Celebrating the Vibrant Tapestry of Asian Arts and Culture in Tallahassee

The Asian Coalition of Tallahassee, led by the visionary artist Aurora Torres-Hansen, is set to captivate the community with the annual Experience Asia Festival on September 28th at Tom Brown Park. This vibrant celebration showcases the artistic ambition and cultural richness of Asian artists, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in the diverse tapestry of Asian arts and traditions.

Unraveling the Tapestry of Asian Arts and Culture

Embracing the Diversity of Asia

Spanning a vast geographical expanse of 31,033,131 km² and home to approximately 59% of the world's population, Asia is a continent of unparalleled diversity. From the distinct regions of Central, East, North, South, Southeast, and West Asia, the arts and culture of these areas have blended and influenced one another, creating a truly unique Asian experience that encompasses art, architecture, music, literature, lifestyle, philosophy, food, politics, and religion.The Asian Coalition of Tallahassee (ACT) celebrates this rich tapestry, uniting the Asian communities in the Big Bend Area and showcasing the beauty that Asian culture contributes to the world. Established in 2004 by a group of dedicated community members, including Clyde Diao, Aurora Torres-Hansen, and then-mayor John Marks, the ACT has grown to become a thriving organization that brings high-quality, family-friendly activities to the city.

The Driving Force Behind the Experience Asia Festival

At the heart of the Experience Asia Festival is the unwavering commitment and artistic vision of Aurora Torres-Hansen. As a resident of Tallahassee for the past 35 years, Torres-Hansen has been a driving force in the local arts and cultural scene, actively involved in organizations such as the Florida State University's Asian Student Union, the North Florida Hispanic Association, Cooper-Morgan Dance Theater Summer Intensive, Tallahassee State College Dance Company, and, of course, the Asian Coalition of Tallahassee.Torres-Hansen's dedication to the community is evident in her work, as she strives to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures represented in Tallahassee. "The common thread that connects these organizations is that everyone goes home with a better understanding of the different cultures that are represented in our community," she explains.

From the Philippines to the Stages of Tallahassee

Torres-Hansen's own journey has been shaped by her rich cultural heritage and her lifelong passion for the arts. Growing up in the Philippines, she was immersed in a family of musicians, learning to play the piano, marimba, and ukulele from a young age. At the age of 7, she joined the renowned Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company, which exposed her to the world of dance and the opportunity to perform for dignitaries such as Lyndon Johnson, Princess Sirikit of Thailand, Richard Nixon, and Jerry Lewis.After receiving her degrees in Science Journalism/Mass Communications and Dance from Iowa State University, Torres-Hansen continued to hone her craft, working with renowned dance artists like Greta Monserrat Aguilar, Joji Felix Velarde, Libertad Fajardo, Lucrecia Ursula, and Geoffrey Holder. It was a pivotal encounter with Holder that solidified her love for dance, as he encouraged her to continue pursuing her passion, telling her, "You must continue to dance. You were meant to dance."

From the Stage to the Classroom and Beyond

Torres-Hansen's dedication to the arts extended beyond the stage, as she became a certified dance instructor of Ballet and Movement. She brought her expertise to Tallahassee's Parks and Recreation, providing dance education to the community. However, her activism evolved when she witnessed the disturbing rise in incidents of Asian individuals being targeted due to their ethnicity."It was a rude awakening for me when a man put his pointer finger on my chest and said, 'Get out of my America,'" recalls Torres-Hansen. "That incident empowered me to work against subtle racist comments." For her, education is the key to addressing these issues, and she relishes the opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions with her students about dance, community, and activism.

The Experience Asia Festival: Celebrating the Heartbeat of the Asian Community

As the driving force behind the Experience Asia Festival, Torres-Hansen's passion for supporting Asian artists is as strong as her own artistic expression. She recognizes that the success of the ACT is not solely her own, but the result of the collective efforts of the many members who have helped shape the organization over the years.This year's Experience Asia Festival, presented by ACT and co-sponsored by the City of Tallahassee and generous sponsors, promises to be a vibrant celebration of Asian arts and culture. The event will feature a diverse lineup of local, national, and international performers, as well as arts, crafts, demonstrations, exhibits, and a children's play area with games from different Asian countries.As the Asian community in Tallahassee continues to thrive, the Experience Asia Festival stands as a testament to the power of unity, education, and the transformative potential of the arts. Under the leadership of Aurora Torres-Hansen and the dedicated members of the Asian Coalition of Tallahassee, this annual celebration promises to captivate and inspire all who attend, leaving them with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich tapestry of Asian arts and culture.