I've just arrived home from one of the most pumping parties here in Rotterdam! I spent the night drinking, eating, and dancing and I had a fantastic night! This party boasted many forms of entertainment including a live band (I cannot believe that this band played from 5pm until 12 midnight - practically straight through!), a fashion show, a traditional dance demonstration, and numerous raffles for some great door prizes! So how is this research? Only Turkish women and their guests (like me) were invited. I bought a ticket with the woman who I work with at the buurt centrum, and the two of us met two of her friends there. The importance of this party for my research was seeing how people in my neighbourhood come together. In between eating and drinking (my new favourite drink is espresso and hot chocolate!), I began thinking of how people who were not at this party, might perceive it. Would it be seen as an example of integration (due to the organisation of such an event which included applying to the local government for a subsidy), or the exact opposite (is holding a Turkish party an example of not being connected to the host nation)? While I know that any individual belongs to more than one group identity (Dutch, Turkish, artist, etc.), and that these groups do not have to be mutually exclusive in order to belong - where would this party fit in terms of community (you can pick one) belonging?
It’s a question I’ll have to follow up on as I was one of the lucky ones to be inside.
The event itself was held in a rented hall that was located under the hofbogen train line (another neighbourhood project of mine). The hall had a large dance floor, bar area, and enough room to seat up to 500 people. I would estimate that there were approximately 300 women and children there tonight. My friends and I had a wonderful time learning Turkish dances, listening to great music, and sampling home cooked food. Although the small group that I arrived with were not a part of the Turkish community per say (and we weren’t the only ones), we were warmly accepted. This included having food shared with us, dances taught, and all the Turkish translated into Dutch throughout the night. Although this was the first year for this event, I think it was a huge success because it drew a very large crowd with people coming from all over Rotterdam. I was told by one of the women that she recognised other guests whom she knew to live in Rotterdam south. (A trip from the south of Rotterdam can take over a half an hour which is quite far by Dutch standards!) Despite the distance and the cold (the hall was a bit cold except when you got dancing), the place was hoping! I had a great time and knew that I was out of my partying-league when I saw one of the women from our table actually dancing on the table. I was humbled!
Although this didn't seem the right time to ask my questions, I felt the night was very successful in that I made some new connections with the other revellers. Otherwise, I had a lot of fun and that has to count for something, doesn't it? I think the overall lesson to be learned here is that no one should say that partying can't be field work. Ever!
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