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Modular Origami Suncatchers

This STEAM focused workshop gives students hands-on experience with modular Origami, by having them fold multiple simple Origami pieces, that when assembled form a beautiful 8 or 10 point star. The special paper used in the program is translucent, and when hung in a sunny window will reveal more complex geometric shapes and designs within […]

Speak Up! Assembly

Speak Up! uses the percussive dance styles of tap dance, stepping, and body percussion to narrate iconic moments of John Lewis’ legacy. The program highlights the life of John Lewis, the 1960 Lunch Counter Sit-ins, the 1961 Freedom Riders, and the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March. This educational performance assists in preserving Black History and Art […]

Speak Up Residency

This residency uses percussive dance to explore the significant contributions of John Lewis. Through this residency, participants dive into themes of justice and civil rights while embodying collaboration, teamwork and learning the importance of Lewis’ “Good Trouble.” Each session expands on the previous day with participants learning to embody the essence of John Lewis using […]

Joy Resides Here: An Interactive Justice Journey of Oral History/Telling and Diasporic African Drum and Dance Traditions

Uncover how Diasporic African Polyrhythms from Africa, Brazil and America create mechanisms for place-making. Experience a Porch Choreo-Story from a Historically Black Neighborhood while learning about the Great Migration. Oral History/telling practices allow us to document our own stories, and speak for ourselves. Using dance as text, students will dance a friendship quality in the […]

American Dance: From Africa to Broadway

Two versatile dancers the OKRA Dance Company take you on a cultural tour through three centuries of American history to explore how the combination of migration, culture and communication created the popular American theater and stage dances we know today. From European classical court and folk dances and African plantation narratives, to vaudeville, tap, the […]

ERACISM: Erasing Visual Racism

Stereotypical images have negatively impacted the self-esteem of people for hundreds of years. We will examine how these negative images are used in media, cartoons, and in art. During this interactive workshop students will learn the power of anti-racist art by creating photography portraits and photo-collages. By students learning about and then confronting stereotypical images they […]

No Mystery in Black History!

  This interactive program is filled with story, rhythm, history, and song. Featuring a call and response song followed by “An African Drum Story,” Queen Nur introduces various drums from West Africa and describes their communal importance. Engagement continues with Black History in the U.S. through freedom stories, civil rights chants, poetry, music and empowerment […]

Sweet Potato Pie and Such

Queen Nur, international storyteller and Dwight James, renown jazz drummer present a flavorful seasoning of interactive tales from the African and African American Oral Tradition that will ground you in tradition, butter you up with joy and delightfully sweeten your mind. Designed for audiences to participate, celebrate and “Jubilate.” Values are indelibly remembered through lively […]

Tap LIVE!

The Tap Live! assembly features award-winning performing artist, Quynn Johnson. This interactive and rhythmic performance shares the traditions and history of the American art form of tap dance, highlighting Quynn’s personal journey of perseverance to overcome challenges through dance. Tap Live! combines dance and music with storytelling to inspire and impact students through rhythmic expression. […]