The ensemble brings the rich African influenced rhythms and dances originating in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, a region known for customs deeply rooted in the traditions and spirituality of ancestral Africa. Our ensemble tells the story of Africans brought to Brazil as slaves. To alleviate the suffering and preserve their identity they maintained their rituals, dances […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
In her interactive performance, TAHIRA, shares the seven principles (Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa 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: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith are interwoven into a fun […]
In Gift of Story, TAHIRA shares stories of hope, triumph, and tragedy, drawn from a diverse repertoire of original works and those based on African oral tradition. Her high-energy and dramatic storytelling and vocal styles also touch upon contemporary issues, such as tolerance, empowerment, and the impact of one’s choices. Program options: In-person • Virtual […]
In Stories of Africa, students take a journey through the African Diaspora via story. From the villages of Africa to the urban streets of America, TAHIRA teaches students the origin and purpose of stories in the African experience. Each student has an opportunity to select a story; make their own adaptations; and perform the story. […]
Lessons in Tolerance is an examination of the causes and social costs of the Holocaust, and other examples of genocide and persecution, followed by the development of positive artistic and intellectual responses to these events. As part of the Lessons in Tolerance program, students make a commitment to practicing the ideals of tolerance while the […]
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 […]
Young Audiences' mission is to inspire young people and expand their learning through the arts.
Young Audiences believes that all students deserve equal access to the arts and we strive to provide meaningful art experiences to young people regardless of cognitive or physical development, socio-economic status, or geographic location.
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