International Music and Dance Festival Returns to New Rochelle

The New Rochelle Public Library (NRPL) and The Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library are delighted to announce the return of the renowned International Music and Dance Festival on Tuesday, July 11. This highly anticipated festival will feature weekly live performances every Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm, from July 11 through August 15, in the Ossie Davis Theater at the New Rochelle Public Library, located at 1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle. The six-week festival promises a captivating showcase of diverse music and dance performances representing cultures from around the world.

"We are thrilled to once again bring the International Music and Dance Festival to the New Rochelle community," said Tom Geoffino, Director of the New Rochelle Public Library. "For over 20 years, this festival has been a highlight of our summer programming in New Rochelle. We are excited to continue this tradition, offering an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate the rich tapestry of cultures from around the globe."

The festival will commence on July 11 with an enchanting performance by Bokandeye African American Dance Theater. Children and adults alike will be enthralled by the vibrant and captivating history of West Africa portrayed through dance, rhythm, song, and theater. This collage of traditional rhythms and dances from the Senegambia Region of West Africa will be brilliantly staged and choreographed to narrate the stories and folklore of the ancient African Villages.

On July 18, join us for an exhilarating Israeli dance performance by Israeli Dance with Leng. This program will highlight both traditional and modern Israeli dance forms, showcasing the beauty, energy, and innovation of this art form's vibrant rhythms and expressive movements.

Natyamudra School of Indian Dance will illuminate the theater on July 25, presenting a breathtaking Indian dance performance known as Bharatanatyam - a 3000-year-old dance form considered the oldest of all classical dance forms in India. This ancient art combines Nritta - pure abstract dance and Natya - interpretive dance. Bharatanatyam utilizes extensive hand gestures known as mudras to convey the meaning of the lyrics.

On August 1, prepare to be mesmerized by Aszmara & Transition: Middle-Eastern Ensemble. The world-renowned dance artist Aszmara will grace the stage in exquisite costumes, accompanied by the folkloric music of Armenia, Turkey, and Egypt, performed by master Armenian musicians Robert Boghosian on the oud, Souren Baronain on clarinet, kaval & dooduk, and Mal Stein on doumbek.

Immerse yourself in the seasons of Japan on August 8 with The Japanese Folk Dance Institute of NY. Through an electrifying performance of Japanese folk dance, you will be transported to the blooming of cherry blossom trees in the spring and the vibrant and joyous celebrations of the summer festival season.

The series culminates on August 15 with a grand finale by Calpulli Mexican Dance. The participants of the Capulli Summer Mexican Dance workshop, adorned in colorful costumes, will celebrate the rich and diverse regional dance traditions of Mexico's cultural history. This program will take place outside on the Library patio, adjacent to Ruby Dee Park.

Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience a spectacular array of global music and dance performances. Admission is free, but registration is requested for each event. Register online at bit.ly/NewNRPLCalendar (find the event on the calendar, click and proceed with registration) or call 914-813-3706.