Monday, July 27, 2009

Dragon Boat Festival

This weekend was busy for me, After the farmers market I spent Sunday afternoon at the Dragon Boat Festival at Sloan's Lake.
Dragon boat racing is actually considered a real sport in Asia with totally competitive teams and tournaments and the like. It dates back more than 2000 years and it's creation story involves the death of a chinese poet. Humble beginnings. The two ladies in front are beating out a rhythm on the drum for the paddlers to follow.

But this is also an Asian cultural fest. Here we have a Thai woman bringing the internet to life as she practices an ancient art form. Must be nice having beautiful ladies bring you delicately carved fruit all day... oh to be king of Siam.

The theme this year was Hawaii to celebrate 50 years of statehood as our foreign-country-that-you-don't-need-a-passport-for. With traditional dance and music.
And these awesome traditional costumes. Best thing about "Asian-American" fest? White kids get to play too!
The finale of the evening was the Mudras Dance ensamble, Indian style and music, fabulous bright shimmering costumes, like a Bollywood Movie with out the cumbersome plot. These dancers were truly great, and the only small time dance group I've ever seen where everyone was smiling... really enjoying themselves dancing! The guy on the side of the stage is a Taiko drummer who joined them for the number, cultural exchange and all that...
Then the Taiko group got their spotlight, full of energy and loud! The group is all young, mostly san and yonsei (third and forth generation abroad) Japanese. There's even two girls! EIYA!
It rained and was windy, but a good time nonetheless. Still haven't tried a Boba tea though...

1 comment:

Pho Leng Lion Dance said...

Interesting photos and blogging!