City of Hampton, International Children's Festival

South Africa

Chairperson: Vanessa D. Thaxton-Ward
                     Curator of Collections
                     Hampton University Museum
                     Hampton, VA 23668
                     757.727.5508 (direct)
                     Email: Vanessa.Thaxton-Ward@Hamptonu.edu
Co-Chairperson: Apryl Reardon
                          917.583.9526
                          Email: aprilreardon@hotmail.com
Organization: Hampton University Museum
Websites: www.hamptonu.edu / museum.hamptonu.edu
Committee: Biggers' Circle Members

Caribbean Islands

Presented by WEST INDIES UNITED
Contact: Pat Smith, 757-496-6006 or Johnny Richardson, 757-496-6006

Proudly sponsored by

www.1stadvantage.org

Carnival

Links:

People's Republic of China

Contact: Ming Truong / Kathryn Peterson Lambert
Organization: Tidewater Chinese School and (OCA) Organization of Chinese Americans
Email: triplam747@verizon.net
Phone: 757-463-0457 or 757-270-6972

Tidewater Chinese School presentation portfolios – tri-folders on history, culture, currency of China, Chinese language, and Chinese Calligraphy.

Tidewater Chinese School Entertainment Description

Chinese Folk Dance Chinese Folk Dance
The traditional Chinese ribbon dance, once performed only for royalty, now has become a traditional dance to perform during festivals ~ celebration of hope, joy and peace. By the way, red is the symbol of happiness.

The fan dance is a popular traditional Chinese dance. It is a graceful and elegant dance that shows off the beauty of the fluttering fans. The fans are skillfully used to portray the illusions of flowers and waves. Chinese Folk Dance

Guzheng-Chinese Zither Traditional Music

The erhu, also called nanhu (literally "southern fiddle"), and sometimes known in the West as the "Chinese violin," is a two-stringed bowed musical instrument, used as a solo instrument as well as in small ensembles or large orchestras.

The zheng is one the most ancient musical instruments in China. The modern zheng is about five feet long and twelve inches wide and has 21 to 26 strings.

Traditionally, the zheng (Zither) was used for court and folk entertainment rather than rituals. In the second half of the twentieth century, the growth of national music and increased interest in writing new compositions for solo instruments established the zheng as a concert solo instrument.

Tidewater Chinese School Newsletter (May 2007)
Tidewater Chinese School Registration Form

Colombia

Colombia Chairperson: Juan Cruz
Contact Number: 757-595-4568
Food: TBA

Egypt

Chairperson: Fr. Shenouda Awad
Co-Chairman: Raouf Selim
Organization: St. George Coptic Orthodox Church
Contact Number: 757-930-1076
Email: rselim@verizon.net
Website: www.stgeorgeva.com

England

Chairpersons: Ruth Harris & Rose Merrel
Contact Number: 757-369-6315 or 757-867-1060
Email: merrellc@widowmaker.com

The Continent of Europe
is proudly sponsored by Busch Gardens
www.buschgardens.com

Did you know: Soccer was first developed in England in the 19th century. In 1904 the Federation International de Football Association, or FIFA was founded. (Soccer is called Football in some other countries.) Chinese, Greek, Mayan, and Egyptian ancient societies show that kicking games were played in those cultures. The best soccer player was Pele. His real name is Edson Arantes Do Nascimento. The Soccer Industry Council of America guessed that more than 13,000,000 boys and girls under 18 years old played soccer by 1994. Regular league play started in England in 1888.

France

France Co-Chairpersons: Bernadette Lynch & Colette Inboden
Contact Number: 757-874-3671

Ghana

Chairman: Naana Kyereboah Biney-Amissah
Contact Number: 804-276-0454
Email: nabina@comcast.net

Stop by and check out our clothing, art, uncooked food items, hear music from Ghana!
You'll also find out your soul names and decorate a bookmark or placemat!

Germany

Germany Chairman: Marianna Livermore
Email: boysharptooth@aol.com
Organization: German School Hampton Roads
Website: www.deutscheschulehamptonroads.org
Contact Number: 757-969-1703
Food: TBD
Entertainment: TBD

The Continent of Europe
is proudly sponsored by

www.buschgardens.com

Greece

Dancers Chairman: Zoe M. Lumpkin
Co-Chairman: Evelyn Vretos
Committee members: Voula Vretakis, Tessie Dakis, Athena Markos, Jackie Anas, Kathy Matthews, Helen Ringas.
Special Thanks to: Maria Summers and Popi Kolyiroti
Organization: Daughters of Penelope
Website: greekfriends.org
Contact Number: 757-595-8472
Email: zlumpkin@hotmail.com
Entertainment: Hellenic Youth Dancers, a Greek Folk Dance Troupe
Greek Activity: Greek Worry Beads, and writing names in the Greek Alphabet

Iceland

Chairman: Ms. Sesselja "Sella" Siggeirsdóttir
Organization: Icelandic American Association of Hampton Roads
President: Ms. Sesselja Siggeirsdóttir
185 Commodore Drive, Norfolk, VA 23503
E-mail: iceamernorf@aol.com
Website: www.icelandicassociationvirginia.org

India

India Join us at the Festival this year!
Organization: Asian Indians of Hampton Roads
Website: Asian Indians of Hampton Roads
Overall Coordination: Dr. Alok Verma; 757-467-1915
Parade Coordinator: Dr. Anupama Keats; 757-486-4396
Cultural Program: Mrs. Rashmi Verma; 757-467-1915
Booth Display: Mrs. Manjari Mohanty; 757-427-0196

Ireland

Chairman: Mike Bromley, President
Co-Chairman: Dermot & Janeann Hudson
thebrom@verizon.net
Organization: Irish American Society of Tidewater
P.O. Box 9614
Virginia Beach, VA 23450
Entertainment: The Rhythm of Ireland School of Irish Dancing
Food: TBA

Proudly sponsored by
www.oldpoint.com

Israel

Israel Chair: Rabbi Eric & Barb Carlson
Organization: Congregation Zion’s Sake
Email: zionsake621@aol.com

Proudly sponsored by

www.kidsvillenews.com

Italy

Chairpersons: Susan Giunti-Yungbluth, Jim DeLucia & Bob Amate
Email: jyungbluth@cox.net or bamantephs@cox.net
Organization: Peninsula Italian American Lodge #2145(PIAL)
Contact Number: 757-872-8849 or 757-851-9453

Proudly sponsored by
www.melanibros.com

Japan

Kids Chairpeople: Veronica Hifume Cecire, Midori Stalnaker, Hatsue Mori, Kate Helwig, Sister Cities of Newport News
Email: vhcecire@yahoo.com
Contact Number: 757-245-2526
Entertainment: TBA

Korea

Korea Korean Coordinator for Festival:
Peninsula Korean American Association
13750 Warwick Blvd
Newport News, VA 23602
(757) 877-2744
Ssang Lee, President
Haechung Goldman, Chairperson

Entertainment:
Peninsula Korean American Cultural Center
Taekwondo & Children’s Sport Dance (Traditional Korean Marshal Art)

Mexico

Mexico Chairman: Juanita Greenwood
Committee Members: Rita Charnick, Celina Anaya, and Syms Middle School
Contact Number: 757-851-8800

Proudly sponsored by Unity For Service National Exchange Club

Morocco

Co-Chairs: Mohamed & Jeanne Abog
Contact Number: 757-887-0502
Email: jgamdier@msn.com

Middle East

Saudi Arabia

Lebanon

Chairman: Janna & Dana Beaufait
Contact Number: 757-871-7594
Email: bellybee@earthlink.net
Website: www.jannasdance.com
Entertainment: Mid-Eastern Dancers
The music and culture of two Middle Eastern countries: Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. Come see the different clothes, traditions and the history of the Middle East

Saudi Arabia:

Lebanon:

Native Americans

Native Americans
Chairman: Baldemar Galvan, Jr.
Phone: 757-343-4384
Email: bagalvan@yahoo.com
Performances by: Red Crooked Sky

Proudly sponsored by

www.paramountbuilders.org

Native American

Nigeria

Nigeria Co-Chairs: Monsurat Layeni & Uche Umejei
Organization: Nigerian Women Association of Hampton Roads Virginia
Contact Number: 757-721-7594
Email: ucheumejei585@yahoo.com
Website: www.nwahrva.org

Proudly sponsored by
www.familyimpactinc.org

Norway

Chairman: Harriet Lindenberg
Committee Members: June Cooper, Edward (Ed) McCarthy
Organization: Sons of Norway
Hampton Roads Lodge 3-522
"Celebrating the Norwegian Heritage"
Contact Number: 757-721-7594
Email: hlindenberg@cox.net
Website: Sons of Norway - Hampton Roads

Stop by our booth and check out - Posters, books, trolls - storytellers, Free Viking for Kids magazine, and assorted crafts!

Interested in coming to our Kids Club – Viking Voyagers? Click Here

Panama

Proudly sponsored by

ABOUT US

The Panamanian Folkloric Group of Hampton Roads is a non-profit organization, conducting cultural programs. Since its creation in 1993, it has become an artistic display of the most authentic folkloric dances of Panama, characterized by the joy, cadence, rhythm and beat.

We have consistently surpassed audience expectations with our display of colorful Panamanian authentic attire, enthusiastic dancers, exciting music, and a contagious atmosphere that stimulates a desire to learn more about Panama, its culture and its people.

We had performed and/or participated in:

Inaugural Parade of Governor Tim Kaine in Colonial Williamsburg
2004 televised Cox Cable Christmas Program of the Christopher Newport University
Local community and national parades such as the International Parade of Virginia Beach, military functions in Fort Eustis, Fort Monroe, among others
Local cultural activities at schools in Norfolk and Porstmouth
Cultural festivals such as The Annual Norfolk Latino Music Festival, Cultural festivals such as The Annual Norfolk Latino Music Festival, 2004 Carnival Jump Up, Virginia International Caribbean Carnival
Multicultural festivals such as 2006 Multicultural Fair at Princess Anne Community Center
Cultural activities for federal agencies and private corporations
Social events as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, among others

The Panamanian Folkloric Group of Hampton Roads

Throughout our performances, we have strengthened the folkloric and cultural presence of Panama, primarily, but not exclusively in the Greater Peninsula and Hampton Roads areas.

HISTORY

The Panamanian Folkloric Group of Hampton Roads, integrated by resident Panamanians in Virginia, began in Newport News, Virginia in September 1993, under the direction of Ms. Audomelia Robinson, a native of the province of Darien in Panama. In the beginning, it was not far from easy. Thanks to her love and passion for the Panamanian folklore, Mrs. Robinson was managed to gather a group integrated by Panamanians, Colombians, Guatemalans and Puerto Ricans and to start the folkloric group with four pairs.

Time has passed and we have gained prestige and recognition. Our experience has allowed us to increase our membership as follows:

President: Audomelia "Aura" Robinson
Vice-president: Nikki Bacilio-High
Treasury: Liz Montgomery
Marketing and Promotion: Edilberto "Fulo" Galván and Nikki Bacilio-High
Event Planning: Argelis Wesley-Spruill
Dance choreography: Nuria McNamara and Edilberto Galván
Administrative Support: Ariadne Myers and Itza McMahon

Performers:

Xiomara Bolton
Jenny Banks
Ricardo Santamaria
James Charity
Tania Davis
Ashley Robinson
Daphne Robinson
Stephanie Varcasia
Ashley Varcasia

MISSION The Panamanian Folkloric Group of Hampton Roads

We spread and promote the Panamanian culture through its folkloric, artistic and musical manifestations.

Besides to spread the Panamanian culture through its regional dances, the group acts the important social role to gather the Panamanians who are far away from their motherland, but are identified with the Panamanian culture.

Through the regional dances of Panama, the group displays some of the most authentic folkloric manifestations of Panama, characterized by the joy, cadence, rhythm and beat of these artistic expressions.

WHERE DO WE REHEARSE?

On weekends, members of the Panamanian Folklore in Hampton Roads gather together to rehearse or just enjoy lunch and conversation.

The organization is open to those of all cultural backgrounds, providing interested parties the opportunity to explore and experience the rich culture of Panama through dance.

Our rehearsals are scheduled on Saturdays at:
Northampton Recreation Center
1435 Todds Lane # A
Hampton, VA 23666
Phone: 757-825-4805

Join us in promoting the rich and cultural traditions Panama has to offer.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

If you have a talent and would like to become part of this wonderful folkloric dance group, we have a place for you! Everyone at the Panamanian Folkloric Group of Hampton Roads -- dancers, coordinators, fundraisers, even the Director -- are volunteers so that every dollar given goes directly into bringing high-quality Panamanian folklore and culture to our local community.

Please contact us at panamaenva@hotmail.com and let us know what you have fun doing -- no talent too big or small!

Peru

Chairman: Myriam Inman and Victoria Osores
Committee: Candy, Crystal, Jessica Inman, and Jorge Razetto
Organization: "My Peru"
Contact Number: 804-210-1239
Email: manate3@yahoo.com or Victoria.Osores@hotmail.com

Proudly sponsored by

www.hamptonarts.net

Philippines

Chairman: Estrella Claudio
Organization: FilAm Center at Old Dominion University
Contact Number: 757-683-3233
Email: eclaudio@odu.edu
Other volunteers: Dr. Araceli Suzara, Estrella Claudio, Joe Solinap,
Jeanne Tolentino, SueAnn Barros, Michelle Beltran, John Beltran and PYC Youth
Theme: Philippine Fiesta
Entertainment: Philippine Native Dances

Philippine ICF

Jeepney "Nowhere else in the World, except for the Philippines, can Jeepneys be found. It is uniquely Filipino in it's approach to the mass transit problem. Nothing symbolizes Filipino ingenuity, innovativeness, adaptability, and grit more than this gutsy, cocky, colorful vehicle."

Rice terraces in the mountains above the town of Banawe. Carved out of the mountains over 2000 years ago, these rice fields are considered the eighth wonder of the ancient world. These fields have recently been prepared for planting. Young seedling rice is grown in a cluster in one section of the field. It is then pulled up and individual plants are placed in the mud at intervals of five to six inches apart.

Join us for a "Pabitin" celebration!

"Pabitin is a square trellis where goodies (candies, fruits, etc.) are hung by strings. This trellis in turn is tied to a rope and is suspended on a strong branch or pole. The children gather under the trellis and they jump as high as they can to try to pick the goodies as the trellis gets lowered to them while someone pulls it up and down repeatedly until the goodies are gone."

We plan to have 4 pabitin sessions. We'll post the schedule outside our tent.

Russia

Russia Chairman: Diane Blischak
Contact Number: 757-624-6394
Email: slavic.american@juno.com

Brazil

Brazil Chairman: Marcondes (Marc) & Ruth Marques
Organization: Channel to Brazil for Christ
Contact Number: 757-244-6852
Website: www.thechannel.org

Stop by our booth and check out the people, language, currency, sunshine, forest, and all the tropical delights of Brazil!