By Sydney Williams
Danny Thien Le, Host
Danny Thien Le, Host
My name is Danny Thien Le, better known to some as “Dandiggity” and I am a proud Vietnamese American poet, writer, community organizer, and librarian hailing from San Jose, California. I am a product of my parents’ love and sacrifices, having escaped the aftermath of the American War in Vietnam and eventually coming to the United States where I was soon born, smack dab in the middle of suburban Oklahoma in October of 1981.
Much of my youth was spent being undulated by hours of MTV, cartoons, Black American culture, comic books, and working for my parents at our many small businesses. My personal identity emerged through my participation in Hip Hop culture, Bay Area raves, the global AAPI spoken word community, and the countless organizations, communities, and companies I have been a part of in the last two decades – Cukui, Universal Grammar, the Multicultural Arts Leadership Institute (MALI/Class 5), and Japantown San Jose.
How I “cultivate belonging, healing and harmony in America” is by taking time to listen and uplift everyone’s personal story. As a poet I amplify my own experiences in varying meters and cadences. As a public librarian I help diversify and celebrate literature, reading, and words in our public spaces. As a human being, I take my time to interact with our global citizenry and give each person the space to share a part of their saga, with respect and attentiveness.
RAPID FIRE:
- What’s your signature move on the dance floor?
I do a mean Pas De Bouree when I am in the groove of a great song or DJ. - Next place you’d like to travel to.
I am looking forward to exploring more of Europe or hitting up Australia. - Style icon.
It is a split between Hiroshi Fujiwara and Futura 2000. - What excites you most about the Mosaic Festival Silicon Valley?
I can’t wait to witness the blending of culture, music, and art from the diverse pool that is our home and being able to host the event also has its own perks.
Follow Danny on instagram @dandiggity and check out his linktree to keep up with his work against Anti-Asian Hate.
Kavita Patel, Yogini
Kavita Patel, Yogini
Yoga explores the union of the body, the mind and the breath. We are connected to a collective consciousness of being – a universal energy or light. We are a spark in the collective light of the universe and yoga is a joyful way to translate our spark here on earth.
The practice of yoga is beneficial to everyone in the family – kids, caretakers and teachers. It is often that these individuals do not have time or the resources to visit a yoga studio. Monkey Bear Yoga brings yoga into our shared spaces: public schools, parks, libraries and community gatherings, and soon, into the Mosaic Festival.
Did you know that children experience stress and anxiety just as adults do? Through movement, breathing techniques and imaginative play, children can begin to explore their authentic self, while benefiting caretakers and teachers as well. Together, we will create a unique space where children and adults can share each other’s company, free of expectations. Monkey Bear Yoga looks forward to welcoming you to our asana workshop at the festival.
RAPID FIRE:
- Go to yoga pose.
Adho Mukha Savasana or Downward Facing Dog. It stretches the hips, legs and spine and relaxes the low back. Best of all, it releases the head and neck allowing my busy mind to settle. I practice Adho Mukha Savasana several times throughout my day! - A quote you live by.
YOGAS CITTA VRTTI NIRODHAH
Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: Sutra 1.2Our minds are in constant fluctuation- our thoughts swirl around our mind clouding perception. When we cease to fluctuate, or let the thoughts settle, we can see clearly. Feel at peace. Act from a place of clarity, rather than misperception. - The most amazing place you have traveled to.
One of my favorite places on Earth is the National Redwood Forest in Northern California where the Yurok and Sumeg tribe once inhabited the land. The land is wild and mostly untouched. The Ancient redwoods are majestic and magical all at once. I have never felt more at peace than among the soulful redwoods here. - What excites you most about the Mosaic Festival Silicon Valley?
I am thrilled to be a part of the Mosaic Festival because I will be part of a community of artists bringing art into a public space. Art should live in our community. The Mosaic Festival celebrates diversity and unity all at once.
Keep up with Kavita on Facebook and visit her website to explore her repertoire of professional yoga classes.
New Ballet, Performing Group
New Ballet, Performing Group
New Ballet’s company and school deliver unparalleled ballet performances and instruction in San Jose, California. We are the ballet institution Silicon Valley looks to for excellence in the art form and for a positive learning environment wherein dancers grow, thrive, and realize their potential. We develop dancers by focusing on the developing individual first. Our dancers thrive in an environment of empowerment, where they achieve goals and realize dreams, supported by instructors dedicated to each dancer and to excellence in the art of ballet. Dalia Rawson, a former professional ballet dancer with Ballet San Jose and a nationally acclaimed choreographer who was awarded a Fellowship from the New York Choreographic Institute (an affiliate of New York City Ballet), is the organization’s founder, resident choreographer, and Artistic and Executive Director.
RAPID FIRE:
- What is something you wish you were better at?
Singing - Top 3 songs on repeat
Bad Bunny, La Noche de Anoche ft Rosalía; Layla Aghaee (local artist) Cause and Suspect; David Bowie, Lazarus - What is something you wish more people knew about the ballet culture?
All the recent movies about ballet dancers in ballet companies focus on the drama, the competitiveness, and the darker side of ballet. But what they absolutely miss is the humor. Ballet dancers are hilarious. The best ones are some of the funniest people you will ever meet! - What excites you most about the Mosaic Festival Silicon Valley?
I can’t wait to celebrate the joy of movement, dance and community! It’s been awhile since we got to dance live with an audience, and what better way than to do it together!
Find more info on the New Ballet Company and School on their website and follow them on instagram and facebook to stay informed on upcoming performances.