Arts Getaway provides taste of Middle East

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- The Council For The Arts in New Ulm expanded its cultural horizons Saturday night, with its Arts Getaway 2001 at the New Ulm Armory.

After the public sampled some Middle East and Irish food and drink, the merriment began with the Raks Sharqi Dance Company, headquartered in Austin.

Dancers performed at dinner tables before taking the stage, first as a group, then individually, in the ambient light of the newly-refurbished Armory.

Viewers displayed their appreciation of the entertainment by clapping in unison.

Dancer Anita Isenor of Blooming Prairie said the group is often taught by Middle East natives who elect not to perform in public because they are too shy.

Isenor said the dancers have performed at The Renaissance Fair near Shakopee, and at county fairs and schools in southern Minnesota.

The company will perform at the Mankato Mardi Gras Dinner at St. Joseph's Church in March and the Mankato History Fair at Jack McGowan's farm in May.

Several of the dancers are from Mankato. One, Jennifer Jutz, is formerly from New Ulm.

Isenor said the dance company is always looking for new dancers. Classes are available at Riverland Community College in Austin and at Sun Moon Studio in Mankato.

Jerilyn Kjellberg of New Ulm, a former CANU board member, said she saw the dance company at Art in the Park in Owatonna last summer and was very impressed.

"They drew a lot of attention when they danced in Central Park in Owatonna. I thought it would be wonderful to add them to our cultural entertainment," Kjellberg said. "The Armory was a great place to have the event, too. I'm pleased with the crowd. It's certainly a new experience for New Ulm."

Christina Hopp of New Ulm, a CANU board member, said the January event is the group's biggest event of the year. It is designed to help people avoid the winter doldrums.

Hopp said CANU will begin planning next January's event this spring.

The husband and wife team of Charlie and Anne Heymann performed Celtic music and dance following the Raks Sharqi Dance Company.

The Heymanns have been aired on Minnesota Public Radio Live and have gained international fame.