Archives

Chinese Calligraphy

Chinese calligraphy is both a means of communication and an expression of a person’s artistic identity. Students learn the meanings of and ways to  write words in Chinese ideographs while using traditional brushes and paper. They also discover the cultural and historical context of Chinese  calligraphy, which occupies a distinguished position in the field of […]

Chinese Dragon Shadow Puppets

Students explore the history and culture of traditional Chinese shadow puppet theatre and learn about characteristics of the mythological Chinese dragon. After learning some steps of the dragon dance, students are guided in making their own dragon shadow puppets. Additional time will allow students to perform a story with their dragons. Program options: In-person Please fill […]

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 […]

Kwanzaa Tales

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 […]

Stories of Africa

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. […]

Afro-Cuban Percussion

Students play a variety of percussion instruments from Latin American countries while learning about culture and history through stories and demonstrations. By learning historical context, students understand the meaning of the music beyond the basic rhythms and melodies. Students comprehend musical tools such as dynamics, pulse, call and response, breaks, and instruments through hands-on experiences. […]

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.