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India is rich in cultural history and the arts. Dance is one of the most common and relevant aspects of the arts being integrated into one’s daily lifestyle. Classical Indian dance plays an essential role in many spiritual and entertainment oriented performances. The folk dances of India are just as important and are the ones that are incorporated into regular life. Most of the folk dances consist of simple movements and basic cultural themes. These dances are most often seen at social gatherings such as weddings and festivals. They are also incorporated into life celebrations, such as the birth of a child. In many dances, men and women will dance together, while in others, they are limited to men or women only. They often involve singing and are usually accompanied by instruments. 5 star hotels Goa are an excellent resource for information on where a dance may take place and the nature of its theme.

One of the common folk dances, Koli, derives its name from Goa and the local fisher people. This tradition is known for the same reason the people are, the lively nature of their personalities and dances. These dances generally involve a specific focus, the sea and fishing, which makes obvious sense as it is also tied to the most common occupation, which is also what the village was known for. This dance is performed by both men and women who are separated into two groups. The larger of the two groups represents the background of the story. They work in pairs and their movements indicate the flow of waves and the rowing of boats. The smaller group is also broken into pairs. These pairs articulate the main story of the dance, which usually involves the Kolin (the fisherwoman) advancing on the Koli (the fisherman). This is a ritual oriented dance that is symbolic to the locals and fascinating to tourists.

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Mauritius part the Mascarne Islands is located off the east coast of Africa. The tropical climate which exhibits a warm dry climate from spring to fall and hot, wet and humid for the remainder of the year.  The island is well known for its natural beauty. Author Mark Twain for example, noted in ‘Following the Equator’ his personal travelogue, “You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius”.

The capital and largest city on the island is Port Louis, located on the northwest corner of the island. Originally settled by the Dutch in 1638, it became an item of contention between the powerful European countries, France and England.  Under the French reign of power a flourishing economy was created by the cultivation of sugar. Like many other countries with that grow sugar, rum production became a secondary and very important source of revenue for the Island of Mauritius.  Mauritius won its independence in 1968 and since then has focused upon the expansion and diversification of their economy. As of 2009, the financial services industry, small manufacturing and tourism industry are still experiencing growth.

A paradise for those who want to enjoy the sea or just to soak up the sun, the beaches have become a popular destination for vacationers. There are many types of accommodations ranging from a guest rooms to the five star hotels Mauritius. Grand Bay, one of the first areas of the island developed for tourism, is a shopping & leisure delight. It is also an area most popular with the locals who consider it the place for a vibrant nightlife.  Ile aux Cerfs is perfect for those who prefer to be physically active. There are many water sports available and it has one of the most beautiful beaches. This is an area that must be seen and experienced.

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David Earl is a South African pianist and composer of international recognition and fame. He was born in 1951 in Stellenbosch and made his professional debut at the age of 16, while he was still a student at the Rondebosch Boy’s High School. This premiere was comprised of a concert being broadcast by the South African Broadcasting Corporation. The concert included works by Bach, Chabrier, and Chopin. In 1968 he made his premiere performance with the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra during which he played Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Then in 1971 he moved to London where he studied at the Trinity College of Music. His instructors included Jacob Kaletsky and Richard Arnell. He was recognized by The Times for his first recital at Wigmore Hall, for which it noted that he was powerful and stylish. Following this, the Greater London Arts Association selected him as one of the Young Musicians of the Year in 1975.

His debut as a composer also occurred at Wigmore Hall, when he presented his Piano Suite No. 1 Mosaics in 1977. Earl has become known and respected around the world for his musicianship and his work as a composer. He never lost touch with his ties with the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra, who was fundamental in his early development and continues to be part of his professional career. The Cape Town Symphony Orchestra has helped to launch more careers than Earl’s. One of the organization’s major interests is in education and developing music appreciation skills in youth. Earl returned to perform with the orchestra in 2007 when he performed as the solo pianist for the Cape Town Summer Music Festival’s opening ceremony. The festival also featured the world premiere of Earl’s Piano Concerto No. 2. The festival attracted locals and guests from out of town alike. Many tourists were in attendance, having heard about the festival while staying in one of the Cape Town South Africa hotels.

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One aspect of Thai culture that is often overlooked by Western visitors when making travel plans is the country’s vibrant performing arts scene. Bangkok, in particular, has a strong focus on performance and entertainment. The scene offers everything from local community theatre productions to major touring companies and high budget productions. Studio 9, is an excellent example of Thai performance at a moderate price.

Studio 9 has its home in the Patravadi Theatre, which has been in existence for more than 10 years. Billing itself as Dining By The River, the space is the latest studio offering of the Theatre and includes for its patrons a magnificent evening view of the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace is one of the most enchanting complexes of buildings in Bangkok. It has housed the kings of Thailand since the 18^th century and serves as a major landmark to the city and country. Any traveler to Thailand seeking luxury accommodations in one of the five star hotels Bangkok would be remiss to not seek out this unique and charming theatre space. Studio 9 has the distinction of showcasing some of Thailand’s most distinguished artists, as well as the up and coming, performers. Its range of genres is diverse, offering dance, puppetry, music, theatre and more every Saturday. There is also an open rehearsal on Fridays and Sundays where audiences have the privilege of witnessing first hand how the magic all comes together.

The Patradavi Theatre continues is standard of excellent entertainment with the addition of Studio 9. It remains a unique fusion of performance and dining along the river. The theatre is most known for its presentation of shows with traditional Thai roots, but also focuses on international styles. It hosts the annual Bangkok International Fringe Festival, which features among its many performances a special engagement of contemporary Thai dance. The theatre is so prestigious that the name has become synonymous with performing arts. Patravadi Mejudhon is the founder and artistic director of the company. She has been a pioneering and driving force on the Bangkok arts scene for many years. She opened the doors to the Patradavi in 1992.

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The Singapore Short film festival is an entire festival dedicated to showing short films. It is hosted by the Substation, which is the city’s only multi-disciplinary alternative arts space. The Substation was founded in 1990 by the late Kuo Pao Kun, and was the first independent contemporary arts space. It is located in Singapore’s civic district and surrounded by many of the 5 star Singapore hotels. Co-Artistic Directors Audrey Wong and Lee Weng Choy work closely with the Associated Artists, and through the years have worked with some of Singapore’s most highly acclaimed artists.

The Substation has many venues for diverse activities, such as a black box theatre, a dance studio and art gallery. They have two multi-function classrooms and a Random Room for experimental and other events. They often collaborate with other companies and artists in the presentation of a wide variety of programs. The dance studio hosts traditionally trained dancers to local rock bands. The gallery features the work of established visual artists and helps to promote new work and fresh poets. There is strong focus on the development of new and experimental theatre, while also hosting conferences on Singapore arts and culture. The Short Film Festival is a popular and diverse event.

The site of the Substation alludes to its previous manifestation, a power sub-station. It is an historic building, constructed in 1926. The power sub-station ended its activities in the 1970s and the building remained vacant for many years. In the 1880s new ways to develop and explore the Singapore arts and culture scene were a primary focus of the Ministry of Community Development. Kuo Pao Kun submitted a proposal for the building to be transformed into a performance arts space in 1986. It was the first building to be recognized under the Art’s Council’s “Arts Housing Scheme.”

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For Singaporeans, going shopping is a pastime everyone enjoys.  This activity takes second place as the favorite pastime for the nation, only to eating.  As food and the preparation of food is so linked with not only everyday nutritional needs, but is one of the most important elements of festivals, celebrations, and holidays spiritual or secular in nature.  There seems to be no end to the diversity of stores and products available on the island.  From the small boutiques in five star Singapore hotels, to the large malls and market places such as Orchard Road.  One of the most anticipated event will occur soon.  During the months of June and July, an annual event takes place that has not only enticed those in South East Asia, but international shoppers and bargain hunters as well, many traveling from Europe and the United States to take part in the fun.  That event is the Great Singapore Sale.  Products, designer clothing…any range of items that are sold in market places are drastically marked down.  These are items that are genuinely marked down, and as a result, is often worth the travel expenses to get there.

In addition to the market place, high-end antique dealers mark down rugs and fine furniture.  Christie’s and Sotheby’s host special events and invitation only parties wherein in there are deals on such items as fine jewelry, paintings and sculpture.  Most of the shops and venues are open longer hours to accommodate the amount of shoppers, and as the crime rate is extremely low and security has never been an issue, foreigners need not worry about being out on the city streets after nightfall.  While the tax on purchased items is 3%, once a traveler exceeds $300, a waiver may be obtained and they will be issued a refund.  And as not usually the case with sale items, most shop owners and merchants do accept exchanges and refunds.  And for those purchasing large amounts of items there are various shipping companies that specialize in international shipment and are very accustomed to this two busy months of sales galore in Singapore.

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The creator of the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, Dick Zigun had stated that the island better hold on.  He promises the most bizarre circus show of strange oddballs and outrageous freaks the audiences of Coney Island has every seen.  However, John Strong the 3rd, famous in the traveling freak show circuit but new to Brooklyn, said basically in response, to “bring what you’ve got”.  Criticizing Zigun’s circus, he called it a “show” with a bunch of weird animals, but only one human performer.  Zigun responded by saying there are many human performers, but not one act involves animals.  The two were involved in quite a feud when the city of Brooklyn stepped in to announce that it would be neither circus on the island this summer.  Plans were announced for the more family friendly show put on year after year, none other than the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus.

Meanwhile, Joe Sitt, happens to be the New York developer who could become in charge of the future of the entire island and park.  The city has wanted to revitalize Coney Island for some time and fears that the freak shows will not allow that to happen.  Mr. Sitt is a patron of John Strong.  Mr. Sitt has also made proposals for his own ideas in the past, and his childhood friend is a city councilman, and the fear of Brooklyn is that this will affect the outcome of the decisions that will decide the future of Coney Island.  Many businesses have been evicted by Mr. Sitt already, including the boutiques and five star hotels of New York, the batting cages and one of the amusement parks.  Fears remain that he will eventually be responsible for turning the once vibrant tourist spot and one of the most beloved neighborhoods of New York, into a desolated ghost town of empty buildings and fading colors.  Meanwhile, the site for the Ringling Brothers Circus has been moved to an abandoned lot and the Strong Freak Show will run from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

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During the beginning of the 1990′s, the Bay at Cardiff in Wales, propositions and ideas were set forth in what was to become the redevelopment and reconstruction project for the city.  One such idea was to become the new home for the famous and internationally respected Welsh National Opera.  The company had previously held performances at New Theater, but had yet to fine a permanent residences.  What is know a well known performing arts center in Cardiff Bay, the Cardiff Bay Opera House was still just an idea during the early 90′s.  The Development Corporation for Cardiff Bay held an international competition for designers and architects interested in tackling what was considered a central and crucial aspect of the entire area’s renovation.  Zaha Hadi, and architect from Iraq was awarded the honor of creating, what was nick-named by the press as the Crystal Necklace.  However, the financial backing fell through and Hadi’s vision never came to fruition.  The organization which allocates funding for the city is the Millennium Commission.  And the Commission did not approve the project.

So the trust for the Opera set upon creating another competition, inviting once again, international architects to submit designs.  The Opera House Trust would decide on the design winner after a two round competitions.  Again, the first round was won by none other than Zaha Hadi.  She beat out for the second time, over 250 other designers.  However, her design was considered a bit modern and radical, and she was asked tocollaborate with a well known company.  Revised designs were submitted and for the third time Ms. Hadi’s design was chosen.  However, while her original design was praised by the media, this time she was attacked as presenting elitist designs and the project failed to attain the support of the city council of Cardiff.  The Council was a huge supporter of the Millennium Stadium, a project applying for funding during the same time, and the Stadium won the bid.  For the modern Cardiff hotel and business, this was a disappointment as Hadi’s design was modern, but not elitist and the Council as well as the Commission were viewed as provincial and old school in their thought and ideas concerning art and architecture.  The people of the city were hoping for the modernized building as so many in London are being constructed and revitalizing the energy of the city.  An overall Arts Center was opened in 2004, and while the Opera does perform here, it is not what was hoped for nor envisioned.

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