Archives

Arabiqa with Karim Nagi

Karim Nagi is a native Egyptian and performs on multiple percussion and string instruments from around the Arab world. He describes the history of each instrument, shares how they are made, and writes out the names in Arabic script. In the program, Karim involves the virtual audience with rhythmic clapping, word pronunciation, line dancing, and […]

From Page to Stage

In From Page to Stage, students learn to adapt their favorite stories (or original written work) for a theatrical performance. Participants are guided through the process of script development, beginning acting,(both improvisational and scripted), and staging, in bringing the work to life. Theater vocabulary, discipline, and traditions are taught. The From Page to Stage workshop […]

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.

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.

Dances and Culture of Mexico

This delightful program with Mexico Beyond Mariachi showcases the vast cultural expressions of our neighbor to the south, Mexico. Students are immersed in the culture and history of Mexico through the disciplines of music and dance from various regions of this diverse country. Maps, hats, skirts, and other artifacts are used as teaching aids. A […]

Eda Ne Kakati (From the Past to the Present)

This jubilant assembly introduces students to the artistry of East African cultures through dance, music, and storytelling. Sharing music from his native Uganda and authentic East African instruments, Ssuuna inspires students to compare cultures and to learn the importance of respecting cultural differences. The program ends in celebration as students play alongside Ssuuna and learn […]

Yah-Oh-Way

Yah-Oh-Way means “It is good” in Hopi. This exciting and athletic performance by the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers highlights the depth and complexity of several Native American societies. Students witness the origins and meanings of songs, dances, and traditions of many tribes that inhabited North America before the arrival of Europeans. By participating in traditional ceremonies—including […]

Traditions of India

Originating in Hindu temples more than 2,000 years ago, traditional Indian dance combines fluid movement with complex melodies and rhythmic patterns. With Ramya Ramnarayan students experience the role dance has in the cultural and spiritual life of India. Adorned with beautiful costumes, jewelry, and makeup and using ritual hand gestures called mudras, the dancers present […]

Trekking Mexico

Entertaining, educating, and exciting, the Mexico Beyond Mariachi experience ignites the imagination. Expand your students’ perceptions of Mexico through the artists’ use of pre-colonial instruments and traditional interpretations of music and dance. Students learn how native cultures and Spanish culture combined to create a unique Mexican culture of music, dance, and costuming. Students come away […]