Later I understood that this dance was about precision -- everyone doing it exactly the same way. No one should call attention to themselves, but was to become part of a synchronized body of people connected by their voices, clapping hands, and stamping feet. The schoolchildren wore uniforms. The girls all had hair of about the same length, styled almost exactly the same way -- straightened and combed back. Natural hair, braids and dreadlocks were rare. In contrast to the looks of African Americans, there was no range of skin colors and hair textures. The government had done such a good job of enforcing its policy of apartheid (meaning "apartness") and prohibiting interracial mixing, the children looked very similar at first glance. I did not understand the words to the song, but I mimicked the sounds I heard so that my voice could be part of the harmony. I cried as I heard my voice join with theirs.