2008 Woodie Awards
Folk Dance Festival turns 50 this year
San Antonio City Parks and Recreation, Der Deutsche Volkstanzverein-Mazurka and flamenco group set to perform traditional dances.
By D.J. Jimenez
Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: Pulse
Originally published: 4/10/08 at 4:22 PM CSTLast update: 4/12/08 at 7:43 PM CST
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Promoting and preserving the heritages of numerous nationalities, the Folk Dance Festival will be displaying folk dancing from around the world.
Ranging from the rhythmic style of Spain's flamenco to tribal American round dancing, the Folk Dance Festival will be a spectacle for viewers to experience.
Historically, traditional folk dances were performed during social events with little or no professional training for the dancers. Children often learn informally by observing and mimicking the movements of others.
International folk dance continues to gain popularity on college campuses, and community centers within the United States and other countries.
A number of other groups will be participating such as San Antonio City Parks and Recreation and the Der Deutsche Volkstanzverein-Mazurka which will be performing Mexican and German/Polish folk dances.
The college's flamenco dance team will be performing.
Annette Flores, flamenco dance lecturer, said, "Flamenco is a very internal and organic way of expressing yourself through song and dance. Flamenco began with stories of the gypsies from Andulacia, Spain, and has been passed down through many generations. Stories of pain and suffering and joy and triumph have evolved and are the roots of flamenco dance and music."
She added, "Flamenco has become very popular in the last few years. It is more appreciated by others and is being embraced by the audiences wherever it is performed. The rhythms of flamenco move the soul, and even if you do not know much about it, you will find yourself tapping your toes, clapping your hands and swaying side to side."
The 50th Annual Folk Dance Festival will be at 7 p.m. April 19 in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center.
The event is free for district students and employees. Tickets are $10 general admission, $5 for military and other students.
For more information, call Deborah Martin or John Hammond at 733-2147.
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