Cavaliers Scream Team

Web: nba.com/dance/scream_team.html

The Cleveland Oktoberfest has endeavored to celebrate all cultures and their traditions in music, dress, and dance. We have reached out to ethnic performers from India, Japan, Israel, Mexico, Brazil, Scotland, Ireland, Africa, Hungary, Slovakia, Russia, Germany, Poland, China, France, Spain, and beyond. We sometimes forget, however, that though relatively young, the USA has developed its own art forms: jazz, blues, Rock 'N Roll, and yes, breakdancing! If you ever tried to impress your friends by doing "the worm" or "the wave" in gym class, have we got a treat for you!

The Cavaliers Scream Team consists of 15 apparently well-caffeinated dancers with an unfailing ability to wow Cavs fans with intricate dance moves, gravity-defying tumbling, and mind blowing break-dance stunts. If you tend to settle romantic disputes and turf battles by challenging rivals to a "break-off," word of advice... don't mess with King Headspin; he can twirl on his noggin like a ball on Lebron's index finger. You will lose your woman. You will lose your turf. And we will all be witnesses. Led by coordinator Jami Taylor, the Scream Team is relentless in their quest to entertain, and trust us, they'll have you moonwalking back for more! Want a peek of the fun you're in for? Catch the video below, but don't forget to pass the funk to your friends:

  S.t.V. bavaria

Web: stvbavaria.org

For more than 70 years, audiences all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe, have turned out to watch the colorful "Dirndls" twirl into the arms of Lederhosen-clad "slap dancers" as S.T.V. Bavaria performs.

Schuhplattling in Cleveland dates back to the early 20's when four couples joined the German-Austrian singing society "Blau Donau." This group of Alpine dancers, singers, and musicians would later form the Schuhplattler und Bauerngruppe Blaue Donau.

In January of 1966, various Schuhplattler groups from the U.S. and Canada united to form the Gauverband Nordamerika, which also holds a bi-annual convention and dance competitions. On October 21, 1966, members of the Schuhplattler und Bauerngruppe Blaue Donau voted to become independent of their parent singing society and remain in the Gau. Thus, the Schuhplattler und Trachtenverein "Bavaria" as it is known today, was formed.

In May, 1972, about 1,200 dancers and guests came to Cleveland to dedicate the club's flag at St. John's Cathedral. During that same year, Steve Bencic started the Oktoberfest where "Bavaria" continues to entertain hundreds of thousands every Labor Day weekend.

In 1973 STV dancers placed first in the Gaufest in Washington, DC, and have since brought back to Cleveland 7 gold medals and various other honors.

Bavaria consists of a children's group and a teen through adult group, each performing dances from the Tyrol region in Europe, wearing authentic costumes or "tracht."

  Author Laura Taxel

Web: clevelandethniceats.wordpress.com/

Author Laura Taxel will be signing her new book, "Cleveland Ethnic Eats", in our International Pavilion SATURDAY ONLY, from 2-4pm. Featured in her book are several Cleveland area restaurants that also anually set up shop at the Oktoberfest, including: Seven Roses, Der Braumeister, Michael's Bakery, and Chef's Choice Meats. Oktoberfest has long prided itself on being an ideal grazing spot for foodies with descriminating tastes; fitting is it then that we have Laura Taxel on hand to point us towards some little known, but greatly rewarding local grub.

About Laura Taxel
Laura Taxel has been writing about food and the people who prepare it for 25 years. Her articles appear in local, regional, and national publications.

She has won numerous Excellence In Journalism awards from The Press Club of Cleveland and the competition sponsored by the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists. In 2004, 2006, and 2008 her work was chosen for Best Food Writing, a national anthology published annually. Taxel is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals and the Cleveland chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier International. She still finds it hard to believe she earns a living as a professional eater.


About "Cleveland Ethnic Eats"
The 8th edition of this popular dining guide introduces a world of exotic cuisines-right here in our own backyard! These 356 authentic ethnic restaurants and markets (from more than 60 different countries and cultures) are recommended by the experts: Cleveland's ethnic citizens themselves. Laura Taxel found out where they go for an authentic meal; her book shares those delicious discoveries. Detailed listings tell what you'll find when you go, from menu items and specialties to prices, hours, ambiance, attire, and parking. The 8th edition's listings have all been updated, including 58 new listings.

WEB LINK
Read a free sample chapter from "Cleveland Ethnic Eats"!

http://www.grayco.com/cleveland/books/10539/sampleChapter.html

PHOTO CREDIT for author photo
Photo (c) Barney Taxel

  Icho Daiko taiko drum ensemble

Web: ichodaiko.com

Icho Daiko was founded in September 2003 by Dr. and Mrs. Roy and Aiko Ebihara of Oberlin, Ohio. The group was named after the ginkgo trees that line Oberlin's Main Street. Its mission is to strengthen Asian American communities by instilling pride and cultural awareness, and to build bridges between Asian Americans and other groups through the dynamic cultural expression of taiko.

Icho Daiko is currently comprised of 10 members of the Cleveland, Akron, and Oberlin communities. The group builds its own drums, including shime, chudaiko and okedo drums.

Icho Daiko has performed for many cultural and social events since its inception. Performances have included (but are not limited to) a half time show for the Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball team (Asian American Celebration day), Asian Festival 2005 and 2006 in Columbus, International Festival at the Allen Theatre, 2005 annual meeting of the Central Ohio Japanese Association Commerce [COJAC], 2005 Taiko conference [Taiko 10] in Los Angeles, CA., the International Folk Festival at Lakeland Community College and CultureFest at Lake Ridge Academy.

We encourage everyone who wants to learn about taiko and its history to visit our rehearsals, take classes, and participate in Icho Daiko activities. More information can be found at our website www.ichodaiko.com

  St. Nicholas russian dancers

Oktoberfest is excited to announce that the St. Nicholas Russian Youth Dancers will again be returning to perform at this year's Oktoberfest. Dressed in full costume, a procession of dancers and flagbearers enters the hall, some holding forth offeratory loaves of bread. Once onstage, they perform original and variation folk dances from Russian, Ukranian, Gypsy, Gregorian and Carpathian cultures. Their repertoire includes ballroom dances from the tsarist era, peasant folk dances and dances born amidst the Russian population in the U.S.

Carrying on the long standing tradition of folk dancing in St. NIcholas Orthodox church, the youth dancers were organized in 1985. The troupe consists of 35 children, teens and young adults who perform at international, parochial and civic events.

A dance teacher for many years in the Akron and Pittsburgh areas, Director Rosemary Pyrch Simpson organized and has directed the ensemble since 1985.

alphornist laura nelson

Joining the marching band was pretty much out of the question when Laura Nelson made the fateful decision to study alphorn--and are we lucky she did! More than just a prop in Ricolah commercials, the alphorn is a beautiful instrument with a rich and fascinating cultural history.

A graduate of Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music, Laura Nelson studied Horn with AL Schmitter. She also studied Alphorn at the Schweizeralphornschule in Switzerland. Her teachers have included Fritz Frautschi and William Hopson. Constructed of spruce wrapped with rattan, the alphorn is 11' 7" in length--its bell painted with alpine flowers and the Swiss Cross. Prepare to be blown away!

  St. Haralambos Hellenic DanERS

Web: sthhd.com

The St. Haralambos Hellenic Dancers are brought together by a common love of Greek folk dance and welcome you to experience the spirit of Greece through traditional and modern dance. Each perfomer brings their own artistic style into every step while the troupe strives to maintain the authenticity and spirit of Greek folk dance in its original social, traditional and historical context. The result is a stirring presentation highlighting the tradition of Greek dance in a uniquely choreographed, entertaining fashion and to make them accessible to a wider audience.

  burke school of irish dance

Web: burkeirishdance.com

• Featuring Two Time World Champion, Garrett Coleman
  

  YIN TANG dance COMPANY

Web: yintangdance.com

The Yin Tang Dance Company is comprised of students of the CCCCA Chinese School in Solon, OH. Yin Tang has been performing all over Northeast Ohio with her students since 1990.

Roughly once each summer, Miss Tang visits China and often brings back new dances for her students who perform most frequently around the Chinese New Year. Most all of the Yin Tang dancers live in the greater Cleveland area and hold Chinese ancestry.

Factoid: The Chinese character above the girl in the picture is really two characters, each meaning "Happiness." Taken together double happiness translates to "Joy," a characteristic which infuses the performances of The Yin Tang Dance Company.

Dances Include:

Tibetan Dance: "Kan Ding Love Song"

This fast-paced dance is brought to you from the beautiful Tibetan culture. The song: Kan Ding Love Song rejoices for youth and abundance.

Xin Jiang Dance: "The Ripe Grapes"

From the North comes a soulful Xin Jiang song. A woman patiently awaits for her lover who has gone away to war. He promises to return when the grapes on their grapevine are ripe.

Peacock Dance: "Bamboo Rainforest"

A dance from Thailand, water is worshipped as the source for all life. The Peacock is regarded as a god and admired for its beauty.

Mongolian Dance: "Children of the Mongol Plains"

From the Mongolian Plains comes a bevy of girls on horseback. Join them as they frolic about tending to their daily activities.

Handkerchief Dance: "Visitor From Afar, Would You Please Stay?"

The Music is from the Yi Nationality, where it is customary to make guests as comfortable as possible. The Yin Tang interpretation combines it with traditional Han spinning handkerchiefs.

Fan Dance: "Spring Flowers by a Moonlit Creek"

A song well known throughout Chinese Culture.

  TROPICAL CLEVELAND

Web: tropicalcleveland.com

Tropical Rhythms is a production/promotion company based in Cleveland Ohio, operated by Gilberto Alvarez and Adriana Matos. The Television show is directed and edited by Allen Colon and Jason Shorter. This quartet produces events and television programming focused on Latin entertainment throughout the city.

Tropical Rhythms strives to introduce the excitement, diversity and other electric aspects of Latin American culture to North Eastern Ohio

They pride themselves, not only on catering to Latino audiences, but to the whole rainbow of cultures and nationalities found in this region. Tropical Rhythms’ events are for people from all over the world to come together and celebrate their common love for dance and rhythms.

They produce the following weekly parties:View Nightclub (Friday Nights), Sunset Lounge (Saturday Nights) and the yearly Brazilian Carnaval Celebration and Beach Party

The Tropical Rhythms Music video show airs 7 hours a week on Time Warner Cable in the greater Cleveland area.

The Black Bear Pipe Band

  DANCE ISRAELI

Web: angelfire.com/oh2/danceisraeli/

Dance Israeli! was established in 2006, by Stuart Meyer, to capture and bring the excitement and flavor of Israeli dance to live audiences in the Northeast Ohio community. Delivering a fresh folk-based approach to performance, this professional group delivers Israeli culture with every step.

Dance Israeli! offers performances and workshops in Israeli dance.

  MIDNIGHT SOLEIL dance

Web: leyladances.com

Midnight Soleil Dance Company performs middle eastern style dances from Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia and throughout the Arab world. Their emphasis is on the ancient art of belly dance, and their captivating repertoire includes the use of finger cymbals, veils and swords. Leyla--the founder of Midnight Soleil--is a renowned oriental performer and teacher, with a dance studio in Akron, Ohio. Dancing since the age of 8, she has experimented with many different types of dance including jazz, ballet and Flamenco. However, when she took up belly dancing, she knew that it was the perfect form of expression for her. Now, after years of performance and instruction experience, Leyla's reputation as a true professional who respects the art of dance keeps her in high demand.  Leyla & Midnight Soleil perform in venues ranging from weddings to conventions, intimate parties to large gatherings. She shares her elegant, energetic style with her students, and together they bring the mysticism of the Middle East to the Midwest.

  AFRICAN SOUL INTERNATIONAL

Web: africansoulinternational.org

Founded in 1998 by a collective of artists, African Soul International seeks to discover and enhance the talents, skills and gifts of youth in the community. They have 3 primary branches-- their professional performing ensemble, their community and educational outreach, and their annual conference.

As a professional ensemble, they have performed in Los Angeles with Ms. Debbie Allen and in The Gambia, West Africa with Grammy award winning artist Youssou N'dour of Senegal.

In a state of continuous study and learning, they attend up to 5 international conferences per year, including Oakland, New York City, Washington DC, and Atlanta.

Building community through the arts, African Soul International inspires youth and their families to not only achieve greatness in drums and dance, but in their their academic, social, and community lives as well.

Founder, Executive, and Artistic Director. Sista Jewel is a recognized Master Artist by the Ohio Arts Council. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in "African Dance in Urban America" as well as two minors in "Black Studies" and "Cultural Anthropology". She has served 10 different apprenticeships with Master artists from Liberia, Guinea, Senegal and The Gambia, and has served 5 different study intensives in West Africa, as well as having frequented over 40 international conferences. Along with fellow presenters from Harvard, Yale and the Ghana Institute for Music and Development, she was a major presenter at the "Performing Africa--Visualizing Africa" conference at Ohio University. Listed as a professional artist with the Gambian Arts and Culture Bureau, she is also a member of the Mandinka Music Society in the Gambia.

As both an engine for social change and an unrelenting catalyst for the arts in Ohio, we are lucky to have Sista Jewel and African Soul International working their magic within our community, and sharing it with us at this year's Oktoberfest!

  SHRI KALAA MANDHIR

Sujatha Srinivasan (Artistic Director, Shri Kalaa Mandhiris) is a leading exponent of Bharathanatyam, an Indian Classical dance form. With an impressive career spanning over twenty years as an accomplished performer, choreographer and teacher, her performances have been featured in major art festivals around the world. Sujatha is active in organizing, collaborating and performing in various fundraisers which benefit many different causes here and in India. Winner of several awards and titles, Sujatha frequently visits India for her shows in annual art festivals.

Based in Strongsville, Ohio, Sujatha trains several students in Bharathanatyam at her school, Shri Kalaa Mandhir. Having received integrated training here, many of her students have had their debut and have won accolades and awards for their impressive performances. Also, as a cultural ambassador, Sujatha educates students in Northeast Ohio schools about Indian art and culture with her innovative workshops and performances.