News Release

September 10, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sondra Katzen
Public Relations
708.688.8351
sondra.katzen@czs.org

Note: Images of Dancing with the World may be downloaded at www.CZS.org/pressroom.

Celebrate Cultures from Around the World at Brookfield Zoo’s
Dancing with the World: Fiesta para Todos

      Brookfield, Ill. — Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month as well as other cultures of countries from around the world at Brookfield Zoo’s Dancing with the World: Fiesta para Todos on Saturday, September 25, and Sunday, September 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This year’s festival is bigger and better featuring crafts and activities as well as live performances from groups representing not just Latin America, but also Ireland, Africa, Poland, China, and North America—making it a true “party for all.”

During the two-day celebration, guests can enjoy live entertainment on the zoo’s East Mall and The Living Coast Plaza. On Saturday and Sunday, Trio Los Primos de Mexico, a musical group that has been together for more than 20 years and has toured all over the Americas, will kick off the entertainment beginning at 11:00 a.m. on The Living Coast Plaza. The group features the iconic guitarron, a large guitar-like instrument often heard in mariachi bands, as one of their identifying sounds. Additional performances by Trio Los Primos de Mexico will take place on Saturday at noon and 1:00 p.m. and on Sunday at noon and 3:00 p.m.

On the East Mall, both traditional and modern South and West African arts will be highlighted through music, theater, and dance, with performances at noon and 2:00 p.m. by Soli Performing Arts Company on September 25. In addition, as part of the Native American Cultural Connections Program presented by the Sara Lee Foundation, members of the American Indian Center will perform at 11:00 a.m. The following day, internationally known Wesoly Lud Polish Folk Dance Ensemble will perform Polish folk culture through dance and song presentations at noon and 2:00 p.m. The McNulty Irish Dancers will present a heart-pounding, hand-clapping performance featuring traditional and modern Irish dances, including jigs, reels, and hornpipes at 3:00 p.m. In addition, lavishly dressed dancers from the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago will captivate zoogoers with their moves and lavish costumes during performances at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m.

Additional entertainment on September 25 on the East Mall includes live performances by:
  • AfriCaribe at 1:00 p.m.
  • DeMaria Dance Studios, Inc. at 1:40 and 3:40 p.m.
  • World Academy of Irish Dancing at 3:00 p.m.
  • Ming-Yan Davis & Olinda Chang Chinese Folk & Classical Dance at 4:00 p.m.
Additional entertainment on September 26 includes performances by:
  • Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m.
  • Linda’s Dance Studio at 1:00 and 2:15 p.m.
  • DeMaria Dance Studios, Inc. at 2:40 and 3:40 p.m.
Guests of all ages can learn about different cultures from around the world from a variety of organizations, including Filipino American Historical Society, Chicago Cultural Alliance, Assyrian American Civic Club, National Museum of Mexican Art, American Indian Center, Swahili Institute of Chicago, and Renacer Boliviana, Inc. Representatives from each of these organizations will be stationed at booths set up on the East Mall from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.

The celebration would not be complete without appearances by costumed character Dora the Explorer, who will greet kids throughout the day on Saturday. In addition, kids can enjoy the Fisher Price® Power Wheels™ Driving Track and Play Pen area and try out the latest Fisher Price® toys.

On September 26 at 9:00 a.m., families can get a head start on the day’s celebration at Dining with Dora the Explorer, a breakfast buffet presented by Fisher-Price®. The all-you-can eat buffet includes a decorate-your-own-pancake station, seasonal fruit, assortment of bagels and fresh muffins, French toast, and other scrumptious goodies. Be sure to bring your camera to take a picture with Dora. The cost for the breakfast is $38.00 for adults and $26.50 for children 3-11. Children 2 and under eat for free. For reservations, call (708) 688-8355.

Dancing with the World: Fiesta para Todos is presented by Fisher-Price®, the Sara Lee Foundation, and American Airlines. The event’s activities and performances are free with regular zoo admission of $13.50 for adults and $9.50 for children 3-11 and seniors 65 and older. Children 2 and under are free. Parking is $9. For further information and a complete schedule of entertainment, visit www.CZS.org/Events or call (708) 688-8000.

The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Open every day of the year, Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service.

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