Dancing | Julie Moree's News Watch

September 18, 2017

81st Annual Danish Days In Solvang

The pot belly pig was back in the parade this year as it celebrated 25 years as a company.

And Herbie made an appearance down Mission Drive.

As well as the horse drawn carriage that takes people around the city daily for a small fee.

This year’s Danish Maid, Gabrielle Heron holds tradition as her mother, sister and cousin were all previous Danish maids and her gown was especially designed after her mother’s.

Vikings were in the house as always with their ship rolling down main street.

And this year’s grand marshal was one of the original founders of Solvang Petti Pfau.

There was even more to see in the Artisian Marketplace from 10-4.

Iron knitting to create beautiful jewelry.

And handpainted fans and bookshelf were also sold at the maketplace.

And heading the parade celebrating, “How Sweet it is.”, the color guard carried both the California Flag and the Danish one down Mission Drive.

In the Viking Encampment visitors could see just how the Vikings lived.

And children got to see the weapons that they used as well.

July 24, 2017

Festival of Love in No Ho

On July 23, 2014, the residents came out to Valley Plaza Park for a day of cultural dancing at the Vardavar Festival. For just five dollars, one could go into the area and sit in the shade while enjoying various groups dancing various styles from traditional Armenian to more contemporary forms.

There were also food trucks, jumpers for the children and of course the event ended with a water balloon fight meant to cleanse the soul.

All the proceedings collected went to the Armenian Genocide foundation.

June 25, 2017June 25, 2017

Cultural dancing in SFV

Calligraphy was on display for the community to learn how to read Japanese.

And the historical society had images from the decades.

The iconic bonsai tree was in one of the building to purchase and take home.

Communal dancing was the highlight of the two day festival.

Of course Sushi was the popular food of choice for many.

Kids were entertained with being able to decorate their own mask in the arts and crafts area.

All were encouraged to participate whether one knew the steps or not.

A drum circle kept time as dancers circled the hard top floor.

Of couse cultural dancers dressed the part as they danced with all.

Various collections of Japanese Dolls enticed people to marvel at in the air conditioning.

Even a hello kitty was dressed for the occasion.

And those that wished could simply sit and reflect on those long past.

There was a little gambling as residents predicted the outcome of a ball toss.

Whatever color the ball landed on won all the coins.

Inside residents could do a little more betting with a friendly game of bingo for a dollar a card.

Or they could do a little more shopping at the Flea market inside.

February 13, 2017

21s Annual Pow Wow in Lawndale

Participants dressed in authentic Native American Garb, took the center stage of the high school auditorium to participate in communal dancing.

As the drum circle kept the beat off stage right of the gymansium.

Outside there were various handmade jewelry being sold to the crowds.

Moccasins hung up on display for all to see and purchace.

And the dreamcatchers were a popular keepsake to take home.

Blankets and sarapes adorned tables for just a mere 20 dollars.

And hand made earring for only five dollars were eye catchers.

September 23, 2016

80 Years of Danish Days in Solvang, Calif.

As previously reported, this year marks its 80th year and the little Danish town of Solvang, located just north of Santa Barbara, California is still coming together as a community to celebrate their annual Danish Days over the three day weekend on the third weekend in September from the 18th to the 20th.

The Healing Hearts Sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates animals so that they can live normal lives.

This little goat who has trouble moving his back legs was brought out for people to see and pet in the Hans Christian Anderson Park.

The color guard carried both the American and Danish flag in the Danish Days parade.

This year’s Danish Maid is Natalya Nielsen, of Nielson Market who grew up in the Solvang community and who’s family has been involved in Danish Days since 1911.

Bands including the Nordoff High School Marching Band marched in the parade that celebrates danish heritage in the town.

The culture of the Vikings alao play a key role in the Danish Days parade as this boat made its way down the street.

And the neighborhood actor Randel McGee as Hans Christian Anderson rode in his car for all to see.

Folk dancers entertained crowds both in the parade and in the villiage with Danish Dancing.

Motorcycles trailed behind wearing viking attire for all to see.

And lego was a proud sponsor this year as they celebrated generations of fun and allowed kids to put together lego projects.

The Carlsberg Pilsner band of veterans performed both in the parade and in the villiage.

The Old World Artisans was a place where different trades including jewelry and more could showcase what Solvang shops do best.

In addition wood work was on display as visitors could watch them at work.

This turtle was crafted out of a tree trunk on that very day.

There was live entertainment including Danish dancers, a youth band and a bit of rock and roll to conclude the evening.

Saturday’s festivities concluded with a music concert by a local band called Echoswitch on the Midgaard Pavilion Stage.

Danish concert from Julie White on Vimeo.

June 28, 2016June 28, 2016

Obon Festival In The San Fernando Valley

On the last weekend in June, the Obon festival took place at the Japanese American Center in Pacoima, California. It was a night of authentic style food, dancing and more as thousands came out to pay their respects to past generations and to get in touch with their Japanese roots.

The Japanese American Community Center hosted a 2-day event for the community to come out and experience authentic Japanese food, dancing and games on the last weekend in June.

The main purpose of the Obon Festival was to bring the community together for a time of reflection and gratitude to past generations.

Residents could view various bonzai trees on display at the festival.

Seasoned dancers invited the community to join in a night of communal dancing.

Young and mature dancers gathered together in rhythm

Taiko drummers kept the beat for the night’s festivities.

There were also games where people could try their look in winning a prize.

And handcrafted dolls entranced crowds as they marveled at the detail and authenticity of the collections.

Even select proverbs as the “see no evil” collection, showed a diversity in the doll collection.

Children were able to create their own Japanese themed bookmarks in the kid’s area.

And Senior crafts were on display in the hall for reasonable prices of only a few dollars.

And Bingo was the highlight of the senior craft area as the community came out to try their luck for just one dollar per card.

Homemade donuts by a local foursquare church enticed people to try for only 2 dollars a bag.

And of course people could partake of Japanese style Udon in the kitchen.

March 23, 2014March 23, 2014

5th Annual Native American Festival in Long Beach

On Saturday March 15, 2014 from 1 to 6, Long Beach residents experienced everything Native American at Shoreline Village in a Free Festival. With music, storytelling and arts and crafts, people were able to learn a little about the Native culture.

Watch below to see the beautiful dances that were being displayed just off the coast of the port of Long Beach.

Tag: Dancing

81st Annual Danish Days In Solvang

Festival of Love in No Ho

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Cultural dancing in SFV

21s Annual Pow Wow in Lawndale

80 Years of Danish Days in Solvang, Calif.

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Obon Festival In The San Fernando Valley

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5th Annual Native American Festival in Long Beach

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