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Diaspora West African Drum and Dance Traditions

Join Jeannine Osayande & Dunya Performing Arts Company as they explore some of the ways West African Diaspora cultural practices are used to affirm community, communicate values, enhance cultural sensitivity, and inspire meaningful dialogue. Program options include storytelling, dance, drum, and song from Mali, Guinea, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Brazil, Haiti, and the United States. Program […]

Boom Buckets Around the World!

Students discover the art of drumming! Participants have a blast playing everyday objects like buckets and garbage cans while they develop essential aural musical skills and learn how to read basic musical notation. Along their journey students experience music from different world cultures, participate in ensemble playing, and have the opportunity to perform in an […]

Soul Steps

Soul Steps speaks the language of rhythm! This showcase of the African-American dance tradition known as “stepping” explores how step started among African-American fraternities and sororities on college campuses as a means of unity and self-expression, and has deep roots in the migrant labor culture of South African gold mines. Students enjoy the high-energy step […]

Traditions of Chinese Acrobatics

This is a mesmerizing one-woman acrobatic performance. Li Liu performs hand balancing, plate spinning, artistic cycling, ribbon dancing, foot juggling, and more. Students join her to create an impromptu ribbon dance and try their hand at plate spinning. Students learn about Chinese language and culture. In addition, Li Lui explains some of the rituals of […]

Traditional Stained Glass Painting

In this multi-day residency, students experience first-hand the ancient methods of kiln-fired painting on stained glass.  Students design and paint their own multi-layered glass paintings that can later be assembled into a larger “group-made” stained glass window and displayed in a school or community space.  Through the intricate processes of design, trace painting, matte painting, […]

Civil Rights Movements

This Hip Hop Fundamentals assembly focuses on student involvement in the American Civil Rights movement through dance, audience participation, and a variety of interactive activities. The dancers tackle racism, segregation, and the struggle for freedom in a safe, family friendly atmosphere. Students hear the words of Dr. King, learn how nonviolent direct action helped end […]

Outside the Bachs

From Bach to Beethoven, Django Reinhardt to Jethro Tull! Combining the virtuosity of world-class artists with the energy of rock stars, the performers from Project Duo remix traditional ideas of chamber music. Students discover the joys of classical and jazz music through exciting arrangements and plenty of originals. By combining classical repertoire with elements of […]

Songwriting and Green Screen Music Videos

In this interactive and energetic program, students brainstorm and contribute to “hit” songs that reinforce curriculum concepts. Students will learn the basics of songwriting and will write songs on topics ranging from core classroom learning to character education and SEL Students will also digitally record their song in a real studio setting. After the song […]

Fundamental Rhythms

Students will amaze themselves as they learn basic moves and create their own choreography by exploring the American art form of breakdancing with Hip Hop Fundamentals. Created in the 1970s by New York’s youth, the dance form is an engaging and exciting way for young people to express themselves, have fun, exercise, build confidence, and […]