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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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

The Frederick Douglass Writing Club

Frederick Douglass Writing Club brings history to life and ignites students’ creativity. Baba Bomani opens by introducing himself and his community through music, setting an energetic tone. He then dives into the remarkable story of Frederick Douglass, emphasizing how he “stole” his education and used literacy to escape slavery. Baba Bomani connects Douglass’ legacy to […]

A Taste of Mosaic

In this workshop, students will learn a little bit about the history of mosaics and its importance in telling the stories of past civilizations. After learning about the history, students will participate in a hands-on experience of creating a small “Picassiette” style of mosaic using a variety of ceramic and glass tile. The resulting work […]