NIH Asian/Pacific Islander American Heritage Program Celebrates 32nd Year

Photos By Bill Branson and Janet Stephens

The NIH Asian/Pacific Islander American Heritage Program celebrated its 32nd anniversary with two lunchtime programs on May 14 and 28.

On May 14, the Bldg. 31A patio was the scene of a multicultural feeding frenzy, complete with entertainment: In addition to sales of food from China, India, Japan, Korea, the Philippines and Thailand, the event featured a bonsai exhibition, demonstrations of calligraphy, floral arrangement (Ikebana), self-defense techniques by the NIH Tae Kwon Do School and a performance of the Chinese Lion Dance by the Tai Yim Kung Fu School.

The venue changed to the Clinical Center's Masur Auditorium on May 28, when a program of Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Korean music and dances took centerstage.

The Hua Sha Chinese Dance Center performs the "Tibetan Dance."

An attendee enjoys lunch.

Jayantee Paine-Ganguly (Indian, Konark Dance School, USA) in "Nazrul's Song."

Jessica Chan (l) of the Hua Sha Chinese Dance Center performs the "Peacock Dance." Michelle Gasteen (r) of Konark Dance School, USA, performs the "Mangalam Dance."

The Korean "Angel Dance" is performed by the Peace Mission Dance School.

Members of the Hua Sha Chinese Dance Center perform the "Mongolian Dance."

Children and adults appreciate the Chinese lion dance, a playful mix of bluster and appeasement.

Calligrapher Lydia Luh of NLM

Terry Segawa from Tako Grill Japanese restaurant prepares lunch fare.

At left, Onoe Kikuyuki performs in mask in the Japanese dance, "Promises Are Best Kept." At right, the "Korean Fan Dance," is performed by a dancer from Peace Mission Dance School.