Marjan Esáa

Yelisabel Villarreal Scott, better known as Marjan Esáa is the founder of The Rhythm of the World Foundation, Inc., as well as the creator and producer of the show since its conception in the year 2011.

Marjan Esáa is a performer, choreographer, and instructor who found her love of dancing at age three in her birthplace of Venezuela.  Her experience with ballet, jazz, modern dance, and a variety of Latin music styles led to regular performances on popular Spanish-language televisions shows such as Sábado Gigante, El Show de Cristina, and Premios Lo Nuestro a la Música Latina while she lived in Miami, Florida. She has called Oklahoma home for over 20 years. She is a member of Candela Latin Dancers from Clips ‘N Hips, and performs and teaches bellydance in Norman. She is also the founder and director of Mystical Hips Dance Troupe.

Her talent and love of belly dancing was showcased when she won 1st runner-up in the prestigious Queen of Raks Sharqi competition (Dallas, 2006) judged by Egyptian dancers and celebrities such as Nagwa Fouad, Dr. Mo Geddawi, and Randa Kamel.

This rich history has significantly influenced the dances that Marjan studies, teaches, and performs.

www.marjandancer.com
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(405) 820-0797

Alexis Luna

Alexis Luna is a student at the University of Oklahoma pursuing a degree in biology on the pre-med track. Alexis was raised in Southside Oklahoma City and has a strong connection to her Hispanic and Mexican roots. She previously served as the Reina Hispana de Oklahoma and Philanthropy Chair for OU’s Hispanic American Student Association. Her passion is singing and bringing her community closer together with culture and love.

Alexis also started her new business Luna Solutions LLC this past year and can help you with any of your tax, notary, and business needs. Contact Alexis at (810) 877-0113 or contact@lunasolns.com.

To book Alexis for your next corporate event, or party call (810) 877-0113.

Central Plains Dance Troupe & The Ocese Band Singers

The Central Plains Dance Troupe is a Native American Dance Troupe comprised of many different tribes throughout the state of Oklahoma and surrounding areas including Kiowa, Cheyenne, Choctaw, Prairie Band Pottawatomie, Ponca, Tonkawa, Otoe, Pawnee, Chickasaw, Comanche, Sac and Fox, Taino Arawak, and many others. The Ocese Band Singers are a family drum group with majority members are enrolled Seminole and are of the Ocese band within the tribe.

We strive to educate and entertain audiences of all ages throughout the country on the beauty and skill of Native American culture through dance and powwow music. We honor our ancestors by keeping our culture alive and strong in the 21st century. We reflect our culture that has been passed down from generation to generation and share the storytelling and origins of these dance styles. We hope to leave audiences not only entertained but educated on our culture and have an everlasting connection of who we are as Indigenous people.

For bookings contact Cecil Gray at (405) 209-6019.

Heather Burns & the Midsommar Dancers

Heather Burns is a professional dancer and choreographer who has spent her life studying the role of dance in cultures around the world. She attended Duke University on a performing arts scholarship and earned a master's degree at the University of Washington. She danced professionally in Los Angeles with Juan Calvo Flores's Unity Arts and Stage of the Arts Productions. She has studied and performed with many outstanding dance artists and musicians including Cutumba Ballet Folklorico in Santiago de Cuba, Nawarra of Morocco, and Chuck Davis’s African American Dance Ensemble. Usually known for their Cuban dances as Azuquita Cubana, this year Heather’s troupe is performing a Swedish dance celebrating midsummer.

Hula 'O Nani

Betty Clymer, known as “Nani” by family and friends, embraced the fine art of Hawaiian hula at the age of 14. She studied hula under several Kumu Hula teachers (hula masters), to include Keli’i Frank Chang and Stephanie Ku’ulei Mahelona. In 2001, under the direction of Kumu Hula Frank Chang, Betty was privileged to have participated at the annual Merrie Monarch Hula Competition, which is considered the most prestigious hula competition in Hawaii. She continues to perform in many states, primarily in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. To this day, Betty’s love for the hula is evident.

Encouraged by Kumu Hula Stephanie Mahelona, she developed Hula ‘O Nani (school dance of beauty), and shares her hula by offering instructions weekly to children and ladies of all ages. She and her group also offers Hawaiian-Polynesian entertainment for any event, to include weddings, birthdays,  and corporate events.

For class schedule information or to book a Hawaiian-Polynesian show for your next event, please contact Betty Clymer at (405) 317-6982 or e-mail betcly@aol.com. e-mail betcly@aol.com.

HOPE Philippines’ Filipiniana Extravaganza

HOPE Philippines’ Filipiniana Extravaganza is a dance group that with the objective of preserving and sharing the Phillipino culture in Oklahoma, have sought the mentorship of seasoned performer and director of Clips N Hips, Marti Rickman. Under her mentorship, they are growing and hoping to represent their country and beautiful culture through dance in local festivals and cultural events.

Raíces from Clips 'N Hips

Raíces means roots in Spanish. Members of this group are children whose parents come from different parts of Latin America or the world such as Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Ghana, and the United States. Marti Rickman, a choreographer and performer with more than 20 years of involvement in the artistic world, created Raíces to teach those children their parents’ cultures through dance.

Okie Skye Highland Dance

Okie Skye Highland Dance is a diverse group of dancers led by Elizabeth Kabrick. Okie Skye is committed to learning, practicing, and sharing traditional Scottish Dance. Our dancers represent many cities and towns in Oklahoma, as well as a range of ages. Mrs. Kabrick began her study in 1976 at Lawrence School of Scottish Highland Dance, has trained and competed on three continents, and is a certified Member of the British Association of Teachers of Dance.

For more information or to try a class, please contact Elizabeth Kabrick okieskyeshd@gmail.com

Candela and Mini Candela Latin Dancers from Clips 'N Hips

Performer and entrepreneur Marti Rickman leads these groups from her unique hair salon and dance studio, Clips ‘N’ Hips. She has been recognized by both her native country as well as her adopted one. Recognized as an Illustrious Colombian, she was given the title of Colombian Cultural Ambassador in Oklahoma by the Colombian Consulate in Houston. She has also been invited in more than one occasion to be the guest speaker at the New Citizenship Ceremonies in Oklahoma, a huge honor.

Her groups showcase dances not only from her native Colombia, but also from different countries in Latin America. Members of these groups come from a variety of Latin American countries and the U.S, each with different strengths and a wide variety of cultural and artistic backgrounds. They are unified by one common factor: a passion for everything dance.

To book a variety Latin show for your next event, please contact Marti Rickman at (405) 209-4823.

www.clipsnhips.com

Raquel Fabiú Carrasco

Born in Extremadura, Spain, Raquel Fabiú Carrasco was raised in a Gypsy Roma family. Flamenco is in her genes. She studied in Madrid and Barcelona with some of the best flamenco teachers.

She has performed all over the world starting in the Gypsy tablaos in Spain, as well as theaters and night clubs in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Here in America she has performed in Hollywood and Las Vegas.

Raquel continues to perfom in many local events and selectively teaches private lessons in Oklahoma City from her own home studio. Contact her for information at (405) 359-9430.

Share & Grow Association/Dancing Moms

Dancing Moms is Share & Grow Association's dance group who love dancing Chinese dances and sharing Chinese culture and bringing happiness and joy to people. SGA is a nonprofit organization focused on cultural exchange in the community and youth education. To know more about SGA, please visit www.sharegrow.org. If you are interested in joining Dancing Moms or Share & Grow Association, please contact us at Sharegrow.org@gmail.com.

Mystical Hips Dance Troupe

Mystical Hips - under the direction of Marjan Esáa - is a dance team made up of performers from all walks of life who have found a love for raks sharqi, better known as bellydance. They strive to promote the art of raks sharqi and the Middle Eastern culture it represents. They are an experienced group that frequently performs at fairs, festivals, birthdays, weddings, and cultural events throughout Oklahoma.

Current members are Shayda Omoumi, Angela Helt (Delmara), and Jun Yi (Eva).

For booking information, contact Marjan at (405) 820-0797
marjandancer@hotmail.com, or visit www.marjandancer.com.

Norahua Folklorico Mexicano

Norahua, means friends in the language of the Tarahumara (indigenous people from northern Mexico). Founded in 1993, the group emphasizes the colorful, exciting, and diverse culture of Mexico.

Artistic director Jaime Fuentes studied Mexican Folkloric dance at Escuela Superior de Danza Folklorico in Chihuahua, Mexico. He is the recipient of numerous awards recognizing his work in the field of classic and folkloric dance, including the “2014 Most Outstanding Hispanic Dance Artist Award” by the Hispanic Arts Council of Oklahoma, the title of “Ambassador of the Mexican culture in Oklahoma” from the Mexican Consulate in Little Rock, he was also recently recognized by the Agencia Latina of Oklahoma for his “Legacy and Community Service”. He has been invited by Universal Studios in California, The University of Chihuahua Mexico, to Perú for a cultural exchange, and most recently to an International Festival in Turkey. Jaime has dedicated his talent and experience to teaching both the technical and historic aspects of folkloric dancing. He believes that instilling cultural pride through dance is a healthy way to boost self esteem and confidence in our Latino youth. For information about classes or performance availability please contact Jaime Fuentes at (405) 204-2938.

For information about classes or performance availability please contact Jaime Fuentes at (405) 204-2938.

Oklahoma Native Flute Circle

Four members of the Oklahoma Native Flute Circle are playing at The Rhythm of the World: Venita MacGorman is a retired choir director and instrumental music teacher; Amber Moore is a sophomore at Norman High School and at the Oklahoma Aviation Academy; Marles Bradley is an instructor in deaf education; and Dennis Laughlin is a well known Native American style flute player. He coordinates the Medicine Park Flute and Art Festival held the first weekend of October in Medicine Park, Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Native Flute Circle meets at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, (1801 West Brooks St. Norman, OK) on the first Friday of every month from 7:00pm-8:30pm . Anyone who is interested in learning to play this ancient and beautiful instrument is welcomed to come! Bring a flute or hand percussion or we will lend you one for the evening!

RACE Dance Collective

RACE is 501c3 nonprofit organization guided by its mission to ignite social awareness and change through dance performance, education, and engagement, with a vision of redefining who engages with dance and how. Founded by a Korean immigrant, Hui Poos sought to challenge societal perceptions of what dance companies look like and their artistic content. As a result, RACE has redefined the traditional dance company structure and organizational models by developing a collective of creative leaders and professional dancers that evolve throughout the performance season. By doing this, RACE amplifies diverse voices within the community, ensuring representation on stage and in creative projects.

Through its efforts to grow and retain the arts sector in OKC, RACE has produced over 40 full-length shows, reached over 10,000 audience members, hired over 500 local artists, and offers 600 drop-in professional adult dance classes annually, engaging with nearly 1000 unique participants. RACE also partners with dozens of organizations to create accessible arts programming within its local community. Participants of RACE's programming affirm that RACE provides a professional dance experience where individuality is celebrated, rejecting the notion of a standardized dancer archetype. RACE is revered as a space where all dancers can learn and thrive, fostering connectivity, individuality, and empowerment.

Kirmani Zayan Montaocean Mocuepani-Xocitl Bax-Toh

Kirmani Zayan Montaocean Mocuepani-Xocitl Bax-Toh is a Pipil Mesoamerican dancer, instructor, and cultural bearer with over 26 years of ceremonial and traditional dance experience. Trained formally and through ancestral lineage, her dances are pre-colonial, spiritually rooted, and passed through generations, honoring both North and South Indigenous traditions.

She is a graduate of the Institute of American Indian Arts and Culture, holding degrees in Museum Studies and Three-Dimensional Art, with a specialization in repatriation. Kirmani is also a retired U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant, where she served as an aircraft mechanic, and currently serves as Director of Projects in Oklahoma for the Institute of Natural and Traditional Knowledge (INTK), founded by her late mother, Dr. Kaiya Montaocean.

Her work centers on cultural preservation, Indigenous education, ceremonial integrity, and creating safe, respectful spaces for Indigenous expression. Every feather in her regalia is earned, and every dance is offered with intention, prayer, and responsibility to the ancestors and future generations.

Eterna Primavera

Eterna Primavera Guatemalan folklore group is led by Guatemalan dancer and choreographer Hilda De León Xavier. She has resided in Oklahoma for over 25 years and over the years she has had many kids as part of her group. Most members of the group have Latin-American roots given their parents come from countries such as Guatemala and Mexico.

Hilda originally formed the group to teach young girls and boys her own Guatemalan folklore. In a short amount of time, the group’s popularity and success has soared, and they have expanded their choreographies. The young group has performed in weddings and Quinceañeras events, as well as in many Oklahoma cultural events such as St. Patrick Catholic Church’s Carnival, Holy Angel Catholic Church Dia de Los Niños, United Nations Association of Oklahoma, Guatemalan Independence Day, and Festival de las Americas. For more information about classes or performance availability please contact Hilda De Leon Xavier at liseth21@yahoo.co.in

Imelda Juarez Thompson

Imelda Juarez Thompson was born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico where she was surrounded by music which helped her to develop into the multi-talented artist she is today. Her mother, father, and grandfather were all singers. In addition to her performances of traditional Mexican music, her love of the arts led her to graduate from the High Couture School of Design at the Yaneem Institute in Tijuana, Mexico. Imelda extended her range into painting by studying with the Art Institute of America in 2001, and also has combined her costume designs with paint. One of her costume creations won first place nationwide in 2010 at the Simplicity Company in New York City. Currently she works in musicals as costume designer for community theatre and high schools, and also for large groups of dancers in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas.

Classen School of Advanced Studies at Northeast

Classen School of Advanced Studies at Northeast is located on the east side of Oklahoma City. This visual and performing arts school is ranked the number one public school in the state of Oklahoma. Students in ninth thru twelfth grade have the opportunity to take elective courses as part of their daily curriculum. Classen SAS at NE offers a Flamenco course students can take. This course is taught by Erika Vasquez, who is one of two dance directors at Classen SAS. The flamenco course is taught through history, technique, guest artists, and community performances. The course takes a more contemporary/westernized twist in the teachings of Flamenco, the appreciation of the cultural traditions of Flamenco and its duende is taught through text, citizens of Spain, and the invitation of other Flamenco artists who also appreciate the genre and want to share its raw beauty with our students who take this course for one year.

Hurrey-UP Cultural Arts Initiative, LLC

Hurrey-UP Cultural Arts Initiative, LLC produces performing arts programming with “a cultural slant and two-tablespoons of soul”. We create artistic works that speak beyond language. With our major focus being on youth empowerment through the performing arts, the company produces stage works with culturally infused elements where the audience feels our sense of artistic passion through our performances. We work with extreme diligence to strengthen the awareness of cultural theatre, theatre-in-education, and its positive impact on society and culture.

Under the direction of Ayinde Hurrey, son of The Last Poets’ original percussionist, Raymond “Nilaja” Hurrey, the company produces play productions, films, masterclasses, African dance, and African drumming. HUPCAI seeks to offer a fully engaging, tangible, hands-on theatrical experience with our audiences. The company’s aim is to continuously lean forward, engage, “and move UP”, in order to use the power of the performing arts to change the world for the better.