http://www.nameyourdreamassignment.com/the-ideas/kristengill/dance-around-the-world/

“My dream assignment is to use my camera and video camera to document the traditions, celebrations, joys, sorrows, and passion of people through their respective dances, showing the unique power of the human spirit to triumph via dance.

From the whirling dervishes of Turkey to the tribal war dances of Uganda, from the devil dances of Sri Lanka, to the break dancing of young Americans, my photography will examine the place of traditional dance in contemporary world cultures through the stunning forms of movement, the vivid colors of costumes, and the emotion, integrity, and power of the dancer.

My passion for photography, dance, travel, and learning about new cultures is matched only by my compassion for my subjects. As a result, I have the insight and intuition to capture unique images that would otherwise elude the camera.”

Judging is based on how many votes a user receives, so please feel free to forward this on to your family and friends!

This has been a dream of mine for a long time. Thanks for helping me bring it a step closer to coming true!

(Belfast, Northern Ireland) The World Championships of Irish Dance, which this year took place in Belfast, Northern Ireland, has just wrapped up. While many people in America associate Irish dancing with The Lord of the Dance-type spectacles, Irish dancing has been alive and well for decades before anyone ever heard of the name Michael Flatley.

For serious Irish dancers, this is the top-notch event of the year. I can’t even begin to describe the dedication, preparation, and training the dancers at this level have.

This year in Belfast, there were more than 4,000 competitors from all over the world. If you are interested in seeing the results, you can check the following web site: http://www.clrg.ie/english/home.php

For someone who grew up Irish dancing (I started before I knew how to read or write at age 5, and continued on as a teacher of my own Irish dancing school until just a few years ago), I can attest to the positive influence it can have on one’s life.

My very first time on an airplane was flying with a team of dancers to compete in a competition, known as a “feis“. And, my first ever trip overseas was to Dublin, Ireland…where I competed in my first World Championships. My team took second place, and it was one of the best moments in my life. It is what prompted me to study in Ireland for a year during college, and to later work for the Irish American Cultural Institute in NYC. It was the beginning of my life-long love of travel and hunger to learn about and share in other cultures. It taught me that dedication and sacrifice are necessary in order to make your dreams a reality. It is WHY I am a travel writer & photographer.

So, to all of this year’s competitors…I hope you had fun, and may your experience lead you to great success in your future!

Now…about those costumes and wigs! (It was not like that back in my day!)

Dance on,

Kristen

In Oslo, the children parade past the Royal Palace carrying flags.

The National Day is celebrated throughout the world in many Norwegian communities, including my hometown of Seattle. The area of Seattle called Ballard has a significant Norwegian population, and every year they close down the main street for the Syttende Mai parade. There you can see adults and children wearing the traditional Bunads, a traditional costume that represents the region where you are from (sort of like the Celtic kilts). There will be a joyous celebration with many flags, Norsk food and drink, and music and dance. For a listing of today’s events in Ballard, check out http://www.syttendemaiseattle.com/event.shtml.

Eat some lutefisk, and Adventure On!

Kristen