On May 7, 2011, Long Island celebrated its diversity, as the Turkish Cultural Center celebrated International Children’s Day with a program of music and dance performances from over ten countries. A bit hard to find, Hofstra University’s Adams Playhouse filled almost to capacity with an audience, as diverse as the performances which echoed world cultures including: USA, Turkey, Ireland, Germany, Bosnia, Mexico, Albania, India, China, Azerbaijan, and Korea.
Date:
May 7, 2011
Time:
1:00 pm
Venue:
7 MAY 2011
Speaker:
EDWARD P. MANGANO
NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE
On May 7, 2011, Long Island celebrated its diversity, as the Turkish Cultural Center celebrated International Children’s Day with a program of music and dance performances from over ten countries. A bit hard to find, Hofstra University’s Adams Playhouse filled almost to capacity with an audience, as diverse as the performances which echoed world cultures including: USA, Turkey, Ireland, Germany, Bosnia, Mexico, Albania, India, China, Azerbaijan, and Korea.
History of International Children’s Day
Though not a well-known holiday, the celebration of Children’s Day predates Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, here in the United States, but was not proclaimed a national holiday until June 2001. The United Nations celebrates it on November 20th.
In Turkey, it is a very important holiday. Celebrated each year on April 23, International Children’s Day is Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s gift to the children of Turkey, celebrating their national sovereignty and the importance of preserving the spirit and dedication of all children.The national celebration includes children from all over the world. Here in New York, Nassau County Executive, the Honorable Edward P. Mangano, delivered the proclamation that April 23, 2011 is officially International Children's Day in the Sate of New York and that he welcomes the opportuntity to celebrate Long Island's diversity and its children
Long Island celebrates its diversity
The dance groups performing were all American, from different cultures; some providing unique interpretations to traditional dance forms. Local Long Island dance group Dance Space is “devoted to preserving and sharing, with the community, the best of American culture and tradition.” They performed “The Beginning”, “Some Will Rise”, an African dance with modern interpretations and “Modern Fusion”, a combination of ballet and modern dance.
“Some Will Rise” got cheers from the audience with Faith Handy capturing our attention with her confidence and energy, despite being the youngest dancer in the group. A combination of modern dance and ballet, “Modern Fusion” takes its elegant inspiration from the Alvin Haley Dance Theatre. Teacher, choreographer, Patrice Simmons has trained in over twenty countries. Dance Space is a professional dance group and performs on Broadway and across the country.
The children of the German Youth Dance Company were charming as they performed the Patty Cake Dance. And Ireland was represented the spirited dancers of by the Donny Golden School of Irish Dancing, one of the best known schools of Irish dance in America.
Some of the best performances came from the youngest children. Jumps, spins, modern moves, all not to be outshined by the very youngest of the Azerbaijan dance troupe who suddenly appeared on stage and dazzled the audience with their commanding solos.
Color, elegance and acrobatics
Some of the most elaborate and impressive performances came from China and Korea. The Little Lotus Chinese Dancing Team performed Fan Dance and the Handkerchief Dance, a combination of traditional dance and acrobatics. Both elegant and playful, in style, bright pink handkerchiefs were effortless spun by the dancers and looked much like umbrellas.
The Hourglass Drum Dance, performed by the Korean, Cheongsha Chorong Dance Company was a colorful musical display of brilliant costumes and vibrant drums. They also performed a Fan Dance creating brilliant spirals and cascades with brightly colored fans through symmetrical movements. The fan is a symbol of oriental delicacy. The dancers use them to convey the emotions of happiness.
A classic treat from Estampas Folkloricas Mexicanas Ballet, the Mexican Hat Dance is always a colorful display of the best known Mexican dances in America.
Turkish dance performances
The children of the Mevlana Education Association performed classical dances from Northeastern Turkey. The Kafkas dance is a tale of love and power, fight and sensitivity with seamless walks and elegant spins. It is the expression of a strong and resilient spirit. They also performed a colorful rendition of a traditional folk dance, typifying country work and social life in the Turkish village.
Tickets for this performance were $10.00 and included a free T-Shirt and a Turkish sweet for each ticket holder; a good value for families and a wonderful cultural experience.
The Turkish Cultural Center of New York/Long Island
International Children’s Day celebrates diversity and unity by celebrating children, the future of all nations. Through pride and appreciation of others, it is easy to understand the words of M.Kemal Ataturk, “Peace at home, peace in the world”. For the fourth year, the Turkish Cultural Center of New York/Long Island and its sponsors have shared this tradition with Long Islanders. “It is a day that is dedicated to the children”, says Mr. Sadri Altinok, the president of the Turkish Cultural Center of New York.
