The Brooms
THE BROOMS
By Grace Antonucci and Anna Gatch
Ken and Zenaida Broom
Welcome to Ensemble Eclectica! If you are a regular follower, you know that we love to feature those whose passion for the Arts makes Columbia a better and more interesting place to live or to visit. Two who definitely fit that description are Ken and Zenaida Broom, a charming and talented couple with a fascination for everything dance.
The couple began dancing together about 22 years ago when they took their first salsa and shag lessons; and the rest, as they say, is history. Over the years, they have frequented many studios and dance companies to learn and to grow as the great performers they are today. When the couple of not dancing, Zenaida works as an IT consultant at a local utility company while Ken, who has retired from the IT field, focuses on their part-time DJ services.
Over the years, the different styles of dance they learned has led them to become immersed in the different cultures and communities from which those dances originate. Traveling was a large part of their schedules and they traveled far and wide to attend dance events. “Before the pandemic started, we would travel almost every weekend,” Zenaida said. Whether it was taking a class, preparing for a performance or teaching a class, the pair danced every day. They especially loved performing on various dance cruises, where they would take dance workshops during the day, then everyone would dance and celebrate at night. Although like most others, the couple has had an uneventful 2020, they did manage to have an outdoor performance, to participate in Zoom dance classes, and to perform in Columbia City Ballet’s Nutcracker.
Now that some communities are opening back up, Ken and Zenaida are hopeful to be able to return to the more frequent performing they were accustomed to and love. During their first performance with Ensemble Eclectica!, Ken and Zenaida were amazed by how flawlessly the small and talented group of musicians played. “The first time we got a chance to listen to them rehearse, it was amazing to me how Suzanna waved her baton, and everyone was at attention They played flawlessly! Come find out it was their first time rehearsing [together],” exclaimed Ken. “It was wonderful to perform with different disciplines of art,” Zenaida added. She also recalled the audience’s reaction, and how amazing it felt to see others enjoy their performance. “How sad would it be if all of this talent was there and no one like Dr. Pavlovsky brought it together into a piece of art to share with everyone? She is such a hardworking and optimistic individual.” Said Ken.
As also expressed by others we have interviewed, the couple concurs that the local arts scene has always been Columbia’s hidden gem. “There’s a lot of talent in Columbia,” explains Zenaida. The creative groups and individuals that continue to mold this arts scene come from all walks of life, yet they can all agree that art comes from a source of healing. Zenaida recalled a rough day at work, assuring us that, “once I go to dance, my mind is freed.” The arts are truly a source of therapy for many, whether one is an artist or an audience member. “Dancing is not so much about dancing, but also a support group,” says Zenaida, speaking of the dance community. No matter which side of the stage you’re on, “everyone is going to gain something positive from [the art],” Ken exclaimed.
And we agree! If the arts are a catalyst for positive change, this is more of a reason why all forms of art should be more prevalent in our community, not only during these uncertain times, but always. After all, who would be opposed to living in a place where positivity, creativity and unity are a way of life?
