Dollywood finds its rhythm this spring as it launches World of Dance, a special showcase of the world’s most popular dances during the park’s annual Festival of Nations celebration (March 21-May 5; closed Tuesdays).
From Latin America’s sensational salsa and flamboyant flamenco to Russia’s captivating Cossack and Ireland’s amazing step dancing, the seven-week international celebration brings more than 250 performers from around the world to the park’s stages. All festival entertainment is included with park admission.
Back by popular demand, the show-stopping Rhythm of the Dance headlines the festival, with multiple shows daily in DP’s Celebrity Theatre. The popular 45-minute show, highlighted by three vocalists and 18 dancers, is the centerpiece of Celebrate Ireland, which features authentic Irish dining at various park restaurants; visiting Irish crafters in Emerald Isle Marketplace; special entertainment including traditional Irish bands; and much, much more.
Making their first-time appearances at Dollywood are Calpulli Mexican Dance Company, Kayumanggi Philippine Performing Arts and Villa de Alhama. Calpulli performs April 2-28. This group’s energetic dance moves and colorful costumes, complete with ceremonial make-up, bird feathers, and seashell anklets, are set against a backdrop of passionate music. Calpulli Mexican Dance Company incorporates music and theatre to showcase the rich diversity of Mexico’s regional dances. From polkas of Northern Mexico to the fiestas of the Yucatan Peninsula, dances are performed to the sounds of coastal Mexican rhythms, Aztec drums, and the world-renowned music of the Mariachi.
Kayumanggi Philippine Performing Arts appears April 22 through May 5. Promoting greater understanding of Philippine culture through song, music, dance, Kayumanggi performs captivating traditional dances like tinikling, the country’s national dance, where daring dancers weave in and out of bamboo poles with an ever-increasing tempo; pandanggo sa ilaw, featuring dancers balancing lighted candles on their heads; as well as the romantic and graceful Jotas and Balses.
The folklore group Villa de Alhama, founded in 1983, performs March 28 – April 4. Villa de Alhama incorporates singing, dancing and storytelling along with their country’s native dress to tell the stories and share the rich culture and history of Spain. The group’s most popular dances include variations of the fandango, las parrandas and the jota, often considered the “soul of the fiesta” because of its wide variety of steps; the degree of difficulty; and the energy of its execution.
Other countries represented during the festival include Ecuador’s Atahualpa (March 19-May 5), Zambian Vocal Group (March 19-May 5), Russian National Theatre (March 19-May 5), and Costa Rica’s folk dance group.
Daring dance steps are just the beginning as Dollywood showcases music, artistry, foods and crafts from around the world. O’Malley’s restaurant returns to Craftsman’s Valley, serving a special Irish menu including corned beef and cabbage and shepherd’s pie. Special festival food booths serve foods from Mexico—chicken fajita wrap, chicken quesadilla, and chicken nachos grandé; and Italy—Italian Panini, Italian beef sandwich; and Ireland—fish ‘n’ chips, battered shrimp ‘n’ chips, and fish sandwiches.
Dollywood guests can enter the Home to Ireland sweepstakes, sponsored by Dollywood, North American Celtic Buyers Association and CIE Tours International. The winner will receive an Irish Heritage tour in which the winner and a guest will enjoy an eight-day, seven-night escorted motor coach trip through Ireland. Dollywood guests may register to win beginning March 21 at Dollywood’s A Touch of Ireland shop. Complete prize package information, sweepstakes rules and regulations available upon request at registration location.
Dollywood is a 130-acre family adventure park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Open nine months a year (March 21, 2008-Jan. 3, 2009), Dollywood offers more than 40 rides and attractions, including Thunderhead, twice named the world’s No. 1 wooden coaster, and Mystery Mine coaster, Theme Park Insider’s 2007 Best New Attraction; award-winning live entertainment featuring country, bluegrass, gospel and mountain music; and a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. Operating days and hours vary. For more information, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit dollywood.com.
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