Ep 19. When Aunt Lena Did The Rhumba

When Aunt Lena Did The Rhumba is an episode from the first season of the beloved children's educational program Reading Rainbow. Hosted by actor LeVar Burton, the show revolved around encouraging a love of reading in children through engaging storytelling and book recommendations.

In this particular episode, viewers are taken on an exciting journey through Latin America. Burton sets the scene by introducing viewers to a book called "When Aunt Lena Did The Rhumba" by author and illustrator Adrianne Bliss. The book's colorful illustrations and charming story are the perfect backdrop for a lesson about Latin American culture.

Burton begins by explaining to viewers that Latin America is made up of many countries, each with its own unique culture and traditions. He then introduces viewers to the concept of dance as an important part of Latin American culture, with different styles of dance originating from different countries in the region.

The story of "When Aunt Lena Did The Rhumba" takes place in Cuba and follows a young girl named Mari who is visiting her aunt, Lena. Mari is surprised to find out that her aunt used to be a talented dancer who performed the rhumba, but gave up her passion for dancing when her husband disapproved.

The story touches on themes of following your dreams and standing up for what you believe in. Mari encourages her aunt to start dancing again and even helps her choreograph a routine for a local dance contest.

Throughout the episode, Burton takes breaks from the story to provide more background information about Latin American culture. He explains the importance of music and dance, and how different countries in the region developed their own unique styles of dance. Viewers are treated to colorful footage of different dance performances, from the tango to the samba.

Burton also introduces viewers to different types of musical instruments that are commonly used in Latin American music, such as the maracas and the bongos. He explains how these instruments are played and provides demonstrations to help viewers better understand the sounds they create.

In addition to the focus on Latin American culture, "When Aunt Lena Did The Rhumba" also promotes the idea of pursuing your passions and interests, even if others in your life don't approve. Mari's encouragement of her aunt's dancing sends a positive message to young viewers about the importance of following your dreams and surrounding yourself with people who support you.

Overall, "When Aunt Lena Did The Rhumba" is a fun and educational episode of Reading Rainbow that provides viewers with a glimpse into Latin American culture and the importance of pursuing your passions. The engaging storytelling and colorful illustrations of the book are sure to capture the attention of young viewers, while Burton's informative asides provide valuable context and background information.