By The People: Traditions in Dialogue (Asian Traditions in Transition)
About this Event
Join Zje Mongol and the Washington Iu-Mien Dancers for an engaging performance of traditional and contemporary music and dance and a conversation about traditions in transition. The program will showcase demonstrations by young artists and invite the public to engage in conversations about the complexities and strengths of the diverse traditions of America.
About the event
The third, and final event of a three-part public program series presented by Humanities Washington will bring together teams from Washington’s Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program to reflect on heritage arts and their communities. This event focuses on underrepresented Asian traditions in Washington with a traditional Mongolian musical ensemble, Zje Mongol, in conversation with the Washington Iu-Mien Dancers.
Zje Mongol bio: Zje is a Mongolian folk and world music ensemble based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2020 by siblings Anu-Ujin, Temuulen, and Temuujin Batbaatar. United by family and music, the group blends ancestral sounds with modern expression, bringing the soul of the Mongolian steppe to audiences across the United States. Through instruments such as the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle), yochin (Mongolian dulcimer), tovshuur (two-stringed lute), and limbe (Mongolian side flute), along with the deep resonance of khöömii (Mongolian throat singing), Zje creates a sound that connects ancient traditions with contemporary emotion.
Washington Iu-Mien Dancers bio: The Washington Iu-Mien Dancers are a vibrant cultural dance group based in the Pacific Northwest, founded in 2022 to celebrate and preserve Iu-Mien traditions. Originating with just 12 members, the group has grown to 35 performers who share their heritage to build community pride, showcase the beauty of Iu-Mien culture, and inspire the next generation to stay connected to their cultural roots.
This program will be moderated by Makaela Kroin, Folklorist, and Kuen Kuen Spichiger, Program Specialist, of the Folk & Traditional Arts Program at Washington State Parks.
About the event series
This program is sponsored through By the People: Conversations Beyond 250, a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils across the U.S., its territories, and the District of Columbia in collaboration with local partners. Together, these programs explore 250 years of the nation’s cultural life and imagine its shared future. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage as a complement to the 2026 Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
Humanities Washington opens minds and bridges divides by creating spaces to explore different perspectives. Founded in 1973, Humanities Washington is our state’s flagship nonprofit for public humanities programming and the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Learn more at humanities.org.
WACultures’ Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program provides support to a master artist and apprentice to preserve cultural traditions important to their community. WACultures also promotes cultural traditions and tradition bearers through research and publications. From peoples who’ve existed here since time immemorial to diverse newcomers, WACultures recognizes the diverse spectrum that makes Washington a unique cultural landscape.
WACultures is the NEA state folklife partner for folk and traditional arts and is presented by Humanities Washington and ArtsWA.
Learn more at our event page at humanities.org.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
