Cultural Diversity in Indy

Tears came to my eyes as I viewed the Duquesne University Tamburitzans close the four days of festivities at the Indy Internal Festival. It would mean waiting another years to see this fabulous multicultural song and dance company again. Tears cam to my eyes as I viewed the Duquesne University Tamburitzans close the four days of festivities at the Indy Internal Festival. The sweet strains of the violin and The Gypsy Dances lifted my sister Gerrie Shearrow and I out of our seats and transported us to Eastern Europe and a dramatic love story. I will certainly have to meet the maestro of the violin, because it was the sweetest and most romantic sound I have ever heard. Gerrie and I decided that a CD of their music would make a delightful Holiday gift for anyone wanting more romance in their life. So, when I came home I check resources and they indeed do offer several Cd's: A show Sampler, Christian Hymns (Complete with a 12 page booklet on Croatian lyrics.), and Rokovet Classics.

The Tamburitzans began in 1937 as a musical group of twelve young men who played the tamburitza, a European stringed instrument (similar to a mandolin). Intrigued by the culture surrounding this traditional instrument, Founder Dr. Pierce negotiated a work scholarship arrangement with Duquesne University, and the Tamburitzans began a spirited tradition heralded as "unique in all the world." Each Tamburitzans performer is concurrently a full-time student at Duquesne University, studying in the academic field of his or her choice. Most Tamburitzans saw their first concert as children, belonged to a children's performing group, took private lessons, had parents who took a keen interest in their artistic progress, and most important, worked hard at perfecting their talents prior to auditioning for a position in the ensemble. Each partipant brings energy to a perfomance that is uniquely full of color and romantic sound.

While on stage I missed some of the performances at the booth. Donna Carlton, the author of "Looking For Little Egypt", informed me I missed invigorating performances by Banat Mara, Carenza's Caravan and Troupe Oasis. These are some of the best Middle-Eastern dancers in the Indiana.

On another stage, the Tropical Winds were performing. The Tropical Winds are an off shoot of the Desert Winds and oriental dance ensemble. The group was started in 1975 and members include Gail, Elizabeth Ann, Shirah, Trellis, Heady, Josephine and Barbara. This talented group of ladies performed a comical peice to Gilligan's Island theme, and we were all surely adrift on a deserted island as we enjoyed Hula nad Polynesian Dance. Troupe Director Elizabeth Ann Braun brings her extensive dance experience and creative flair to both dance troupes. Group played an ipu (gourd drum), pu-ili (bamboo sticks), clave, and Tahitian drums as the danced to Ipo Lei Momi. Elizabeth Ann danced a Tahitian Ote'a dance with the tall headdress, grass skirt, and ii's [the grass pompoms], to the fast drum rhythms. The tropical Winds danced and told the story with our hands to such songs as Little Grass Shack, Lovely Hula Hands, Moonlight Swim, and a series of television theme songs.

Earlier on Sunday, Troupe Jamileh Malika performed on the main stage. Troupe Jamileh Malika was celebrating their fourth anniversary. The troupe was founded by Helena Zaraha to give women of all ages and abilities to perform oriental dance and participate in the 'sisterhood of the drum.". Troupe members Parvaneh Ravan, Safiya bint Davud and Helena Zahara were joined by a new student Carrie Hatcher who was able to fill in at the last moment for our sister Zahfirah who is ill. Troupe Jamileh Malika translated is Dancing Queen. These elegant Ladies performed traditional Lebanese and Fusion Style, complete with an authentic Raks Assaya for the finale. Helena will keep very busy in the process of of collecting stories for an anthology on oriental dance

Back at the the booth, the Indiana State Association of Middle-Eastern Teachers and Dancers there was a host of dancers from all over the state. Members of Black Rose Caravan enticed the large crowd as they performed in their authentic tribal style. Jo who is know as "Dancing Granny" broke her "wings." Jo managed to get help repairing her wings from fellow club Zuriellah. Granny performs with an iridescent set of Isis wings and is one of the most grace members of the club. Jo has been teaching at Ivy Teaching In Anderson this year. Jo describes having been a teacher is her past life. She said she lost a job when it was revealed she participated in Middle-Eastern Dance. She said that she is now teaching to help dispel the myths about oriental dance.

Spider Lady was sad to see the Festival come to a close. Her sister gave her troupe members necklaces from the Turkish booth. There blue eye amulets or "Evil Eye" will protect you from harm. We giggle loudly as we tell each other to "break a leg."

Spider Lady loves the dance... "Dancing is just discovery, discovery, discovery -- what it all means." Martha Graham. If you are planning a dance event please invite the Spy-der.