacher, transformed me into a performer and helped me to become a community activist using the arts. We joke at Global that when you are part of the GEC Team of artists and teachers, it is a lifestyle. And I totally agree. When I started teaching at Global, I was a stay-at-home homeschooling mom. I loved my life but there was a part of me that needed an outside activity or experience to help me feel connected to my own inner spirit and that would use my gifts and talents that maybe weren’t in full use in my home. Global supplied that and more for me!
I absolutely love to dance. I absolutely love culture. I absolutely love people. I absolutely love to teach. And the Global Education Center absolutely allows me to do all of these as a teaching artist and performer.
 | On a personal note the Global Education Center has been great for my children. They have had so many cultural experiences and met so many people from around the world that they would not have if it wasn’t for our connection to Global. Additionally, I am excited that I have been able to plug the homeschooling community into GEC so it is able to expose homeschooled children to the cultural opportunities that are abundant at Global.The Global Education Center is one of Nashville’s best kept secrets. I am so happy that I finally decided to walk through the doors of Global to discover the treasures within it. In doing so, I have discovered a treasure within my own self. |
Tirra Hargrow
Teaching Artist/African Dance Teacher
Global Education Center
Teaching Artist/African Dance Teacher
Global Education Center
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