Gateway to Asia

PRESENTED BY CH2M HILL

Open the Door to the Pan Asian World at Gateway to Asia. Join us for an interactive, entertaining, and educational look at the ceremonies and rituals of many diverse Asian Pacific cultures.

Japanese Flower Arranging begins the Gateway to Asia experiences on Saturday. Ikebana (literally translated to “flowers kept alive”) was developed as a Buddhist expression of the beauty of nature, with branches representing hills, waterfalls and valleys arranged in a formalized way. A traditional Indonesian Baby Shower will be presented, with actors and actresses playing the main parts of this complex ceremony showing the artifacts, items and foods that honor the new family. Hawaiian Lei Ceremonies and lei-making with exotic tropical flowers, intricate and amazing Asian Fruit Carvings, and beautiful, colorful Chinese Knot Making are just some of the other Saturday demonstrations that are sure to impress (and inspire!) you.

Sunday begins with a Hmong Wedding Ceremony, a celebration with relatives and friends that ends with a pig roast in honor of the wedding. See the intricate designs and patterns of Henna Body Art, also known as Mehndi. This form of temporary tattooing is a south Asian tradition practiced for festive occasions such as engagements and weddings. Watch Yasu Kizaki* demonstrate the making of nigiru sushi and maki sushi, using the special tools a skilled sushi chef employs to produce the delicious creations. Afternoon demonstrations include the ancient arts of Tai Chi & Tai Chi Sword, often described as “meditation in motion” as serenity is promoted through gentle movements, connecting the mind and body. Royal Ceremonies of Polynesia and Filipino Tinikling Dancing conclude the afternoon with their brightly colored costumes and dynamic performances.

Performance Schedule for Gateway to Asia 2008

Saturday, July 26th

10:30-11:00   Japanese Flower Arranging - Midori Allmeyer
12:30-1:00    Hawaiian Lei Ceremonies - Maile Inagaki
1:30-2:00      Indonesian Baby Shower - Sendie Vang
2:30-3:00      Asian Fruit Carving - Daniel Bartlett
3:30-4:00      Chinese Knot Making - Sylvia Edgar
4:30-5:00      Chinese Court Costumes - Sylvia Edgar
5:30-6:00      Asian Fruit Carving - Daniel Bartlett

Sunday, July 27th

10:30-11:00   Hmong Wedding Ceremony – Hmong American Assoc. of CO
11:30-12:00 Henna Body Art - Elizabeth Ostteen
12:30-1:00     The Art of Sushi - Yasu Kizaki*
1:30-2:00      Tai Chi & Tai Chi Sword - Holly Yang
2:30-3:00      Qi Gong - Holly Yang
3:30-4:00      Royal Ceremonies of Polynesia - Marsha Anne Talitimu
4:30-5:00      Filipino Tinikling Dance - FACC Dance Troupe

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*Yasu Kizaki, a sushi chef of 25 years, invites you to learn more on his Japanese Gastronomic Tour, http://www.undiscoveredjapan.com/trips