Pitt-Bradford cultural festival to feature Middle Eastern Dance

BRADFORD, PA – The renowned Mosaic Dance Theater Dance Company from New York City will headline the annual One World Cultural Festival on Feb. 28 at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford in the Frame Westerberg Commons.

The company develops and presents original dance, theater, and educational programs celebrating the rich diversity of cultures and folkloric traditions of the Mediterranean, including the Middle East, North Africa and Spain. The groups’ performance is in keeping with the festival’s theme this year of “Arabian Nights.”

The annual festival, which is open to the public, will be celebrating many different cultures beginning at 6:30 p.m. with organizations showcasing various cultures, food and traditions through international booths and displays throughout the first floor of the Commons.

At interactive booths, attendees can make their own sushi, weave a basket, learn origami, sample Asian rice, try their hand at calligraphy, write their names in Japanese, and make a craft at the Republic of Benin booth. Other displays will share information about a health clinic in Cameroon, the history of Jews living in China, Japanese anime, a weaving guild, the history of the ceremonial peace pipe, and international business and diversity.

International food sampling stations will be located in the KOA Dining Room and throughout the first floor of the Commons. The food selections will reflect the cultures of the Mediterranean, India, the Middle East, Western Africa and Asia. This year all international cuisine will be provided solely by Pitt-Bradford clubs and organizations.

Although in the past, the buffet has been a potluck meal, those attending are asked not to bring food, but to consider a donation.

At 8 p.m., the event moves to the Mukaiyama University Room where four student groups will perform. The Diamond Steppers, a popular university dance group, will perform a number using the traditions of step dancing, which involves rhythms made by using their hands and feet.

Also appearing will be a student group from instructor Jennifer Chen’s Chinese Culture class who perform the popular Tai Chi fan dance.  Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese discipline involving a continuous series of controlled, usually slow, movements designed to improve physical and mental well-being.

Students in Brenda Brandon’s clogging class will demonstrate traditional clog dancing. The American form of clogging began in the Appalachian Mountains and now enjoys widespread popularity throughout the United States and around the world.

Rounding out the university performances will be Basic Pitches, Pitt-Bradford’s newly formed a cappella group.  The group will be making its first Cultural Festival appearance singing “One Day,” an international anthem by Jewish reggae singer Matisyahu for peace and non-violence.

Finally the Mosaic Dance Theater Company will take the stage. The group is known for its artistry and authenticity, not only in creating the original works that comprise its repertoire, but also in faithfully researching their origins to ensure cultural integrity.

In a world engulfed by popular culture, the company embraces the historical treasures of the past, the ways of tradition, and the sensibilities of the present in its goal to celebrate the remarkable varieties and similarities of the Mediterranean cultures. The company tours nationally to performing arts venues, schools and universities, and is on the roster of arts-in-education artists for Lincoln Center’s Meet the Artist series.

As in years past, flags of many nations will be flying in the Commons Café. These flags represent the nations that students call home. For disability-related needs, please contact the Office of Disability Resources and Services at 814-362-7609 or clh71@pitt.edu.