May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month!
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. The Ann Arbor YMCA is excited to host a series of workshops to educate and celebrate these contributions, all open to members and the community!
Riichi Mahjong workshop
Saturday, May 10 • 12-2 PM
An introduction class to Riichi Mahjong taught by Southeast Michigan Riichi, a Detroit and Ann Arbor-based Riichi Mahjong club! This class is great for beginners or players who would like to hone their skills. All game materials will be provided. Just bring yourself and excitement to learn!
About Riichi: Riichi mahjong is a variant of mahjong created and popularized in Japan. Mahjong is a family of tile-based games where the goal is to create a winning hand containing specific combinations of tiles, either by drawing them from the tile wall or by calling them from other players. Mahjong shares some similarities with rummy games, and if you’ve played rummy before the goal of creating runs and sets may already be familiar to you. Riichi mahjong involves an engaging mix of luck, strategy, and skill! (Open to ages 12+).
Ikebana Workshops
Saturday, May 17 • 2-4 PM
Saturday, May 31 • 1-3PM
Back by popular demand! Learn the ancient traditional art of Japanese flower arranging with the Ikebana International Ann Arbor Chapter 183.
Ikebana floral arrangements are sculptural, focusing on the flower’s shape and form. Arrangements are precise and meaningful, typically featuring a single or limited number of flowers. All florals and supplies will be provided.
How-to-Play Go Workshops
Thursday, May 22 • 5:30-7:30 PM
Thursday, May 29 • 5:30-7:30PM
An introduction to one of the oldest two-player strategy board games! Attendees will learn game rules and play with fellow first-time players.
Originating 3000 years ago in China, one two-player strategy board game remains unchanged — the game of Go. Go is played on a 19 by 19 board, creating more possible variations than the number of subatomic particles in the known universe!
Ready to start your Go journey? Join our FREE beginner Go class taught by Jamie Tang, Organizing Director of the American Collegiate Go Association
Open to ages 12+.
Hoaloha Performance
Saturday, May 31 • 3:00 PM & 3:45 PM
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with two lively performances by Hoaloha Polynesian Dance Group! This Michigan-based group brings the stories of the Polynesian Islands to life through traditional dance and music. Don’t miss the chance to experience the beauty and spirit of Polynesian culture!
Hoaloha Polynesian Dance Group is a Michigan based group sharing a passion for Hawaiian dance and seeking to learn traditional dances of Hawaii and the other Pacific Islands. Hoaloha dancers energize events in Michigan by sharing stories of the people of the Polynesian Islands through music and dance. They hope that their audience will have a better understanding and greater appreciation of the beauty of the Polynesian culture.
Registration is not required. RSVP to the showcase on Facebook in the link below.