CCHAP Transition Party: Performance by Lao Narthasin Dance Troupe
Date2018 September 20
Mediumborn digital video
DimensionsDuration: 2 Minutes, 54 Seconds
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineConnecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program collections
CopyrightIn Copyright
Object number2015.196.284.3
DescriptionVideo of a dance performance by Nina Sayarath, a member of the Lao Narthasin Dance Troupe at the Connecticut Historical Society on September 20, 2018.
NotesSubject Note: On September 20, 2018, the Connecticut Historical Society hosted a celebration of new CCHAP Director Kate Schramm and outgoing CCHAP Director Lynne Williamson. Many artists and community members who had worked with CCHAP over the years attended. Several artists performed, either solo or in impromptu jam sessions, in the spirit of friendship and creativity.Biographical Note: Lao Narthasin of Connecticut is a group of young Laotian-Americans who study and perform traditional folk and classical dances from the southeast Asian country of Laos. Most of these dancers were born in the United States to parents who immigrated here from Laos. They study Laotian language and culture in special classes offered by the organization Lao-American Culture of Connecticut in cities such as New Britain and Bridgeport where many Laotians are now living. The Lao Narthasin dance group developed out of the Laotian community's desire to preserve its heritage in America. Members of the company, who reside in cities throughout Connecticut, are trained by experienced instructors from notable Laotian dance families. The founder of the group, Manola Sidara, is a Laotian dance educator and community activist whose life has been devoted to serving her community. Born in 1969 in Vientiane, Laos, Manola joined the National Dance School at the age of five, along with her sister. After her family fled Laos, she continued learning traditional dance with master dancer Sone Norasing in Colorado until moving to Connecticut in 1989. Lao Narthasin now includes a third generation of dancers, and instructors include former students. Dance traditions in Laos are either classical, performed at the royal palace, or based in the rural folk cultures of the over sixty ethnic groups in Laos. Lao Narthasin performs both dance genres. Dances include the Hoyn Phon Yhia Welcome Dance where fresh flowers are offered to guests, and the Pow Lao Dance, featuring dancers from different tribal groups. The graceful movements made by the dancers reflect qualities of beauty, respect, and politeness so valued in Laotian culture. Hand gestures also tell stories in the dances, with subtle movements symbolic of spiritual beings such as deities ascending in the heavens. Many of the dances celebrate community festivals - the rice harvest, New Year, or the Fireworks Festival bringing prosperity and good fortune. Lao Nothasin wears many different colorful costumes appropriate to each special dance.
Additional audio, video, and/or photographic materials exist in the archive relating to this event and artists.
Cataloging Note: This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services MA-245929-OMS-20.
Status
Not on view
