Irish Music and Dance Presents “CrossCultural Challenge

Immigration and diversity are topics that have been receiving an increasing amount of attention recently, not all of which has been positive or progressive. From the middle of the 19th century to the early 20th century, Irish immigrants frequently encountered prejudice and discrimination as they attempted to adapt to American culture and society. Now, all too often, their descendants are seeing other races and ethnicities being treated in a similarly inhospitable manner.

The IMDA believes that exposure to the music, dance and customs of ethnic groups other than one’s own can help bridge gaps, foster understanding and promote mutual respect. Earlier this year, the IMDA challenged Irish and non-Irish organizations alike to seek out and collaborate with one another in order to create a “performance piece” that could be presented on the Main Stage at the Landmark Center on March 17 and/or March 18. This “Cross-Cultural Challenge” actually resulted in two exciting performances — a joint dance presentation by Bollywood Dance Scene and O’Shea Irish Dance, and a musical presentation by Andale Juana (a Mexican folk trio, accompanied on flute by Norah Rendell, Executive Director of the St. Paul-based Center for Irish Music).

The IMDA is now initiating its second annual Cross-Cultural Challenge, in order to secure additional cross-cultural programming for its planned Landmark Center celebration on and around St. Patrick’s Day next year. Full details regarding this competition (including requirements for submission of proposals) are at www. irishmusicanddanceassociation .org/cross-culturalchallenge.html.