During the Watson Fellowship, we created a new home in Khamlia. This small town at the outskirts of the desert of al-Magrib was a sanctuary for traditional Gnaoua art, music, and dance. The Gnaoua and Amazigh people lived together for centuries here, exchanging conversations in Tamazigh and Darija and Spanish. I was forunate to live with Mohammed Khamlia, a kind soul who opened his family and home to me and allowed me to teach dance and art making workshops to a group of talented and dedicated preteens girls.

My co-director for this project was Mahjoub Ait Hammi. He translated, taught, and along with Alicia and Manuel, created the final presentation to the entire village at the end of three months.