Asian Heritage Festival
Saturday May 2, 2009; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Come to the Blue Valley Library for a glimpse of Asian culture through art, dance, music, food and games for the whole family. Registration is not required. For more information, please call (913) 495-3850.
Performances 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Ki Daiko
The name "Ki Daiko" captures the spirit of this Olathe School District Japanese Taiko drumming group well. The name means "big drum energy" and their energetic performances are memorable and filled with excitement. Most members are either enrolled in Japanese or have studied Japanese. Drums consist of ones on loan from the Japanese Consulate in Chicago and ones that have been hand made by Jerry Daugherty. The group is led by Dianne Daugherty and Keiko Okada-Brown. Historically, drums were used in battle to intimidate the enemy and energize the Japanese troops. They were also used in the 17th and 18th centuries in court music. Most recently (since the 1960's) "gumi taiko" or group playing has become the most prominent and popular use of Taiko drums.
Falun Dafa
Falun Dafa is a cultivation practice of both mind and body guided by the universal principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance (Zhen, Shan, Ren). With five sets of gentle, meditative exercises, Falun Dafa can help one to achieve an overall sense of well-being and harmony. Over 100 million people, in 80 countries worldwide, from every age group, race, ethnicity, social status, and background, are currently practicing Falun Dafa. Presented by the Mid-USA Falun Dafa Association.
Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do is the Korean martial art of hard fighting using punches, kicking, jumping and blocking. It also teaches courtesy, discipline, respect and self-confidence. This demonstration by students from the Tae Kwon Do Academy of Overland Park will include a basic exercise and board breaking.
Performances 2-4 p.m.
The Thai Information Center
"I-Saan Happiness" is a Thai Folk-dance from North Eastern (I-Saan). This folk dance is generally performed on festive occasions, or during traditional celebrations. The swift, harmonious movements are accompanied by folk music that played on typical instruments like the gong (a tribal drum), along with other drums and pipes, and upright xylophone.The choreography is entrusted to the dancers who wear traditional I-Saan costumes, and expresses all the joy of the celebration, and blessing to everyone. Look thoong, or Thai Folk song : It has much in common with Westurn Country Song, its focus on the life to reflect daily trials and tribulations of rural Thais. It is characterized by rapid-fire, rhythmic vocals, and feel to the percussion. Sponsored by the Ethnic Enrichment Commission.
The Taiwanese Association of Greater Kansas City
The Taiwanese Association of Greater Kansas City (TAKC) will show the Taiwan Aboriginals dresses, and perform Taiwan Aboriginals dancing along with the music. Taiwan Aboriginals' songs and dances are best offerings to express gratitude to the ancestral spirits. Following the dancing, TAKC Chorus will sing 3 Taiwanese songs.
Natanan Indian Dance Group
Bharata Natyam is one of the six major Indian Classical dance forms originated and preserved in southern India. Based on Indian Classical Music, Bharata Natyam has three major aspects Nritta (Dance), Nritya (Dance with Expressions) and Abhinaya (Expressions). Traditionally performed in temples as part of daily rituals, the songs are primarily devotional. The dance involves intricate rhythmic patterns; while expressions involve a story telling using a specific technique of hand gestures and body language. A student thus has to go through rigorous training for number of years to learn the basic principles of this art form. Maithili Parikh takes pride in teaching this art in its purest form at her school Natanam in Overland Park. She inherits this art of dance and her teaching skills from her father ‘Late Guru Nana Kasar’ who has been a renowned teacher in India.
HK Chinese Folk Dance Group
The HK Chinese Folk Dance Group is very active in servicing the community and promoting Chinese Folk Dance culture. Today they will perform several dances native to the Republic of China including the Cup Dance, Lotus Flower Dance, Sieve Dance, Lantern Dance, Golden Hoop Dance, and the Ribbon Fan Dance. The group comes to us today courtesy of the Ethnic Enrichment Commission and is led by Hoi Kei Au, Dance Instructor.
Schedule
Asian Food Sampling
11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Mehndi Tattoos (for teens)
Storytime room 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Children's Crafts
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Japanese Name Writing & Costumes
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Performances in the Gallery
11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Art on display from Falun Dafa in the gallery and repoductions from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art's Taj Mahal: The Beauty is in the Details exhibit.
Johnson County Library, Kan. © 2009