Paris Randolph

Tell me about your African dance class.

I was first attracted to the dance class because of the drums. As children we find ourselves beating on desks, and after taking CAAS 111 I started learning about retention and reinterpretation of African customs and traits in our genes. I'm actually more of a ballroom dancer, but I like Latin dances like salsa and meringue and I was reading about them. They all come from Congolese dance which comes out of west and central Africa.

What kinds of food do you like to cook?

I like to cook food that is like myself, and that's all mixed up. In my family, we have a lot of creole and southern style cooking. We also have Jewish/French traditions. My cooking often corresponds to those cultures. For example, I may serve collard greens and gumbo or I may serve a traditional Jewish dish such as corned beef.

Where did you learn to cook?

I learned to cook in my mother and southern grandmother's kitchen. My great grandmother is Jewish and french so I also have had that influence. My mom likes to travel so she picks up things from all over. My dad has been the biggest influence, he is a chef, and he has always encouraged me to try different things.

How does cooking and dancing allow you to express yourself artistically?

Dancing is a form of art that I do for myself. It tells me how I'm feeling, it allows me touch my spirit. Cooking is something I do to express myself to others. I might serve a bright dish to show my personality. If I'm feeling bitter I may serve chicory or if I am in a sour mood I might serve something with lemons.

What other forms of artistic expression do you engage in?

I also like to sing gospel music and play the cello. I learned how to play the cello in elementary school, I stopped but sometimes I play when I am angry.

Wow, you have a lot on your plate. How do you balance cooking and dancing with your academic commitments?

They fit into my schedule because they are both things that I need to do. I need to eat so I cook, I need to exercise so I dance.