The first Annual Mariana Islands International Dance & Art Festivals is making its way to Guam for four days, starting April 27.
Produced by the Guam Council on the Arts & Humanities Agency has weaved art into our lives with the Mariana Islands International Dance & Art Festival also known as MIIDAF that has brought together International and local performers for the community to enjoy.
“The great thing about this is not only are we bringing in international groups, we are also celebrating our own talents,” said Vince Reyes, the national folk dance director of Guam CAHA. “So, unlike other festivals, what makes this unique is a celebration of all arts, everything from visual arts to performing arts, to even folk arts. Another great thing about this is that not only one festival everyone goes to, we are bringing it out into our community.”
MIIDAF has brought on board award winning national companies from Bulgaria and South Korea as well as local dance groups from different villages and local bands on the island like The John Dank Show, KPV & The Homies, as well as Mix Plate.
“Well what’s magical about the arts is that it inspires us, it makes us think beyond the day to day, what is important and what we want to strive for,” said Sandy Flores, the executive director of Guam CAHA. “Each form of art inspires different people and we also have talent here that expresses themselves in different ways so we want to create all those opportunities. We want the visual artists to come out, the performing artists to come out, the musicians, and provide that experience and give our locals the opportunities to both participate and experience that.”
There will be a wide range of performances, but the community can also expect art exhibits, booths, and food vendors.
Activities are scheduled for:
- April 27 – DFS Galleria in Tumon
- April 28 – Astumbo Gym in Dededo
- April 29 – Tiyan High School in Barrigada
- April 30th – St. Joseph Church Grounds in Inalahan.
This event is free and open to the public but tickets must be purchased through guamtime.net.
“This group from both Bulgaria and South Korea are amazing groups, they have won national competitions, and international competitions as well and also to come out and celebrate art overall especially with this MIDAF collective,” Reyes said. “I am so excited about that because this is the first time they have all put in their talents together for this special event. I just want to leave people with the vision of this is a lot to take in but just take the kids and go to the local festival. You’re going to be entertained, there’s going to be food, and things to watch. It is free to participate in.”
Additionally, patrons can expect more events from CAHA during humanities month in October as well as exhibits in its gallery in the DNA building in Hagatna.
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