Heard a good story lately? NAC-Shell Community Arts Series is presenting Ethnic Tales - Story Dancing on Saturday 20 Nov 04 from 6 pm to 9 pm (concert from 7.30pm) at Woodlands Civic Centre Open Space Plaza.

Ethnic Tales is a colourful, vibrant and fun-filled evening of storytelling extravaganza, dance performances and various fringe activities that will spark imagination and creativity.

Professional storytellers from the Asian Storytelling Network will captivate with tales passed down for generations and take you on an unforgettable journey to many different places all in one night!

Raja Suran is a historic tale of “brains versus brawn” made all the more interesting by taking a peek into Singapore's history.

All Free is a humorous cautionary folktale from Gujarat, West India which tells of how greed and obsession can be wasteful and even dangerous.

The Sky Pushing Poles is a North American story illustrating that although people are different, great things can be achieved if everyone works together.

The Man Who Tricked a Ghost is a witty tale from ancient China of how an ordinary man outwits a ghost.

Osman Hamid, 1993 Young Artist Award recipient for dance, choreographs 2 ethnic dances entitled Play and Be Merry! and Wan Pi Xiao Gui(Mischievous Ghosts).

These will be performed by the Ira Dance Theatre and accompanied by 15-piece multi-ethnic musical ensemble, ETHNICO.

From 6pm, get creative in Arts Galore! where artists will be on hand to give free demonstrations and tips on batik and face painting, caricaturing and much more.

With such a dynamic programme of fascinating folklores and story dancing, this is a family event not to be missed!

Ethnic Tales is organised by the National Arts Council, sponsored by Shell Companies in Singapore, and supported by North West Community Development Council and the Woodlands Grassroots Organisations.

Admission is free and all are welcome.

For more information, visit www.nac.gov.sg/artreach or call NAC at 68379559.

Source: National Arts Council