Indy Int'l Festival Turns 31!

The Indy Int'l Festival runs through Sunday. Don't miss this exceptional chance for global treats, exciting entertainment, a unique education opportunity., and a chance to be a star on the next pod cast!.

As a member of Indiana State Association of Middle-Eastern Teachers and Dancers, I would not miss this opportunity to share that the President of our organization Gerrie, and myself were just interviewed for a web cast on TV Webcity. As I write, I am anticipating a webcast on www.tvwebcity.tv. Spider Lady and her friends have a terrific web that has this event a hugh success for 31 years. ISAMETD is the proud winner of the more awards than any other booth at the Festival! Our special thanks go out to Pat Hubley and Ahmet Feritfer for making this such a exceptional educational opportunity for Indianapolis students.

The Int'l Festival offers a very unique educational window unlike any other venue in Indiana. Students are bused from schools all over the city. When they arrive, they are presented with their own PASSPORT. As they visit each booth, they collect information about each country, including the cultural interests, the capital, currency and exchange rate. The students participate in cultural activities and collect stamps on their passports. This is an extra credit assignment, and schools offer a prizes for the student that collects the most information. It is the short equalivant to a trip abroad.

The main stage is full of spiritual and worldy excitement. It is the Who's Who of Indianapolis, with Chuck Workman as the announcer. I was indeed lucky enough today to have a front seat when Judy Hanna and her dance ensemble graced the main stage at today's event.. Judy is of Lebanese and Syrian heritage, and when I have the rare opportunity to watch her dance, I feel like I have gone home. My Grandmother was from Biblos, Lebanon and I truly can't help that the music is running thru my veins. I relived a time when I went see my mother Zbeide dance with The Flames of Araby, and George Abdo at the Averoff in Porter Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts in the 1970's. The owner Raymond approached me after he observed my foot fiercely tapping; he would accurately predict that I would take up the family inheritance of the dance. I laughed loudly as I thought: "I am student at Notre Dame Girl's College, Manchester New Hampshire and, he is making polite conversation." . Little did I know, that we cannot escape the seasoning of our cultural experiences or inheritances.

I grew up viewing famous dancers like Amir, Za-Beth and Athena perform weekly, I listened to musicians like Fred Elias and Mike and Buddy Sarkissian. I really thought I was humoring, an supporting my mother who took up oriental dancing when she was in her 40's. ("Humor Mom , she is going thru the change."....LOL) What I eluded me then was: You cannot escape the cultural experience that shapes who you will become.

Today, I was to re-experience Fulan Dafa. I was first introduced to the traditional practice to improve mind and body through my l dance f friend Janet Casey-Allen who will be performing with her students from Panda Academy on Sunday. Janet has taught Chinese dance for more years than I can remember. He daughter Hope has been a participant in the Dragon dance from the time she has been old enough to walk. (I giggle when I remember teaching Hope's friends the Chicken Dance at her seventh birthday party. ) Hope was blessed to have attended the Indianapolis Hebrew Academy and has been schooled in more languages than other Hoosier's will ever have the opportunity to experience.. She has two parents who graduated CTS and with her unique cultural experience is destined to be a world diplomat do to her education Chinese and Hebrew language and Dragon Dancing.

The Int'l Festival is supported by AAA and the Nationalities Council of Indiana, Inc. It is the largest pan-ethnic organization in Indiana. It is comprised of more that 50 internationality organizations and participates with dozens of other cultural events. Indy's International Festival celebrates it's 31st anniversary. Each year the festival introduces thousands of school children and adults to the wonders on culinary, historical and cultural diversity.

Come join the NCI and experience The Earth Balloon. Students are allotted 5 minute inside the giant Earth sphere that is supported as an IUPUI event. Students were more than will to stand in line and experience being apart from the world while being inside the globe.

Aniyah Birdsong from Calvary Academy was a first time event participant. at the festival. There was no surprise to see the delight and excitement in her eyes as she learned the art of oriental dance from Spider Lady. She asks me to encourage others to attend this weeks event , and participate in viewing the Russian Ballet Company. I hope that every one has a lest one chance in a lifetime to view Flamenco Triana!

Well, I just check and the Spider Lady is alive and well. The post cast is online, and Helena Zahara is is dancing with her sister's of the drum, which include her special friend Saba who is in her 8th decade! My friend Saba was join by Grace who was very excited to dance in her Jasmine costume and looks forward to more dance lessons in he future.

Check out the list of entertainment and find out when the Spy-der Lady will strike next!