Multicultural
       
 

Multicultural Programs
The United States has always been home to great cultural diversity. Celebrating that diversity is one of the things the arts does best. Our children need to understand the cultures that make up both these United States, and the world at large.

With that goal in mind, Young Audiences has expanded its multicultural offerings for the coming year. A new program by Ugandan musician, Daniel Ssuuna as well as many brand new artists make this a particularly exciting time. 

So join us for field trips around the globe: No bus (or passport) required!


Note: Contact the Scheduling Department for subsidized pricing available in certain areas.

 

Dance

Stepping

Step Afrika!

Education, teamwork, discipline, and commitment. Learn these values with Step Afrika! as they present the motivational performance “Stepping” to inspire your students to be their best. Students learn about the origins of this African American art form created in colleges and universities across America with ties to African dance and African American culture. The entire audience will learn a brief routine and experience stepping for themselves.

Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 550 Max.

Pricing in Northern Virginia :

Single $1,295 / Back-to-Back $1,800

Pricing outside Northern Virginia :

Single $1,625 / Back-to-Back $2,450

Tour Dates: January 26 – 30, 2009

Additional dates may be available in Northern Virginia.

 

 

The Horse of Many Colors

Todd Rosenlieb Dance Company

Join Todd Rosenleib Dance Company in this full-scale dance performance that tells the story of the Rainbow Horse, a popular tale from Puerto Rico , Mexico , and Latin America . This tale teaches a moral lesson of humility and understanding. Join Carlos as he and his brother tell the story of a magical rainbow-colored horse through movement. The dancers use traditional ballet and modern dance to bring this wonderful multicultural tale to life.

Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 350 Max.

Pricing: Single $1,130 / Back-to-Back $1,630

 

 

China Patterns

Dance China NY

This cultural dance program performed in full traditional Chinese costumes introduces students to Chinese culture through language lessons, historical background, on-stage demonstrations, and audience interaction. The dances and narration illustrate and explain traits, customs, and patterns of Chinese life. Students are given the tools to interpret the dance movements as expressing what people do, see and feel.

Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 350 Max.

Pricing: Single $1,195 / Back-to-Back $1,625

 

Tour Dates: March 9-13, 2009

 

 

Balady: Dance in the Middle East

Ramzi & Company


Dance the Twirling Dervish and experience folk dances from all over the Middle East . Learn how these cultures express themselves through ancient traditions of dance for celebration. Students will join Ramzi and Company on stage to explore the origins of the dance's intricate movements and learn more about a region that is steeped in tradition.

Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 350 Max.

Pricing: Single $675 / Back-to-Back $875

 

Tour Dates:
March 16-20, 2009

April 27-May 1, 2009

 

 

Dance Around the World

Ramzi & Company

In a dynamic display of expressive movements, powerful rhythms, and rich, colorful costumes; dance becomes the focal point in a celebration of world cultures. From dances of mythic goddesses to tales of heroes and warriors, this performance is as diverse as the cultural make-up of the United States and includes dances and stories from Africa, India , the Middle East, South America, the Caribbean, Polynesia , Korea , Japan , and Russia .

Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 350 Max.

Pricing: Single $675 / Back-to-Back $875

 

Tour Dates:

March 16-20, 2009

April 27-May 1, 2009

 

Himalayan Trails, Steps and Lore

Nepal Dance School

Learn about the land, lore, and legends of the Himalayan region in this program that introduces dances from Nepal , Tibet , China and India . Students will learn basic hand gestures and dances from the Himalayan shared cultural region. Accompanied by visual presentations, this program offers a strong educational overview of this region

Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 350 Max.

Pricing: Single $675 / Back-to-Back $975

 

Kathak & Bollywood Dance

Nepal Dance School

Kathak is the classical Indian narrative dance form. It uses intricate footwork patterns, fast spins, hand movements and crisp body positions to tell a story. Bollywood is a modern dance style based on classical Indian dance and is the current global hit of modern dance. Your students can compare and contrast classical Indian dance with that of Bollywood in this vibrant program will have your students moving and learning about Indian culture.

Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 350 Max .

Pricing: Single $675 / Back-to-Back $975

 

 

The Body As A Drum

Nubian Dance Theatre

Explore the ancient use of the human body as a drum. Find percussive sounds from your hands-to your chest-to your voice that embellish stories, music and dance. Join Nubian Dance Theatre in this performance that celebrates African history and African American Heritage.

Grades: K-5, 6-8

Audience Size: 350 Max.

Pricing: Single $895 / Back-to-Back $1,295

 

 

Indian Classical Dance

Priti Patil

Travel to ancient Indian temples and learn to appreciate classical Indian dance with Priti Patil . These simple, yet majestic stylized movements, bring ancient India to life. In classical Indian dance, the performer uses body, mind, and spirit to draw out the best in people. The program begins with an exuberant rhythmic invocation. Ms. Patil continues by engaging students in learning the basics of Bharatanatyam dance. The language of gestures is explored, and students help tell a story with their hands. Your students will enjoy the authentic approach and opportunity to explore this ancient art form.

Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 200 Max.

Pricing: Single $490 / Back-to-Back $640

 

 

Afro-Brazilian Dance

Clyde Morgan and Clyde Morgan Jr.

Clyde Morgan and Clyde Morgan , Jr. bring their particular brand of musical and percussive excitement to schools throughout Virginia . In a program featuring dance, music and storytelling, the Morgans bring to life the traditions found in the cultures of West African and Afro-Brazilian communities. This father and son team presents music and dance as interrelated disciplines in the tradition of Yoruba speaking Nigerians from West Africa who strongly affected the cultures of Haiti , Cuba , and Brazil in the New World .

Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 350 Max.

Pricing: Single $795 / Back-to-Back $995

Tour Dates: March 16-20, 2009




Multi-disciplinary


The Heartbeat of My People

Red Hawk

Learn about Native American music and dance from Cherokee myth-keeper and recording artist, Red Hawk . Can you tell the difference between a friendship beat and a war beat on the drum? Your students will be able to drum and dance both rhythms. Red Hawk will tell you the story of the first drum and why it only has skin on one side, how the animals helped create the first rattles and why the flute is such a powerful instrument. Children will gain a greater understanding of Native American culture and the values of oral traditions and songs. Dance and sing with Red Hawk in a performance designed for children of all ages. Wearing his traditional ribbon shirt instead of full regalia, Red Hawk 's program will also help dispel cultural stereotypes.

Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 200 Max.

Pricing: Single $495 / Back-to-Back $695

 

 

The Ways of My People

Red Hawk

Explore the mysteries surrounding Native American culture with Cherokee myth-keeper Red Hawk as your guide. Journey through time as you listen to stories of animals, places and even the world's beginning as explained through the Cherokee religion and culture. This program provides crucial insight into the ways of a people important to the history of North America .

Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 200 Max.

Pricing: Single $495 / Back-to-Back $695

 

 

EKILABO (a-chi-lah-bow): A Simple Yet Profound Gift

Daniel Ssuuna

Join Ssuuna with this fabulously gentle, yet high spirited dramatic and musical delivery of African songs, stories and principles that celebrate the gift of life. Ssuuna, the audience's guide, is also one of Africa's most talented and endearing ambassadors; a performer whose smile and warmth are as wide as the continent of Africa . Tickling the “Bowl Lyre”, massaging the “Thumb piano” and pounding the Djembe Drum— Ssuuna introduces students to the wide continent of Africa and the many cultures that share a common thread.

Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 200 Max.

Pricing: Single $725 / Back-to-Back $975

 

Okuva Edda: A Cultural Extravaganza
Daniel Ssuuna


Through song, dance, and stories, Daniel Ssuuna shares his experiences growing up in Uganda . While practicing the art of his country, Mr. Ssuuna creates a visual and musical picture of his homeland and teaches the audience about the language, indigenous musical instruments, and traditional dance and stories passed on from his ancestors. This interactive musical program highlights the culture of Uganda while making connections to the larger traditions ound in the Eastern region of the African continent.

Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 200 Max.

Pricing: Single $725 / Back-to-Back $975

 

Melodias y Danza de Cuba

Cubanana

Dance, clap, play instruments, practice Spanish, and sing in this colorful music and dance program from the Cubanana duo. Students will gain an understanding of life in Cuba , “The Island of Music,” and explore ethnic influences in Latin music. This interactive multicultural program highlights the importance of music and dance in Latin culture and helps children explore the possibility of dreams. The program is available in Spanish and/or English.

Grades: K-5, 6-8

Audience Size: 275 Max.

Pricing: Single $795 / Back-to-Back $995


Tour Dates: Please call for details

 

 

Exploring Cuban Culture Workshop

Cubanana

Students practice a variety of songs, rhythms, instruments, dances, and lyrics while gaining historical, linguistic, and cultural perspectives. In Spanish or English, students will enjoy this hands-on experience.

Grades: K-5, 6

Audience Size: 25 Max

Fee: $400

 

The Sound of Music & Spirit of Dance:

A Teacher Workshop
Cubanana


This 75-minute workshop presents meaningful ways to use music and dance in many disciplines. Participants learn strategies for integrating music and dance in other content areas, with a focus on presenting curriculum through the music and dance intelligences, and on deepening students' multicultural understanding. Intended for foreign language, English and ESL teachers.

Audience: Teachers & Parents

Audience Size: 75 Max.

Fee: $795

 



Music

The Beat of the Desert

Teasley & Williams

Tom Teasley and Charles Williams bring the words and rhythms of the Middle East to life in this compelling program that identifies the cultures and histories of this rich region of the world. Students will experience percussive elements from Turkey to Saudi Arabia combined with the words of some of the region's greatest poets. Charles Williams performs the words of Rumi, Gibran and other poets to educate your students on the diverse cultural views while Tom Teasley explores the explosive rhythms from this often misunderstood land.

Grades: 2-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 350 Max.

Pricing: Single $825 / Back-to-Back $1,395

 

The Drum: Ancient Traditions Today

Tom Teasley

Renowned world percussionist, Tom Teasley , introduces your students to exciting rhythmic instruments. Mr. Teasley combines world drums and drumming techniques with folk, jazz, and contemporary music. Using a variety of percussion instruments such as the kalimba and frame drums, as well as the American drum set, this presentation will provide an introduction to world cultures and composition.

Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 200

Pricing in Northern Virginia :

Single $475 / Back-to-Back $725

Pricing outside Northern Virginia :

Single $575 / Back-to-Back $825

 

 

The Spirit of Taikoza: The Japanese Drum

Taikoza

Taikoza is a Japanese Taiko Drum Percussion group that uses the powerful rhythms of taiko drums to create an electrifying energy and carries audiences to new dimensions. Drawing from Japan 's rich tradition of music and performance, Taikoza explores the music and dance of an ancient culture. These large drums are accompanied by the shakuhachi and the fue (bamboo flutes), and the koto (a 13 string instrument) to create the journey to Japan through music. Bring a bit of Asia into your school with Taikoza.

Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 350 Max.

Pricing: Single $1,095 / Back-to-Back $1,600

Tour Dates:

April 27 – May 1, 2009

May 4 – 8, 2009

 

Traditions in Transition

World Wind & Percussion

Master percussionist, Tom Teasley , adds a trumpet and trombone to his exploration of the roots of modern musical instruments and their sounds. The result is magical. Your students will hear traditional jazz tunes played with ancient instruments. Compare and contrast these instruments and learn how the conch shell, the didgeridoo, and the djembe evolved into the trumpet, the trombone and the drum set.

Grades: 2-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 350 Max.

Pricing: Single $995 / Back-to-Back $1,500

 

 

It Sounds Caribbean

Pirates of the Pan

The unique sounds of the Caribbean steel drums can now be heard in the beautiful hills of Virginia ! From classical to calypso, Pirates of the Pans has emerged as one of Virginia 's premiere multicultural performing ensembles. This program explores the diversity of the peoples of the West Indies Islands . The sounds of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas melt together to form a truly unique and recognizable sound. Pirates of the Pans present informative SOL based educational programs for K-12 students.

Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 350 Max.

Pricing: Single $925 / Back-to-Back $1,375

 

 

The Music of Argentina

Ada Lis Jimenea

This program introduces students to the main elements of Argentinean folk music through singing, clapping, and pictures. Ada Lis will perform several styles of folk music like zamba, cueca, tonada, tango and milonga. Students will hear a song that will introduce each folk style. With the more rhythmic styles, your students will be clapping rhythms and making distinctions between the dances. Ada Lis will show the importance of the guitar in her culture. With the help of multimedia and student participation, this program demonstrates the folk song and music from Argentina while educating students about the land, people and culture.

Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 350 Max

Pricing: Single $795 / Back-to-Back $1,095

Storytelling


Tales of the Griot

Atumpan

In their show Tales of the Griot , Atumpan tells the stories and plays the instruments of West Africa . After one of your students is crowned as the Chief of the village, the fun really starts. Atumpan teaches the importance of the drum as a means of communication in African villages, as well as the importance of the storyteller in African society. These performing storytellers will teach students the importance of the Griot and African traditions.

Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 350

Pricing: Single: $500 / Back-to-Back $700

Extended Learning Packages: A: $600 / B: $800



Balla Fasseke and the Griots of Mali

Atumpan

For centuries, Mali was the crossroads for great caravans of the ancient kingdoms of Africa . The memory of ancient Mali is alive today in the tales of the griots-the professional historians, praise-singers, and musical entertainers-of the Manding people. Balla Fasseke, griot to the legendary Emperor Sundiata, was one of the most famous. Atumpan uses storytelling to take your students back to the glory of ancient Africa .

Grades: K-5, 6-8

Audience Size: 350

Pricing: Single: $500 / Back-to-Back $700

Extended Learning Packages: A: $600 / B: $800

 

HeartTales: The Wisdom of the Four Bones

Kelly Leigh

The best stories teach important lessons about values and about living life. Kelly Leigh's stories, gathered from her travels around the world, follow the tradition of the "Four Bones" to which we must all remain connected: the Wish Bone, the Funny Bone, the Back Bone, and the Hollow Bone. Wish Bone stories remind us to pay attention to what has heart and meaning. Funny Bone stories remind us to not take ourselves too seriously. Back Bone stories are about the courage to stand up for what we believe while also honoring the beliefs and values of others. Hollow Bone stories remind us to listen to the voice that guides us to do what is right, not just for ourselves, but for everyone.

Grades: K-2, 3-5

Audience Size: 200

Pricing: Single $450 / Back-to-Back $650

Extended Learning Packages:

A: $525/B: $725

 

Monkey Tales

Arianna Ross

Travel with storyteller Arianna Ross across the world and back in time to hear both true and fictional stories of life in India . Discover who lives in the jungle, the deserts, the small villages and big cities of India . In ancient folk tales the creatures are sometimes the ones to teach us life lessons, It could be Raja, the king, or Rani the queen, or even the jester who reminds you that it is the laughter and the tears of our tales that really teach us. Your students will leave the program dancing with monkeys, playing with snakes, and listening to a tiger's advice.

Grades: K-5, 6-8

Audience Size: 200 Max.

Pricing: Single $575 / Back-to-Back $775

Tour Dates: March 9-13, 2009

 

Jungle Tales

Antonio Rocha

Let Antonio Rocha be your guide as he takes you to the Amazon Rainforest through the magic of mime and storytelling. Mr. Rocha, formerly a featured performer at the world-famous National Storytelling Festival in Tennessee , will enchant your students as he tells the story of the turtle who went to “The Party in the Sky.” You won't believe your eyes as Mr. Rocha turns into a rattlesnake, a jaguar, and a turtle, all through mime.

Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 200 Max.

Pricing: Single $725 / Back-to-Back $995


Tour Dates: February 2-6, 2009

 

 

Under African Skies

Antonio Rocha

Join world class storyteller Antonio Rocha as he journeys to Africa through amazing sound effects, poetic movements, and an array of characters you will never forget. Meet Mussa's son, a child that goes though an initiation ritual carrying the traditions of his village with courage, respect and responsibility. Learn the story of a very poor young man trying to capture a very smart Iguana for his Chief. Antonio Rocha has performed at the Kennedy Center , The Smithsonian, The National Storytelling Festival and many other venues in Europe, Africa and the Americas .

Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 200 Max.

Pricing: Single $725 / Back-to-Back $995


Tour Dates: February 2-6, 2009

 

So Said the World: Children's Stories

Mrs. Vee

Mrs. Vee presents interactive stories designed to teach the whole child, this program utilizes tales from around the world to lead children in making responsible choices in life. Using sound, dance, music, and humor, Mrs. Vee will teach your children stories that demonstrate the universality of all cultures.

Grades: K-5, 6

Audience Size: 200 Max.

Pricing: Single $595 / Back-to-Back $825

 

 

The Princess Stories

Mrs. Vee

Allow your children to challenge the traditionally assigned princess roles. You won't find Cinderella mopping floors here. Explore how cultures from around the world define strong women and the role of women in such stories as “The Princess and the Brown Paper Bag” and “The Princess and the Dove”. Children will gain a broader understanding of the real roles women play around the world.

Grades: K-5, 6

Audience Size: 200 Max.

Pricing: Single $595 / Back-to-Back $825

 

Visual Arts


The African Mask Workshop

Tunde Afolayan

Focusing on the masks of Mali , this mask making workshop explores the meaning and the importance of African masks within their traditional contexts. Emphasis is on the significance of masks in accordance with their characteristics, features, elements and symbolism. A slide presentation, consisting of selected African masks, encourages students to engage in a brief discussion of the selected works. Your students' attention will be drawn to the differences in styles, features, techniques, history and media used in the pieces presented. Students will create mask concepts inspired by their dreams, fantasies or imagined reality.

Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 25 Max.

Fee: $205 /hour (minimum of 3 hours = $615)

 

 

Celebrating Human Connections:Identity Mask Workshop

Tunde Afolayan

This mask making workshop gives participants a chance to look at multiple aspects of self from a holistic point of view and create mixed media masks that reflect their identities. Students will examine the concepts of stereotypes, race, culture, and identity through dialogues and will discover how limited information and historical misinformation can create boundaries between cultures.

Grades: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

Audience Size: 25 Max.

Fee: $205 /hour (minimum of 3 hours = $615)

 

 

African-American Art Workshop

P. Muzi Branch

Discover the elements of visual art that make it an African American Experience. Students learn through a simple process that art is accessible to everyone. Using ink, string, and paper, your students will follow directions to create their own unique work of art. No two pieces will be alike so children have the opportunity to discover the hidden images within their artwork.

Grades: K-5, 6

Audience Size: 25 Max.

Fee: $205 /hour (minimum of 3 hours = $615)



   

Multicultural

Dance

Multi-disciplinary

Music

Storytelling

Visual Arts