Living Rhythms hands-on residencies are an exciting and transformative exploration of the drumming and dance of West Africa and we now offer two residency options: One in a music class and one performance based! An authentic imported drum is provided for each student (up to 30), and participants learn rhythms and songs that represent the traditions of several West African ethnic groups. For the performance-based residency, students then learn dances that historically accompany the musical selections in preparation for presenting the music and dance in a collaborative performance with other students! Strong emphasis is placed on the traditional West African values of respect, community, and teamwork. Living Rhythms residencies broaden students’ understanding of our increasingly interdependent world, and encourage them to embrace a life of empowerment and critical thinking. This program is specifically designed around the Common Core and connects to multiple Anchor Standards for Reading, Speaking and Listening, Language, Social Studies, and Arts Education.
Use this link to view a video excerpt from this program: https://youtu.be/ak3iuJbzTf8
Artist Background
Living Rhythms is a cultural arts company that has provided hands-on programs in West African drumming and dancing to over 280,000 students at schools throughout the US for the last 23 years. Under the artistic patronage of Master Drummer Mamady Keita of Guinea, West Africa, it is our mission to enrich the lives of young people by creating flourishing cultural arts programs that emphasize diversity, harmony, and responsible world citizenship. By exposing students to the music and dance of West Africa, we aim to broaden students’ understanding of our increasingly interdependent world and encourage them to embrace a life of empowerment and critical thinking.
Search Criteria
- Program Type: Workshop/Residency
- Discipline: Dance, Multi-Disciplinary, Music
- Grade Level: Elementary, High, Middle
- Cultural Context: African
- Accepts bookings in Johnston County
