(Photo by Sabrina Tanbara)

Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans,
and miss it each night and day?
I know I’m not wrong, ’cause the feeling’s getting stronger
the longer I stay away.
Song by Eddie DeLange and Louis Alter, sung by
Louis Armstrong in the 1947 film New Orleans.

Returning to New York City after spending the first week of March in New Orleans with a group of student volunteers from Juilliard under the auspices of ARTreach, I found myself wondering, “What now?” Our team of 24 incredible artists engaged the New Orleans community in various ways, sharing everything we know in order to embrace hope and empower the creative spirit. Physically we used our hands, minds, and hearts to literally build homes in the hot afternoon sun for three days with Habitat for Humanity. Through our team’s energetic efforts, we watched three houses go from foundation to frame. On our last day with Habitat for Humanity, our group performed, using what we know best—our arts—to convey our gratitude to the other volunteers. (We even returned the next day with a bag of goodies for the Habitat volunteers!)

Proceeding to the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts, we used our skills in listening, learning, and teaching students in a fun and exciting way that broadened their minds and expanded their hearts. At the Dryades Y.M.C.A., our group taught drama, dance, and music to kindergarten through eighth-grade students. Pressing forward despite some difficult times with the students, our group presented a special performance that included an original work from one musically gifted student. At the First Street United Methodist Church, we also performed for the community, and three gifted dance students presented their original work as well. Returning our love, gratitude, and inspiration, our group performed at Hands on New Orleans and Camp Hope for the other incredibly passionate and determined volunteers.

We have created a family together: a family of students, volunteers, artists, and passionate individuals within this community distraught by Hurricane Katrina. We have managed to create light and energy in streets that were once dark. With further engagement, love, and attention this community will continue striving to rebuild even further, stronger, and higher. Suddenly the statement “Yes we can!” resonates more clearly than ever.

What now? Family. Our work there, even though short-lived, speaks wonders, and will continue to speak. The power behind what we have left there is immeasurable. And now these communities have our power plus their own. We are a part of the community, the family, which will hold strong against any future troubles. Our love, awareness, and attention have created bonds that, after our third trip to New Orleans, can and will only grow stronger. With a sense of hopefulness, inspiration, and excitement, I ask myself: Should we, and can we, return? “Yes We Can!”

Chelsea Ainsworth, Third-Year Dance Student

New Orleans Photos