Creatures of Culture was Zoo-riffic

This Saturday we spent, basically the entire day, at the Philadelphia Zoo as part of the Creatures of Culture series that they are kicking off this weekend. This first focus is on Asia and the Pacific Islands - to experience different cultures and animals from around the world through performances, demonstrations, etc. Well, the Chinese Folk Dance Troop was offered a chance to perform and the "little girls" got to perform as well!

The highlight may have been the fact that Mom Mom, Pop Pop, and 3 of Madeline's cousins came to watch her perform in front of everyone. She was so excited! Of course I was a proud Mama at how well she did. The "little girls" troop ranges in age from 5-10 yrs old and Madeline is the youngest. I'll admit a lot of the time she'd be just as happy as jumping in place on the stage than doing the actual dance, but she's getting better at doing the dance and following along - I think it's mostly because she wants to learn how to do the fan and ribbon dances and I told her she has to prove she can do the dances she's been taught before she can learn new ones.


The "little girls" performed 3 dances, this being the first one... Props are always a big hit with the kids. Watching them practice with the handkerchiefs can be amusing.

The troop based from the Chinese American Community Center had 5 dances in total. There were other performers from other organizations as well all throughout the day. The other thing Madeline wanted to see was the Lion dancers - she *LOVES* the Lion dance.

This was Miss Dahlie trying to get the girls organized before heading up on stage...


Now, it may look as though I'm taking pictures from behind the stage, but really, this is how the dance starts.


I don't know if she was more excited about performing or that she got to wear lipstick as part of her costume. Oh, and no, I did NOT french braid her hair. I spent 30 freaking minutes trying to do it - 2 french braids, one on each side and it looked horrible. Finally Madeline said I should just let one of the other Mom's do it - heh. And you know what? That's exactly what I did!


Mom Mom and Pop Pop brought Gulian, Gavin and Grant to the zoo so once all of the performance stuff was over - we all went around to see the animals!

Madeline was excited to see one of the birds so close to her.


Madeline and her pal - if there was a statue to climb on....she climbed on it and asked for her picture to be taken with it. Don't worry, I'll spare you all of the pictures and just stop at this one. =)

We had a good, but tiring day & were glad to see everyone!