Color of Arts
DanceFest 2016: Celebrating Cultures and Voices
DanceFest 2016 celebrated the many cultures and voices of Long Beach at the historic Scottish Rite Event Center . The showcase of talent at Homeland Cultural Center at MacArthur Park featured a wide range of performers; from breakdancing to Aztec dance. Homeland Cultural Center offers free classes and drop-in programs in traditional and urban contemporary dance, music and urban art.
Traditional Cultures at DanceFest 2016
Traditional cultures are an important part of Homeland’s mission and DanceFest 2016 did not disappoint in showcasing them. The West Afrikan Drum and Dance Ensemble kicked off DanceFest 2016 with their always rhythmic and exciting performance. The Drum and Dance Ensemble is organized by Long Beach’s Afrikan Cultural Center. The Center fosters the study, practice, preservation and increased appreciation of West African culture and folklore.
The Hmong Association of Long Beach also spotlighted their rich traditions at DanceFest 2016. The Association works to preserve the traditional culture of a group also known as the Miao, from the mountains of Laos and Thailand.
Ancient Khmer Martial Arts were on display with kicks, noises and smooth moves. Under master teacher Chet Savoeun, his class at Homeland teaches the ancient art of Bokator. The martial art combines rigorous physical discipline and spiritual practice.
The World is at DanceFest 2016
Bright Colors and graceful moves were also showcased by the Kutturan Chamoru Performers of Guam. The group represents the indigenous Pacific Islanders of the Northern Mariana Islands in Micronesia to include: Guam, Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
Talking about bright colors, the Xipetotec Aztec Dance performers added great bird feathers and sounds to their DanceFest 2016 showcase. In an explanation of Aztec Dance, a writer wrote that, “Aztec Dance was concentration in motion. One can almost look at this as a way of meditation with movement. The dancer’s concentration on the movement and steps could channel the offering to the god as well as focusing on their goals of prayer. Ritual dance was known as Macehualiztli, which translates to “deserving.” The dance represents the eternal search of man for cosmic harmony and integration of body and spirit. It was considered a form of prayer, but also a complete way of life and communication with what was most important to these people, their gods.”
Contemporary at DanceFest 2016
Contemporary dance and music are also key programs at Homeland Cultural Center and DanceFest 2016 would not be complete without them. Breakdancing and Popping and Locking were on full display with performances by Homeland Funkstylers and the Homeland Street Dance Crew. Punk Music was not to be left out. It was represented with performances by the Homeland Sound Army.
Voices are always an important part of the showcase and DanceFest 2016 was not different. Don Sevilla combined spoken word with breakdancing in his performance. Local artist/activist Jumakae spoke to truth with her strong words and Mark Cedillo left no doubt how he felt about anti-immigrant rhetoric with his powerful piece, Pilgrim. Spoken word artist Felicia Cade moved the audience into a call and response with her poem extolling We are the Change.
The Home of DanceFest 2016
Founded in 1989 by artist/activit Dixie Swift, Homeland Cultural Center is a facility of the City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine’s Community Recreation Bureau. Homeland received the 2008 Dorothy Mullen Award from the National Recreation and Parks Association. They also were honored with a 2012 Award of Excellence from the California Parks and Recreation Society.
Manazar Gamboa Theater
Homeland Cultural Center proudly hosts the 70-seat Manazar Gamboa Community Theater. Gamboa was the Artistic Director of Homeland in the early years. He died in 2001. He was a poet who wrote about the Chicano Experience and shared his knowledge with the community at Homeland. Today, the theater is a venue for writing and theater workshops, open mic nights, art exhibits, and theatrical productions.
You can find out more about Homeland Cultural Center by calling 562-570-1655.
