The Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL), a network of 10 neighborhood library branches throughout Santa Cruz County, have announced a partnership with the Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center to bring the Santa Cruz Ethnic Dance Festival to families and children through Free Festival Family Days, a series of workshops at library branches.

The three Free Festival Family Days at Santa Cruz Public Library branches will provide introductions to Puerto Rican dance and music, baile folklórico, and hula and Hawaiian music leading up to the Santa Cruz Ethnic Dance Festival at the Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center, Sept. 19-20 at Tannery Arts Center.

“Bringing arts and cultural events to our patrons is part of the mission of SCPL,” said Janis O’Driscoll, interim director of Santa Cruz Public Libraries. “Partnering with community groups is a great way to enhance our arts programming with new creative opportunities.”

Three Free Festival Family Days workshops will be held from 11 a.m. to noon on the following dates:

  • The Dance and Music of Puerto Rico with Luna Rhythms, Aug. 29 at Capitola Branch: Ali Luna will demonstrate congas, barriles, maracas and more. Children can participate in call-and-response style singing, creating traditional drumming rhythms and learning the movements of Bomba. The Capitola Branch is located at 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola.
  • Baile Folklórico with Malena Vega, Sept. 5 at Scotts Valley Branch: Explore basic folklórico skills of calentamiento (body warm-ups), técnica (footwork), rhythmic patterns and vocabulary. Learn a fun choreography, as well as a piece of regional history and culture through music and dance. The Scotts Valley Branch is located at 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley.
  • Hawaiian Style Music and Dance with Leolani Lowry, Sept. 12 at Downtown Branch: Grab a grass skirt and have fun learning Hawaiian music and dance with Leolani Lowry of the Hula School of Santa Cruz. Participants will practice a few Hawaiian songs, basic hands and feet movements. There also will be a demonstration of the different instruments used in hula (Hawaiian dance). The Downtown Branch is located at 224 Church St., Santa Cruz.

ABOUT THE TANNER WORLD DANCE AND CULTURE CENTER: Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center (TWDCC) is a home for world and contemporary dance artists. TWDCC allows traditional art forms to flourish while encouraging artists to take risks, probe traditional definitions and forge new ideas. TWDCC is committed to equity, access and excellence in all of our programming. Community support helps TWDCC serve as a unique hub that brings together and celebrates the vibrancy of the community. For more information and the full schedule of events visit TanneryWorldDance.com or like the Santa Cruz Ethnic Dance Festival on Facebook.

 

ABOUT THE SANTA CRUZ PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM: 

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) system delivers information, education, enrichment and inspiration through a network of 10 neighborhood library branches, a web-based digital library, a Bookmobile and community-based programs. SCPL serves children, teens and adults with innovative programming, professional services and community facilities that spark imagination and support discovery. Residents can explore a wide range of interests from academic research, book clubs and literacy programs to digital photography, locally-produced music and local history. Branch locations include Aptos, Boulder Creek, Branciforte, Capitola, Downtown Santa Cruz, Felton, Garfield Park, La Selva Beach, Live Oak and Scotts Valley. Learn more about SCPL at SantaCruzPL.org or via Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube.