From dance to drumming, Dollywood’s Festival of Nations presented by Humana celebrates rhythms of the world with three new shows and the return of the all-new Imaginé presented by Le Grand Cirque at the international celebration, which started March 27 and lasts through April 26, 2010.
“For Dollywood’s 25th anniversary season, I’ve brought three new shows—DRUM!, Jallmay and Invaders—along with a brand new Imaginé show to get my silver celebration off to a spectacular start,” Dolly Parton said. “We’ve got the best dancing and music and entertainment for the entire family, and Festival of Nations is just the beginning!”
Dollywood marks its 25th year of operation this season. Daily celebrations and special guest recognition moments are planned throughout the season to mark the occasion. Additional 25th anniversary attractions include a showcase of Parton’s ensembles worn at park appearances, showcased at her Chasing Rainbows Museum, while the Hall of Memories in the Valley Exhibition Hall is devoted to historic park photographs and memorabilia.
The monthlong Festival of Nations entertainment lineup includes DRUM! From Nova Scotia, the 45-minute show features a captivating cast of 20 musicians, dancers, drummers, and singers combined in a heart-pumping fusion of music, dance, poetry, video, rhythm and song representing the Aboriginal, Black, Celtic and Acadian cultures. Peru’s striking South American rhythms are showcased in Jallmay, complete with 28 dancers and musicians who share the country’s rich musical heritage, from ancient mountain civilizations to modern street beats. The intriguing Invaders present lively island rhythms performed by an ensemble steel orchestra whose repertoire includes the sounds of Trinidad and Tobago with gospel, salsa, calypso, pop, reggae and American big band tunes. Also new is Jana Broder & Drum Magic (April 7-12), a unique show that relies on audience participation in a drum circle to create a community song on individual hand drums.
Other countries represented during the festival include Ecuador, Zambia, France and Canada.
The mesmerizing Imaginé presented by Le Grand Cirque returns to DP’s Celebrity Theatre to headline the festival with a brand-new show, complete with several new acts including one set to Parton’s “Celebrate the Dreamer in You,” an anthem she wrote to commemorate Dollywood’s 25th anniversary. The spellbinding show’s international cast of world-champion acrobats and performers offer a 45-minute showcase of pole climbing, contortionists, hoop diving, unicycle, silk ropes, the diablo, and much more. For more information, visit www.dollywood.com.
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Escape to the Smoky Mountains 