April 16, 2003

APAHA Presents "Bian Dan"

The Asian/Pacific American Heritage Association presents the dance performance "Bian Dan" to celebrate Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in May.

"Bian Dan" combines modern and traditional dance to give poetic voice to the journeys of Asians becoming Americans. The performance explores and celebrates the dramatic and dynamic interweaving of generations and cultures. "Bian dan" is the Chinese word for the bamboo shoulder poles used throughout Asia to carry heavy loads. In this dance, the poles represent the cultural burdens immigrants sometimes place on their children. The goal of the work is to bring to light, through the experiences of Asian immigrants, the issues of identity as experienced by new American families.

Two performances are scheduled May 10 at Zilkha Hall at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby. Tickets for the 1 p.m. performance are $25, $15 for students and seniors 65 and older. Tickets for the 8:30 p.m. performance are $35, with a special VIP ticket for $150 that includes a pre-show dinner at the new Downtown Aquarium Restaurant and theater parking. Tickets may be purchased at the Hobby Center Box Office or through APAHA by calling 832-606-1812.

"Bian Dan" will be performed by H.T. Chen and Dancers of New York. This innovative modern dance company performs a diverse repertoire of works that are a dynamic fusion of the spirited energy of American modern dance and the poise of traditon and comtemporary Asian aesthetics. This company has received critical acclaim for its national and international touring, extended residencies in communities throughout the United States, annual New York seasons and award-winning educational programming. H.T. Chen & Dancers received the 2002 New York State Governor's Art Award for outstanding arts achievement and contribution to communities throughout the state.

In an effort to engage the local community, "Bian Dan" was created by H.T. Chen in partnership with Arizona State University and the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago. In addition to the eight company dancers, additional performers have been chosen from the Houston area. Ranging in age from 6 to 60+ years, each will play an important role in the dance reflecting the unique vitality of our community.

H.T. Chen and Dancers will conduct master classes for local dance students and will perform a shorter dance entitled "Bamboo Oracle" for school children. Two performances of "Bamboo Oracle" will be held at Hobby Center at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Friday, May 9. A performance may be scheduled at an individual school if two hundred or more students will attend. The cost for all performances is $4 per student, teachers or adult chaperones are free. A study guide will be furnished to teachers. For more information, please call 832-723-4508.

This project is funded in part by a Community Building Grant from United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast.

The Asian American Heritage Association was formed in 1992 to promote awareness and increase understanding of the Asian American culture and its diversity through education and celebration, focusing on May, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and continuing throughout the year. In 1998, the official name of the organization changed to the Asian/Pacific American Heritage Association (APAHA).

APAHA strives to be inclusive of all Asian Pacific Island groups in the greater Houston area. It provides leadership in planning, coordinating, and publicizing activities and events celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Promoting cross-cultural awareness, education and appreciation between and among Asian/Pacific Islander groups and other racial/ethnic groups are major objectives of APAHA

Posted by suedavis at April 16, 2003 10:03 PM