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Advancing a Step Curriculum

In this professional learning workshop Soul Steps company member and founder Maxine Lyle will guide dance educators to experience the stomps, claps, and dynamic rhythms of the rich African American cultural tradition known as step. Educators will  use their bodies to create hip-hop infused rhythms through foundational step choreography. They will also examine step’s early […]

Folk Music, Ear Training & Musical Games

Musiquita is a bilingual (English/Spanish) interactive educational music experience made of the wife/husband duo features Blanca Cecilia González (violin/voice/uke/percussion) and Jesse Elder (piano/vocals/percussion/melodica). In this professional learning multilingual Spanish/English speaking musicians  Blanca Cecila Gonzalez (violin, uke, percussion) & Jesse Elder (piano, vocals, percussion & melodica) will guide teachers in a variety of general music methodologies […]

The Fundamentals of Puerto Rican Folkloric Music: la Bomba y la Plena

This workshop, taught in both Spanish and English, provides educators with a fundamental understanding of Afro-Puerto Rican dance and drum culture through the rich musical heritage of Bomba y Plena. Educators will engage with Bomba y Plena’s history and culture and gain insight into how it is used to nourish resistance, healing, and community celebrations. […]

Rhythm: The Lost Language Professional Learning

In this program educators will learn to collaborate with acclaimed tap dancer and choreographer Maurice Chestnut to develop an understanding of the complex history of tap dance as a distinctly African American art form rooted in diasporic traditions. Educators will gain a clear understanding of the influences of tap including, African djembe rhythms, as well […]

The Stories of Quilts – Professional Learning

This workshop will introduce participants to the world of quilting. Participants will see and feel Steven’s quilts, and learn about the history of quilting and a variety of ways quilts are used (wall hangings, lap quilts, beds, clothing. etc.) Participants will be introduced to a small quilting project emphasizing the personalization of their quilt square. […]

The Art of Playing Together

In this professional learning workshop educators will enhance their abilities, skills, and repertoire to create culturally inclusive learning environments through the exploration of “percussion of the world”. World percussion is a fundamental guiding principle that teaching artist Hector Morales calls “The Art Of Playing Together.”  Because the percussion ensemble offers multiple opportunities for students to […]

Neuro-Influencers- This is Your Brain on Social Media

Meet the NeuroInfluencers, Mina (dopamine), Sara (serotonin) and their stressed-out friend Cort (cortisol). Mina is obsessed with their phone, Sara is “Living for the Likes”, and Cort can’t sleep doom scrolling #conspiracyTok. These three NeuroInfluencers unbox how everything from posting “Glow Ups” to bingeing “Hot Takes” on Social Media change the way our brains work […]

Rhythm World Drum & Dance Experience

The drum is the heartbeat! Percussionist Senfu Stoney and other world-class musicians teach students about varied instruments and diverse cultures around the world. Students learn the proper technique and coordination for numerous drums, explore the drum’s role as a revered healing instrument, and learn of its history as one of the first means of communication […]