The 23rd Annual Dancing Poetry Festival, 2016, was held from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Florence Gould Theater in the Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, CA. Eleven acts and events were interlaced with 28 poets reading prize winning poetry. Poets came from as far away as Australia.
The Dancing Poetry Festival is presented by Artists Embassy International and hosted by Natica and Richard Angilly's Poetic Dance Theater Company. The program is created each year around three grand prize winning poems, and embellished with additional acts and contest prize winners presenting their poetry in an elegant, artistic setting.
Photos were taken by George Holly, Bob Hickman and Loreen Abbott. Photos were selected and edited by Judy Hardin Cheung
|
 |
| Entering the Dancing Poetry Festival in the Florence Gould Theater of the Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, people are met by friendly poets in an elegantly baroque setting. |
|
|
 |
| Poets check in with Judy Cheung and have time to chat with other poets |
|
|
 |
| Early arrivals can watch the last minute stage rehearsals of various groups |
|
|
 |
| We were welcomed by our colorful MC, Raoul Epling |
|
|
 |
| Raoul graces us with a different tuxedo for every act. |
|
|
 |
| His tuxedos included the outlandish, like this one full of feathers. |
|
|
 |
| and others with an unusual, sparkly design. |
|
|
 |
| Raoul's tuxedos are made by Akira of Japan who stood for an introductory bow. |
|
|
 |
| The show opened with Natica and Richard Angilly's Poetic Dance Theater Company performing a medley of 3 poems by Richard Angilly: "Organic Music"... |
|
|
 |
| ..."The Dance You Are"... |
|
|
 |
| ...and "Welcome the Dragonfly." |
|
|
 |
| Bow for the opening medley. |
|
|
 |
| Kathleen McClung, San Francisco, CA, read her "Whistle Keepers, 1883." |
|
|
 |
| Claire J. Baker, Pinole, CA, read "Yes." |
|
|
 |
| Claire J. Baker receives her award from Judy Hardin Cheung, Dancing Poetry Chairperson. MC Raoul Epling watches from the podium in still another exciting tuxedo. |
|
|
 |
| The Redwood Empire Chinese Association Intermediate Cultural Dancers performed a beautiful Umbrella Dance. |
|
|
 |
| The dancers, ages 7-12, performed a medley of poem excerpts: "Spring Dreams" by Meng Hao-Jan, "Refuge Among Parasols" by Leon Datu I, and "Spring in Tokyo" by Robert Hinshaw. |
|
|
 |
| The girls take their final pose. |
|
|
 |
| Rena Lopata from Kew, Victoria, Australia, read her "Walk the Land." |
|
|
 |
| Bonnie Goldenberg, Thousand Oaks, CA, read "Envy." |
|
|
 |
| Jabez W. Churchill, Ukiah, CA, read "Dandelions." |
|
|
 |
| Tatseena's Serpent Sirens Dancers, Dublin,CA, performed "Big Blue," a poem written and read by Tatseena. |
|
|
 |
| There are many aspects to the sea--billowing waves and water-draped rocks hiding mysteries. |
|
|
 |
| Tatseena read of mermaids. |
|
|
 |
| Bow for "Big Blue" |
|
|
 |
| Constantina Clark, Wanesville, OH, reads "A Prayer." |
|
|
 |
| Kay Renz, Santa Rosa, CA, read "Disconnecting." |
|
|
 |
| Dave Holt, Concord, CA, "The Blessings of Doing Without." |
|
|
 |
| Toni Poll-Sorensen, Colfax, WI, read her grand prize winning poem, "Just Breathe." |
|
|
 |
| "... Just Breath in your beloved ancestors..." |
|
|
 |
| "...Tiny helpers to fill your essence/Every breath the breath of others..." |
|
|
 |
| "...Part of our Universal nature/To stimulate your being..." |
|
|
 |
| Toni Poll-Sorensen was also presented with the Artists Embassy Book Award for her poetry book which she gave copies to all of the dancers as a special surprise in our program during her photo op stage appearence with the dancers. |
|
|
 |
| "San Francisco Peace and Hope Anthology was given an AEI book award for their new edition of their anthology on the website www.peaceandhopeinsanfrancisco |
|
|
 |
| Editor Elizabeth Hack from San Francisco is congratulated by Richard and Natica Angilly who were included in the work with their poetry and artworks. |
|
|
 |
| Alisha Rodregues, Tetonia, ID, performed her poem, "Sounds of Joy." |
|
|
 |
| Alisha Rodrigues with "Sounds of Joy." |
|
|
 |
| Garrett Murphy received an AEI medal presented by Judy Hardin Cheung for poetry of consistent excellence on social comentary. |
|
|
 |
| Garrett Murphy read his prize winning "Exit Strategy Simplistic." |
|
|
 |
| MC Raoul Epling shakes hands with an old friend, Laverne Frith, who has won a prize in nearly every Dancing Poetry Contest for the past 23 years. |
|
|
 |
| Laverne Frith, Sacramento, read his "With Duende, The Derived Force." |
|
|
 |
| Carol Frith, Sacramento, CA, reads "Reading Hellenistic History at 9 AM." |
|
|
 |
| Tanya Joyce, Emeryville, CA, read her Grand Prize winning poem, "In Case You Have Not Visited Before." |
|
|
 |
| "...Intelligence rises on the winds./Birds tell stories, animals keep rhythm...." |
|
|
 |
| "...Great powers rise, visible in clouds./From flowers, cones, and the sap of trees/Fragrances manifest..." |
|
|
 |
| Stage bow for Tanya Joyce after the performance of "In Case You Have Not Visited Before." |
|
|
|
|