Multicultural Festival
RUSSIAN FOLK DANCE
Russian folk dances blend modesty, decency, and eroticism. They feature women in long dresses that subtly highlight their beauty and restrained yet graceful gestures. Men's dances can include floor movements absent in women's dances, symbolizing respect and admiration. In these dances, a man might lift a woman, showcasing his emotion and strength.
AZTEC DANCE/CEREMONY
The vibrant dance honors the six directions and involves burning Sage and Copal for blessings. Dancers wear striking regalia with feathers, bright colors, and rattles made of nuts and seeds. Originating from various parts of Mexico, the dance movements act as prayers connecting with the Universe. Accompanied by drums and rattles, the music and dance pay homage to nature and celebrate indigenous traditions.
AFRICAN DANCE
Margaret Wright, along with her dance troupe, showcases West African dances. In 1997, while teaching English and African dance at a Magnet high school, she took a group of students to West Africa.
She mentioned, "While teachers of Italian traveled with students to Italy and theater teachers visited London, I thought, 'Why not bring students to West Africa?'"
Starting with trips to Ghana, Togo, and Benin, Wright has now broadened her journeys to include East and Southern Africa.
NATIVE AMERICAN
The Native American grass dance mimics wind-swayed grass, emphasized by dancers' headdresses, fringes, and ribbons. Some grass dances prepare grounds for ceremonies by flattening grass, symbolizing victory over foes. Dance is vital for Native Americans, connecting them and preserving their unique cultures. Drums, symbolizing Earth's heartbeat, play a pivotal role in their rituals, helping connect with the Great Spirit.
IRISH/RIVER DANCE
Originally, Irish dancing was accompanied by harps, bagpipes, or vocals. As dances evolved, so did the music. Now, various dances correspond with diverse Irish music and instruments like the fiddle, bodhran (goatskin drum), tin whistle, concertina, and uilleann pipes. Typically, solo dancers are paired with a solo instrument.
TAHITIAN/HULA
Tahitian dance, or Ori Tahiti, originated in Tahiti, French Polynesia, and has been integral to the region for thousands of years. Historically, dances served various purposes: attracting lovers, challenging enemies, religious worship, or prayer. This dance form, deeply rooted in Polynesian traditions, initially represented the movement and life of the Tahitian people and was passed down orally.
MEXICAN/MARIACHI
Mariachi has both traditional and modern forms. Traditional mariachi features mestizo and indigenous groups using instruments like guitar, violin, harp, and vihuela, dressed in peasant attire. Modern mariachi, known globally, typically comprises at least three members using guitar, guitarrón, violin, and trumpets, sometimes incorporating flute, harp, or accordion. Their repertoire ranges from rancheras to boleros rancheros and corridos, often dressed in black or white.