VALDOSTA — Registration has opened for dancers wanting to share their heritage and native lands’ cultures in the Third Annual World Cultures Dance Competition.
The competition is not scheduled until 1-6 p.m., March 8, but now is the time to start entering, says Serena Huang, the competition’s organizer and the founder of the Azalea International Folk Fair. The dance competition is part of the fair, which was originally named the Asian Cultural Experience.
“This dance competition is the South’s very first organized effort in hosting a dance competition with a theme of international folk cultures,” Huang says.
The success of the first competition in 2006 allowed it to grow during the second one held earlier this year. More than 20 multi-cultural dance groups from Georgia, Alabama and Florida represented dances from across the world this past March. The invitation is extended again to the South’s folk-dance teams.
“This program was created to offer
a unique opportunity for Southern communities to connect with and explore the world’s rich cultural diversity through colorful folk dances,” Huang says.
Anyone unfamiliar with this event can see performances from past competitions by visiting www.youtube.com/azaleainternational
The dance competition and folk fair have grown to partner with Valdosta State University’s annual international dinner. Huang’s events have earned funding not only from local businesses, state agencies and corporations but the National Endowment of the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Valdosta Daily Times is also a partnering sponsor. The event has also received media coverage in Asian nations.
The festival started with Huang teaching her native Taiwan dances to her children’s school classes, grew to include other area schools and grew from there.
Dance Registration
Interested groups may register for the Third Annual World Cultures Dance Competition, which is scheduled for 1-6 p.m., March 8, James H. Rainwater Conference Center.
Registration dates: Now through Feb. 15.
More information, registration forms: Visit the Web site www.GAinternationalfolkfair.org s
Local News
Related Photos
-
Dancers perform a traditional Mexican dance during the Multi-Cultural Folk Dance Competition earlier this year. Registration is open for the next competition in March.
-
A traditional African dance performed during the Multi-Cultural Folk Dance Competition earlier this year. Registration is open for next year's competition.
Discussion
Dance competition
- Local News
-
-
Lake Park: Council members resign
Immediately following the Citizens to be Heard portion of the regular Lake Park council meeting Tuesday night, council members Eric Schindler and Paul Mulkey tendered their resignations.
-
Valwood goes global
Valwood School has hosted several international guests for the past several weeks.
-
City cuts ribbon on new home
With a snip of some over-sized wooden scissors, the City of Valdosta took another step in eliminating substandard housing.
-
Berrien clinic director loses job
Speaking to The Valdosta Daily Times about the possible discontinuation of the Berrien Elementary School MED Clinic led to the program’s executive director losing her job Monday morning.
-
From the CIA to man about town
Meet Jack Pruden, former member of the Central Intelligence Agency.
-
Berrien school medical facility faces an uncertain future
A state-of-the-art medical facility that was introduced in Berrien County public schools in 2010 might be ending soon.
-
New TV listings section debuts in print edition
In Sunday editions of The Valdosta Daily Times, keep an eye out for the updated TV listings section.
-
Man shot in Valdosta; police car, ambulance collide
Response to a shooting Saturday afternoon led to a collision between a police vehicle and an ambulance.
-
Annual Father-Daughter Dance enters 16th year
Three-week-old Emmaline Taylor lay contentedly on dad Trey Taylor’s shoulder Friday night, completely oblivious to the sights and sounds of the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance.
Now in its 16th year, the popular annual event is sponsored by Valdosta’s First Presbyterian Church and held at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center.
“We’ve been looking forward to this,” Trey Taylor said. “When we first got pregnant, (my wife Sheya and I) looked to see if she would be here in time for the Father-Daughter Dance.” -
VPD offers online citation payment
The Valdosta Police Department has implemented a new online service to assist traffic violators.
- More Local News Headlines
-
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
