HOUSTON, June 11, 2013 — Nearly three-dozen visitors (ages 5 – 11) took a virtual journey across a continent last week while exploring a colorful display of South and East Indian, Chinese, and Okinawan dance during ExploreAsia: Culture Camp for Kids, the inaugural summer camp in Asia Society Texas Center’s 34-year history. Each camper, referred to as an "explorer" for the event, received expert instruction on Asian culture and school life, combined with daily art activities, musical performances from Asia’s numerous traditions, a decorative tote bag, and a t-shirt emblazoned with Leonard, the playful version of the Asia Society leogryph logo. Tuesday served as an introduction to Asia, Wednesday took explorers on a trek along the Silk Road, Thursday focused on South and Southeast Asia, and the final day centered around East Asia.

The four half-days each began with a presentation on a selected region of Asia, followed by art creations from Asian culture and history, and culminated in a lively dance and music workshop. Coordinating with partners in the community, the Texas Center education team was able to share the talents of Dance of Asian America (Chinese contemporary dance), the Kalaangan School of Odissi Dance (East Indian classical dance), Rathna Kumar (South Indian classical dance), and Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Texas (Okinawan percussion). Visual art highlights included ancient Persian castings, Chinese brush painting and calligraphy, Indian folk painting, Indonesian foil printings, Vietnamese moon lanterns, and a 3-dimensional Japanese cherry blossom activity.

“Since we opened the new building last April, hosting a summer camp was certainly one of the goals of the education team and we are overjoyed to have seen it result in such a success, “ said Paul Pass, Asia Society Texas Center's Education Coordinator. The first camp averaged about thirty campers each day and there is already strong interest for next year.

For more information about the summer camp and other education programs at Asia Society Texas Center, please contact Paul Pass at [email protected] or 713.496.9915.

Related Link

Texas Center to Launch ExploreAsia: Culture Camp for Kids