Choose a Country
South Africa
Chairperson: Soraia Washington
Email: msrai07@yahoo.com
Organization: Hampton University Museum
Caribbean Islands
Presented by WEST INDIES UNITED
Contact: Charmaine Clark, 757-652-7032 or Johnny Richardson, 757-496-6006
Information on Caribbean Islands: MSN Encarta
People's Republic of China
Contact: Ming Truong
Organization: Tidewater Chinese School
Information on China: MSN Encarta
Tidewater Chinese School Entertainment Description
 | 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. |
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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.
Colombia
Chairperson: Juan Cruz
Contact Number: 757-595-4568
Information about Colombia: MSN Encarta
Food: TBA
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England
Chairpersons: Ruth Harris & Rose Merrel
Contact Number: 757-369-6315 or 757-867-1060
Email: merrellc@widowmaker.com
| Proudly sponsored by |  |
Information about England: MSN Encarta
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
Co-Chairpersons: Bernadette Lynch & Colette Inboden
Contact Number: 757-874-3671
Information about France: MSN Encarta
Food: TBA
Germany
Chairman: Inge Fischer-White
Organization: German Music Imports, Inc. Yorktown, VA, 757-591-5100
Contact Number: 757-898-6334 and 757-591-5100
Food: Bratwurst & Sweets (other foods to be determined)
Information about Germany: MSN Encarta
Entertainment: TBD
Greece
Chairman: Zoe M. Lumpkin
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
India
Join us at the Festival this year!
Organization: Asian Indians of Hampton Roads (AIHR)
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
Information about India: MSN Encarta
Ireland
Chairman: Leigh Anne Golub
Organization: Busch Gardens
Food: TBA
| The Continent of Europe is proudly sponsored by |  |
Information about Ireland: MSN Encarta
Entertainment: The Rhythm of Ireland School of Irish Dancing directed by Debbie Souza-Bristol
Israel
Chair: Rabbi Eric & Barb Carlson
Organization: Congregation Zion’s Sake
Information about Israel: Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia
Learn the Hebrew Alphabet
Italy
Chairpersons: Susan Giunti-Yungbluth, Jim DeLucia
Email: jyungbluth@cox.net
Organization: Peninsula Italian American Lodge #2145(PIAL)
Contact Number: 757-872-8849 or 757-817-3012
Information about Italy: MSN Encarta
Japan
Chairpeople: Midori Stalnaker, Hatsue Mori, Kate Helwig, Sister Cities of Newport News
Email: mstalnaker@cvi.canon.com
Contact Number: 757-881-6727
Information on Japan: MSN Encarta
Entertainment: TBA
Korea
Korean Coordinator for Festival:
Peninsula Korean American Association
Haechung Goldman, Chairperson
John J.M. Woo, Co-chairperson
Entertainment:
Peninsula Korean American Cultural Center
Taekwondo & Children’s Sport Dance (Traditional Korean Marshal Art)
Mexico
Chairman: Juanita Greenwood
Committee Members: Rita Charnick, Celina Anaya, and Syms Middle School
Contact Number: 757-851-8800
Food: Nachos
| Proudly sponsored by |  |
Saudi Arabia |
Lebanon |
Egypt |
Chairman: Janna Beaufait
Contact Number: 804-642-0115
Entertainment: Mid-Eastern Dancers
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
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.
HISTORYThe 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
- Xiomara Bolton
- Jenny Banks
- Ricardo Santamaria
- James Charity
- Tania Davis
- Ashley Robinson
- Daphne Robinson
- Stephanie Varcasia
- Ashley Varcasia
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 OPPORTUNITIESIf 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!
Thank you for taking this time to get to know a little about our folkloric dance group.
Information about Panama: MSN Encarta
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
Food: Pansit, Chicken Adobo, pork barbecue on a stick, fried rice and desserts.
Information on Philippines: MSN Encarta
Entertainment: Philippine Native Dances
"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.
Chairman: Diane Blischak
Brazil
Chairman: Marcondes (Marc) & Ruth Marques
Organization: Channel to Brazil for Christ
Contact Number: 757-244-6852
Website: www.thechannel.org
| Proudly sponsored by Family Impact, Inc. |
 |
Scotland
Chairperson: Kat Gilland
Contact Number: 757-851-4432
Information about Scotland: MSN Encarta
Food: TBA
Taiwan Republic of China
Contact: Ming Truong
Organization: Tidewater Chinese School
Information on China: MSN Encarta
Tidewater Chinese School Entertainment Description
| 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. |
|
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.
Thailand
Organization:
Thai American Association of Hampton Roads
Rudee Jacobs, President
Benjamard Best
Oot Singhaseni
Information on Thailand: MSN Encarta
Turkey
Chairman: Bihin Perisie & Dee King
Contact Number: 757-229-7854
Email: jamesperisie@cox.net
duyguking@yahoo.com
Information on Turkey: MSN Encarta
USA
Chairman: Cheryl A. Shelton
Co Chairman: Marlene Adams
Organization: Hampton Public Libraries
Contact number: 757-825-4558 / 757-727-1149
Email: nhstaff@hampton.gov or cherylann72642@cox.net
| Proudly sponsored by |  |
The Hampton Public Library is proud to be representing the USA at the International Children's Festival. There will be books about the USA for children to explore, a craft to make and take with you and lots of wonderful information on activities at the library all year long. Thanks to the festival a child's eyes will be opened up to all of the wonders of the world and to the library where all of these wonders can be explored.
Information about USA: MSN Encarta
Entertainment: TBA
Spain
Chairman: Tricia Marcarian
Contact number: 757-728-8978
| Proudly sponsored by |  |
Information about Spain: MSN Encarta
Entertainment: TBA