Archives

Kwanzaa Tales

In her interactive performance, TAHIRA, shares the seven principles (Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa. She does this through storytelling and music. Kwanzaa is an African American and pan-African holiday which celebrates family, community and culture. The central cultural values of Kwanzaa are: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. These values […]

Beats, Rhymes, and Life

This energetic and engaging exploration of percussion and poetry introduces students to how rhythms and spoken word can awaken their inner artists. Students connect to both verbal and non-verbal ways to express themselves while learning to develop their own unique voices—one word, one beat at a time. Topics covered by Poetry Meets Percussion include the following: […]

Using Art Explorations to Reach All Students

In this professional learning program with visual artist Molly Gaston Johnson, teachers will learn how to use basic elements and principles of design as a means of communicating ideas. Through designing their own artworks in a series of exercises that build from simple and quick, to more intentionally social-emotionally driven, and then curriculum-driven, participants will […]

Creating Puppets

Students learn the ancient art of puppet-making and performance as they create their own puppets to perform original or traditional stories. Zach Green guides students in crafting shadow, rod or hand puppets. Creating Puppets is an ideal workshop to integrate visual arts with theatrical performance. Schools can choose to work with the artist for a single day to […]

Mime and Creative Play

Students are introduced to the art of physical storytelling by Broadway actor and professional mime, Bill Bowers. Through performance, demonstration, and lots of hands-on participation, students experience the depth of expression found in this silent art form through an exploration of movement and non-verbal communication. This program includes a brief history of mime, warm-up exercises, […]

Origins of Uganda’s Rhythms and Dances

Students learn traditional drum rhythms and dances from different regions of Uganda in this workshop with Ssuuna. Working together—some as drummers and others as dancers—they explore the history and meaning behind the East African steps and drum beats. Program options: In-person Please fill out this inquiry form or call 866-500-9265 for more information. (Virtual programs are not charged a […]

Join the Celtic Revival

Join the Celtic Revival that’s sweeping the country! Try your hand (and feet!) at Irish set dancing—a form of social dancing similar to square dancing. Danced to jigs, reels, polkas, and hornpipes, set dancing—traditionally performed during a céilí (Irish dance/social)— promotes physical coordination, learning to count measures of music, and recognizing repeating patterns. Learn a […]

Let’s Dance Our Story

Sharing stories from several Latin American countries infused with dance and music, Liliana Attar introduces students to cultures of Latin America while encouraging awareness, appreciation, and respect for different cultures. Students expand their cultural knowledge while learning to tell Latin American tales through movement.