Community, Culture, and One Very Talented Cow

On May 2, International Dance Arts Collective (IDAC) was proud to serve as a sponsor and partner with the Rocklin Historical Society for the second annual Rocklin Heritage Street Faire on Historic Front Street in Rocklin, California.

The free community event celebrated local history, culture, and traditional arts through educational booths, artisans, music, dance, and hands-on activities. Visitors could learn from a stone carver, granite splitter, blacksmith, and many other historical booths while enjoying performances representing cultures from around the world.

The performance stage featured an incredible lineup of artists, including Halau Hula Pono, Rieko Drum and Dance, Tengfei Lion Dance, Fenix Drum and Dance, Ocelotacame, International Dance Arts Collective, and the American Dance Arts Collective Tour Band. Throughout the day, audience participation was encouraged, creating opportunities for community members to experience folk arts first hand rather than simply observe them.

One of the most meaningful moments for me came at the beginning of the program when one of our IDAC dancers, who is Native American, offered a land acknowledgement. It was a thoughtful reminder of the many stories and cultures that make up our shared history.

Of course, there was also a memorable unscripted moment. As I stepped on stage to teach the Patty Cake Polka and get the audience dancing, I looked out and saw the Chick-fil-A Cow enthusiastically waving at me. Naturally, I invited him on stage. To everyone's delight, the cow accepted the invitation and did a surprisingly good job dancing! It wasn't in the script, but it brought a lot of laughter and joy to the crowd.

What made me happiest, however, was seeing families enjoying traditional arts, music, and dance together. The sense of community was palpable throughout the day. The Rocklin Historical Society did a wonderful job making the event free and accessible, allowing people who may never have encountered folk arts before to participate and learn.

If we hope to grow the number of people who care about folk arts, we must first make them accessible. Events like the Rocklin Heritage Street Faire invite people in, spark curiosity, and create opportunities for connection. We are already looking forward to next year's Faire, which will take place on the first Saturday in May.

—Alexandra ShadleFounder & Artistic DirectorInternational Dance Arts Collective