Portland Marathon: October 9, 2011

The Portland Marathon will celebrate its 40th anniversary this October. The Marathon has been named the “friendliest, best organized, most family-oriented race in the country” by Runner’s World Magazine. The publication also named the Portland Marathon “the best people’s magazine in the West” and it has been ranked in the top 10-15 marathons in the US 
for the past 10 years. More than 50% of the runners are female and over 95% complete the marathon and cross the finish line, awaiting excited fans, family and friends. During the course of the Marathon, dozens of live music bands entertain runners as they push onwards. In 2010, 72 different groups entertained along the sidelines.

 Tokyo Marathon: February 26th, 2012
One of the newer marathons, the Tokyo Marathon was established in 2007. In February of this year, 32,000 participants raced through the heart of Tokyo. The Tokyo Marathon has evolved into a great spectator sport, as many of the runners choose to complete the entire 26-mile marathon dressed up in head-to-toe costumes. Runners in gorilla suits, panda outfits and body-encompassing fruit suits are all among the ranks in the Tokyo Marathon. Some costumed runners were spotted making frequent stops on the sidelines to accept miso soup and sake from excited bystanders. Running a marathon through the most cosmopolitan and populated city in the nation will be an adventure to remember.

Amsterdam Marathon: October 16, 2011
This October, the Amsterdam Marathon will host 15,000 runners for both the full marathon and half marathon for its 36th year. Additional events include the 8K run, a 1K run and the mini marathon. The course is designed to highlight several key sights in the city including fantastic views of the Olympic Stadium, built in 1928, the river Amstel, the Maritime Museum, the historic canals, Rijksmuseum and the Vondelpark.

While running marathons isn’t for everyone, it is a fantastic way to explore a new place and accomplish something incredible. Would you ever consider running a marathon in a foreign country?

Photo Credits:First Marathon st Johns Bridge 2, eddiecoyote; 20070218_TYO-Marathon_3287, luxtonnerre; AMSTERDAM MARATHON, Kai Hendry.

But these detailed globes aren’t just for show. The Cool Globes exhibit is “public art with a purpose”. Each one paints a different picture and portrays a different message to its viewers. The Cool Globes Foundation aims to bring awareness to the issue of global warming and climate change. The exhibits founders hope that viewers walk away from the exhibit more aware about the cause, and with more hope that the serious problem of global warming can be solved. Each globe has a different theme focused on a particular aspect of the global warming issue. Themes range from efficient rooftops to recycling, public transportation and rain forests.

The city of Amsterdam is proud to be the almost four-month resting ground for the Cool Globes exhibit, and the mayor of the city, Eberhard van der Laan as well as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be unveiling the exhibit on opening day.

Photo Credits: Cool Globes Chicago Museum Campus, Cool Globes Chicago Sad Earth, Jon LeGear

A green spot in the heart of North Holland which every year is the host for a diverse dance festival in the open air. A musical celebration where once a year the national and international club- and DJ scene comes together. Both grounded and surrealistic, mainstream and alternative, but also a short festival vacation that feels like coming home.

Dance Valley is so much more than the sum of varying dance styles. It is a magical musical playground in an enchanting landscape, the combination of electronic music and provocative entertainment that will wash away your daily troubles and worries. A day of Dance Valley means twelve hours of enjoyment in an environment that is synonymous with freedom. The surrealistic Velsen Valley recreational area will stimulate all senses and let everyone do and be what they want.

Tokyo Koenji Awaodori Dance Festival – August 27-28th

This festival falls in line with two other major festivals in Tokyo: the Sumida River Fireworks Festival and the Asakusa Samba Carnival, all held throughout the summer in Tokyo. This year, 188 different dancing groups gather to perform a traditional Japanese style of dance called Awaodori. The dance is performed with performers assembled in straight lines as they move forward in synchronized movements. Exciting costumes are worn by all of the groups as they parade down the streets of Tokyo. The festival celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2010 and gathers large amounts of Japanese spectators each year.

Dance Valley, Amsterdam – August 6th, 2011

This festival brings in visitors from far and wide that all share one thing: an unconditional love of electronic music. For 15 years, Dance Valley has been the largest outdoor dance festival in the Netherlands. This year, over 100 famous artists, DJs, actors and dancers will gather to put on a show unlike any other. Set in the picturesque, rolling landscape of Velsen Valley, carefree visitors are enchanted by the music, dancing amidst a magical outdoor panorama. Dance Valley is one for the books.

Here’s a trailer for Dance Valley 2011:

White Bird Dance, Portland – Performances throughout 2011-2012

White Bird Dance, based out of Portland, OR, aims to gather a diverse range of dancing groups and styles from all over the globe to perform for eager local art patrons. Dance groups that have performed with White Bird come from as far as Australia, Israel and Sweden. The 2011-2012 calendar includes a wide range of genres including contemporary, jazz, hip hop, ballet and foreign styles. All performances with White Bird collectively highlight the beauty of the movement of the human body. After a performance, you are sure to be left moved and inspired.

Preview the 2011-2012 season for a taste of what White Bird brings to Portland:

Photo credit: Tokyo Koenji Awaodori Dance Festival, d. FUKA