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Addison Trail dance show raises international awareness

Posted April 06, 2009 11:00 pm

By Elisabeth Mistretta

Jaspreet Kaur, left, and Mayra Radilla take part in an Indian dance as part of the International Fest Dance Show at Addison Trail High School. The annual dance show culminates the school's International Fest Week. Bev Horne | Staff Photographer

Technically, the student performers at Addison Trail High School began preparing at the beginning of the school year.

But, in a way, they've been practicing their whole lives.

More than 160 students showed off their cultural traditions recently during Addison Trail's International Fest Dance Show, "Inviting the World In." The show was the finale of the school's 21st Annual International Fest Week, which includes events like a door-decorating contest to represent a different countries around the world, guest speakers, and "Mix It Up" day, where students are encouraged to sit and eat lunch at a different table with people they do not know.

Donning colorful costumes and dancing to world music at the show, students in 17 acts showed off choreography from their own heritage or tried dancing to routine outside of their own tradition.

The show annually raises funds for a service project and, this year, donations will benefit Pennies For Peace. This nonprofit organization promotes peace through education in the Middle East.

Students use candles as part of a Filipino dance during International Fest Dance Show at Addison Trail High School. Bev Horne | Staff Photographer

Students perform a Polish dance for International Fest Dance Show at Addison Trail High School. Students began practicing for the annual show at the start of the school year. Bev Horne | Staff Photographer

Students perform an Italian Chicken Dance during International Fest Dance Show at Addison Trail High School. Proceeds from the annual show benefit a different service project each year. This year's beneficiary is Pennies for Peace. Bev Horne | Staff Photographer

Sophomores Daniel Delatorre, left, and Jose Hurtado perform rodeo rope tricks for preshow entertainment at Addison Trail High School's International Fest Dance Show. The show included hundreds of student dancers. Bev Horne | Staff Photographer

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