Footworks teaches traditional music and dance in a way that makes participation accessible, engaging, and fun. This Roots and Rhythm residency is led by Footworks’ director, Marsha Searle, whose expertise and deep connection to traditional dance and music guide students through this immersive experience.

Residency workshops explore a multicultural array of percussive dance traditions, illuminating the diversity of cultures, their histories, and their connections to the human experience. Teachers may choose from dances rooted in Ireland, Africa, the United States, Cherokee traditions, Mexico, India, Scotland, China, and more.

Students also engage in singing, making rhythm, and other improvisational exercises, allowing for creativity and connection—with each other and with the cultures they are exploring. Learning will also include developing motor skills, focus, and collaboration, culminating in students working together to present what they learned.

Through this residency, students gain a deeper understanding of the vital role music and dance play in history and human experience. Each program is thoughtfully customized to meet the specific needs of your school.

Artist Background

Marsha Searle is the Director of Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble and a nationally recognized performer, choreographer, and teaching artist specializing in percussive dance traditions. Marsha began her career with a BA in World Dance traditions and has since had the privilege of studying personally under tradition bearers from across the world. A tradition bearer for Appalachian Clogging herself, Marsha has studied and taught under the guidance of tradition bearers from Irish, Scottish, Chinese, Mexican, Cherokee, Indian, and American (United States) dance traditions and has studied dances and music from many other cultures. As an educator, Marsha Searle is known for her ability to make dance and music accessible, engaging, and meaningful for students of all ages.

With over 20 years as a teaching artist Marsha has spent decades bringing arts-integrated programming into schools, using music and dance as a pathway to connect students with history, culture, and one another. Her teaching emphasizes participation, creativity, and collaboration, helping students build confidence while developing coordination, focus, and connection. Marsha Searle is a certified Teaching Artist with Arts for Learning Maryland, Washington Performing Arts, and Wolf Trap National. 1-2 artists (can include live music). Curriculum Connections: Multicultural, History/Social Studies, Music, Dance, PE.

Search Criteria

• Program Type: Workshop/Residency
• Discipline: Dance, Multi-Disciplinary, Music
• Grade Level: Elementary, High, Middle
• Cultural Context: African, African-American, Asian, Caribbean, European, Latinx, Middle Eastern, Native American, North Carolina
• Accepts bookings in Johnston County