One World Center for Dance and Cultural Arts
Mission
One World Center for Dance and Cultural Arts is a nomadic experience of world dance, music, culinary traditions, and language - focused on providing the world's rich diversity to people of all ages, including teenagers and children, as a shared experience - although our home base is Los Angeles, we can create events anywhere and offer immersive retreats around the world.
Founded by Winter Reign, a mother of two, our center believes that through sharing a multigenerational experience of music, dance and cultural traditions, we can celebrate our diversity as well as discovering our beautiful common threads. Winter is also the founder and director of Holistic Retreats, connecting people with immersive, healing and fun experiences around the world.
“It was like taking a trip around the world, but all I had to do was drive 20 minutes, and I think it broadened my understanding culturally of what different people experience. In a way, I kind of thought there are so many of us that have these heritages or know someone with these heritages and I have a bigger appreciation for what their family life might be like, just from the dancing. Just by experiencing the rhythm of it, all this other information became part of the understanding as well.” - A.F. after attending the 4 week Fall series with her 7 year old son
Upcoming World Dance Events
With each event, participants will be introduced to a traditional or classical form of dance/music from a different region in the world, by a teacher specializing in the subject presented. Events include a demonstration, small lecture about the history of the dance form as well as an introductory lesson for everyone to experience. Adults without children are welcome. No dance experience necessary. Best for participants to know their left from right and be attentive to teachers. Ages 6 and up are welcome.
Our events took a pause during the pandemic, but we look forward to resuming with the following events. Scroll down to see some of our past events.
Indian Folk Dances Workshop - Topanga, CA
Let us know if your are interested
Folk dances are found throughout India, where they are an important part of life. There are folk dances for religious festivals, vocational celebrations, social events, and entertainment. In the U.S., people of Indian descent maintain their traditions of holding folk dances at weddings and festivals. There are also many folk dance competitions during the year, put on by various Indian associations. With all this activity, Indian folk dances are quite alive in the U.S.
Folk dances let you learn more about India's diverse traditions. And if you're artistically inclined, folk dances give you opportunities for creative expression through choreography.
Most people dancing at Indian celebrations didn't learn the folk dances in classes. Indian folk dances have basic steps and movements that are easy to pick up. Youngsters learn by following others. As they get more practice, they add more complex steps and elegant movements, again learnt by imitation. Growing up in a community where folk dances are a part of various social events, this progression happens naturally. Experienced dancers develop an instinctive feel for the dance, and are graceful to watch.
Developing a feel for the music is an important part of being a good folk dancer. Fortunately, most of the music is upbeat and easy to enjoy, even if you don't understand the language. The "feel" that needs to be developed is for the spirit of the dance, that is, the response the dance elicits in dancers from the community where the dance originated. For this, it helps to know a little about the background of the dance, the region of its origin, and the lyrics of the song.
In this workshop we will cover a bit about the history of Indian folk dancing, the difference between regions, explain some of the music and lyrics and learn some choreography for everyone to participate in.
Sri Lankan Dance and Drumming Performance and Workshop - Downtown LA
Let us know if your are interested
Join us for this special presentation by the Sri Lankan Foundation presenting traditional and classical Sri Lankan dance and drumming.
Scottish Country Dancing - Topanga, CA
Let us know if your are interested
An afternoon with the Royal Scottish Country Dancing Society dancers of Los Angeles is so fun for all ages, we just keep bringing them back. This time in the Palisades.
Our events are for the whole family, which include friends and community. All genders alike.
Must be at least 6 years old and up to participate. Not a drop off.
Best for participants to know their left from right and be attentive to teachers.
$30 adult, single class (Please specify which class. No make ups for missed classes)
$20 youth under 18, single class (Please specify which class. No make ups for missed classes.)
Sliding scale available for families in need, upon availability and advanced request.
Advance payment available by Venmo: @Winter-Reign-1 or via Eventbrite
One World Center for Dance and Cultural Arts, with gratitude and in partnership with:
Rachana Upadhyay, director of Kathak Kala Academy
Director Roberta Gotfried of Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Los Angeles
Hasya Gibbons
Guru Sushma Mohan, director of Soorya Arts Academy
Casey Lee-Sims
Amelia Butler, Director of Learn Māori Abroad
Paulomi Pandit, Director of Rangashree Dances of India (US program)
Ouxun Jiang, Internal President of UCLA Chinese Cultural Dance Club (CCDC)
Erbelia Espejo, Founder and Director of Raices Peruanas
Corazon Performing Arts
Past Events
Traditional Peruvian Dance, Costume and Musical Instruments - A virtual presentation for K - 5 Private School program by Raices Peruanas of Pasadena. Private weblinks were provided to the staff, students and their families to enjoy a performance with traditional costume and live music and history of Peruvian instruments, along with a special link for history of the dances and a lesson for all to participate in. Some of the dances included the Valicha, Tondero and the popular Pío Pío.
Scottish Country Dancing - Another fun filled afternoon with the Royal Scottish Country Dancing Society dancers of Los Angeles, twirling, stepping and whirling with loads of laughter and great cheer!! A welcoming dance that can be picked up with relative ease, enough for us to enjoy a great time, whether you are 9 years old or 80! We will continue to offer Scottish Country Dancing every few months.
Chinese Dance Performance and Workshop - a special performance of Hua Mulan by the UCLA Chinese Cultural Dance Club, a centuries old tale, regularly performed, of the legendary female warrior that hides her identity to take her father’s place in the military. The dance drama provides a glimpse into Chinese dance that includes martial arts and feminine dance while discussing Mulan’s mixed identities. This was followed by an informative workshop on the source of Chinese Dance, which comes from the breath or “shen run” and dance workshop to the choreography of “Jasmine Flower (茉莉花 Pinyin: Mo Li Hua)”: The movements embody the gracefulness of the jasmine flower. Flowers, in traditional Chinese culture, are symbols used to represent and praise the beauty and delicacy of females. And also, “Heroic Dream (刀剑如梦 Pinyin: Dao Jian Ru Meng)”: This dance is composed of multiple stage poses. It shows the male figure that was praised in the traditional Chinese culture: brave, gallant, and good at fighting.
Chinese Cultural Dance Club at UCLA (CCDC) was founded in 2000 with the vision of sharing Chinese and Chinese American culture through dance. We provide free Chinese dance lessons to the UCLA community, including students, alumni, and juniors from the Families with Chinese from China Program. As a performance group, we work hard to provide professional-quality exhibitions to properly represent the rich cultural history and significance of each dance we showcase. People join CCDC to find their cultural roots, to seek a sense of belonging, or simply to make friends and have fun.
Māori Haka Workshop with indigenous Māori performer, dancer and choreographer, Amelia Butler from New Zealand. We learned about the meaning, history and cultural significance of the haka in New Zealand and Māori culture. How we can greet one another through recognizing our lineage and acknowledging our ancestors. And of course, all that goes into learning the haka, from the breathwork, to the language used, stance, hands, facial expressions, and power through body movements, voice, posture and connecting with others.
Amelia has been teaching and performing dance at an international level for over 20 years. Amelia moved to Los Angeles in 2008 to pursue a career in dance and has worked as a professional dancer in the LA entertainment industry. She founded and leads Los Angeles based traditional Māori performance group, Ngā Ānahera Māori, and teaches the Māori language via video chat through her company, Learn Māori Abroad. Amelia’s tribal affiliations are Ngātiwai, Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Awa. She is proud to share her culture here in the US. Stay tuned for a week long Māori Summer Camp!
Balinese Dance - Celebrating the auspicious date of 02.02.2020, with the guidance of renowned Balinese dancer and teacher Casey Lee, we were introduced to the beauty of the Balinese dance and storytelling culture of the Indonesian island of Bali. A culture that easily weaves in the joys of family life, food and spirituality. We tried on clothing, made an offering, watched videos of various performances, wrote our intentions and placed them in the altar, and of course did lots of dancing.
As a child, one of the things that most attracted Casey to Indonesian dance was the strong spiritual (not religious) component of the art. She found that learning to connect to a divine energy through dance gave her a strong foundation and sense of peace.
“I am blessed to be a part of a group of exceptional dancers, musicians, and teachers. Our purpose as a unit goes far beyond just advancing our art…In a sense, I feel it is my obligation to offer this opportunity to others to help find and nurture their passion if it so happens to be in dance. Also I just really love to teach!” Casey Buratwangi
Bharatanatyam. Dancers, teachers and elders of Soorya Arts Academy led us in a special immersive experience into the history, techniques and understanding the prayers of this classical dance of India, along with a Mrudangam, South Indian drum recital, woven with dance activities for all guests to participate in.
Soorya arts academy is an indian traditional dance and music school in Los Angeles. Classes are held at West Hills, Woodland Hills and Canoga Park. Students of all ages are are trained in Bharatanatyam, Carnatic vocal music and Mrudangam. SooryaFoundation
Flamenco & Sevillanas led by Flamenco dancer and teacher Hasya Gibbons, (granddaughter and protege of Flamenco dancer Gioia Tama Gianni, of whom Corazon Performing Arts is dedicated to), we learned the difference between Flamenco and Sevillanas. Sevillanas are choreographed pieces that are danced in many festivals throughout Spain, even by visiting foreigners.
As we were learning a sevillana choreography, Hasya asked the class if we were ready to do the steps on our own, without her help. A 7 year old boy said “I can!” and followed with a great demonstration. Stay tuned for a week long Summer Camp
Traditional Irish Dance led by one of Riverdance’s leading ladies, Sinéad McCafferty-Hosch TCRG, along with a couple of competitive Irish dancing children took us on a wonderful journey into the tradition of Irish dancing along with the competitive elements.
Sinead is an accomplished model, actress, multiple Oireachtas winner, top 10 World medal holder and one of Riverdance’s leading ladies.
We learned light jigs, drumming with our feet and coil dancing, where one steps and skips along with partners. We also saw some differences in costumes over the years, photos, music and an Irish elder took us on a historical tale of the origins of Irish dancing. Freshly baked Irish soda bread was served with Irish butters, cheese, cookies and an inspired herbal blend of tea (rose petals, nettles and lemon balm). Stay tuned for a week long Summer Camp
Scottish Country Dancing led by 6 members of the Royal Scottish Country Dancing Society with a fun filled afternoon of twirling, stepping and whirling with loads of laughter and great cheer!! It was a great practice in watching for your partner and following the music.
Everyone had such a great time that with the excitement of the children, stay tuned for our upcoming Scottish Country Dancing Socials! rscds.org
Traditional Persian Dance led by Nazanin Badiei who took us through various regions of Iran introducing the traditional dances such as Aazari, Kordi, and Shomali. We learned how the culture of each of the regions reflect in the movements. For example, the Shomali dances originating in the Caspian Sea coast, reflect the planting and harvesting of rice, of which that region is known for.
Families tried out the 6/8 rhythm, each using a Persian Daf drum and Nazanin had two of the children lead a little traditional Persian dance choreography.
Nazanin is currently writing a book on the subject and has a passion to demystify the dance form to those unfamiliar with it. dancetitute.com
Ancient Hula (Hula Kahiko) led by Kumu Chase Keoki Wang of Hula Hālau Nā Mamo O Panaʻewa. This ancient form of Hula is different from the modern form most people experience, with chants and dances led by percussion instruments made from gourds and bamboo. There is a significance to this dance and music form for it’s role in historical record keeping, prior to 1893, as well as it’s importance in maintaining the spoken language. We learned about the last queen of Hawaii, Lili’uokalani, as well as danced and sang to her. hhnmop.com
Kathak from India, led by Shweta Saraswat, PhD with the accompaniment of Pandit, Balmiki Sharma on harmonium and vocals. A journey through the origin of the dance, along with a summary of the storytelling aspects of the dance, including facial gestures and mudras (hand gestures). A clapping through of the 16 beat cycle and a lesson in a Vishnu Stuti. mykathak.com
One World Center
Our center is a moving experience, offering a variety of family events related to traditional world dances, music, food, language and cultural arts, throughout Los Angeles, most major cities and can be created as a virtual presentation. Please let us know your interest as it may influence our classes.