Dollywood’s 24th season gets into full swing on March 28 with Le Grand Cirque’s Imaginé, a brand new show produced exclusively for the theme park. The show headlines the monthlong Festival of Nations presented by Humana.
“I can’t wait for families to see Imaginé at Dollywood,” Dolly Parton said. “It’s got bold and bright costumes, wild makeup and unexpected twists and turns, just like me. That’s why it’ll be just perfect for Dollywood!”
Le Grand Cirque has performed for more than 10 million people around the world. Imaginé features an international cast of world-champion acrobats and performers from several different countries including the U.K., France, China, Russia, Monte Carlo, the U.S. and more. Acts featured in the new 45-minute show include pole climbing, contortionists, hoop diving, unicycle, silk ropes, the diablo, and much more. Performed in DP’s Celebrity Theatre, Imaginé showcases athletic ability, lavish costumes, dynamic lighting and exquisite music in a breathtaking display of unbelievable feats. The show is included with park admission.
In its ninth season, Festival of Nations treats Dollywood guests to a world of international dance, music, art and food featuring more than 200 international performers from far-away lands. The multicultural celebration continues through April 27; all shows are included with park admission. (Dollywood is closed Tuesdays and Easter Sunday. Please visit dollywood.com for performance dates and schedules which vary throughout the festival.)
Other groups performing during Festival of Nations are:
Royal Stiltwalkers of Merchtem (April 5-17), is a group that takes entertainment to new heights, high atop stilts. Lively musicians and flag bearers hail their arrival as the clog dancers create a rhythmic beat for the daring performers who stand on stilts, some as tall as 12 feet. Belgium’s rich heritage is reflected in the group’s traditional folk costumes and songs.
Folk art group Dainava (April 15-27) takes its name from a Southern Lithuanian area which means “The Land of Songs.” Dainava’s unique sound incorporates such instruments as the skuduciai, kankles and skrabalai as well as the accordion, clarinet, panpipes and horns in a musical presentation that includes authentic and stylized songs and dances.
Keona (March 28-April 27), an instrumental trio, creates a unique, harmonic sound on the hang drum, a new instrument created in Switzerland in 2000. The touch of the player’s hand upon this steel drum produces rhythmic, melodic sounds that captivate listeners. Playing several hang drums tuned in a variety of keys, Keona treats listeners to a distinctive style of music all its own.
Calpulli Danza Mexicana (March 28–April 27) features Mexico’s most vibrant dancers and musicians in a new and expanded show. Sixteen performers blend the region’s most highly recognized sounds and images of the region with vibrant costumes, ceremonial dances and festive music that honor the country’s rich heritage.
With a rhythmic blend representing different areas of the Andes, Atahualpa’s (March 28-April 27) repertoire of contemporary music, South American dance rhythms and traditional songs resonates from native Incan instruments played alongside guitars.
The Jennifer Roland Band (March 28-April 27) hails from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada, and entertains audiences with energetic fiddle playing. An award-winning musician whose repertoire features both traditional and original compositions, Jennifer treats audiences to driving fiddle music, energetic step dancing, and stirring airs.
Czech Pilsen Brass Band (March 28-April 13) showcases a talented youth ensemble from the Czech Republic. The rich musical traditions of the group’s homeland are evident in its performance which also bridges the gap to modern day with a popular selection of contemporary favorites.
The Zambia Vocal Group (March 28-April 27) hails from different African tribes to form a collective sound, underscoring the message that music unites us all. The group's a capella performance includes traditional hymns and original songs which feature a unique combination of traditional African rhythms, vocal percussion and complex vocal harmonies.
Dollywood, a 150-acre family adventure park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., won the Golden Tickets’ 2007 Publisher’s Pick for best theme park. Open nine months a year (March 28, 2009-Jan. 2, 2010), 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. The winner of 11 Big E Entertainment Awards, more than any other park in the world, Dollywood’s live entertainment features country, bluegrass, gospel and mountain music. Plus, a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region demonstrate daily. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas won the Golden Tickets best Christmas event in 2008. Operating days and hours vary. For more information, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit dollywood.com.