Footworks teaches traditional music and dance in a way that makes participation accessible and fun. Residency workshops include learning a multicultural array of percussive dances that illuminate the diversity of different cultures, their history, and connecting it to social studies lessons. Teachers can choose dances from Ireland, Africa, America, Native American, Mexico, Honduras, Scotland, China and other multicultural dances. Singing, hamboning, and improvisational exercises are also included and the residency brings students together in an interactive way that connects them to each other and to the culture they are learning. The learning sequences develop communication and motor skills and better ability to focus, and teach how to work with others to create something together. Students will learn the vital role that music and dance play in history and human experience. The residency is custom designed to fit the needs of your school. 1-2 artists. Curriculum Connections: Multicultural, History/Social Studies, Music, Dance, PE.

Artist Background

Celebrating 40 years as a performing arts ensemble, Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble is an internationally recognized, roots-based music and dance company showcasing the cultural diversity of percussive dance. Footworks has a reputation for exceptional performances, bringing the joy and energy of percussive dance and music to audiences worldwide. The ensemble always performs with its own highly accomplished award-winning musicians and is dedicated to teaching and working with youth, recognized for over 40 years in Arts-In-Education. Footworks offers a wide range of services including theater productions, festival performances, workshops, arts-integrated school assemblies and residencies, and youth and community outreach programming. All of Footworks programming is a celebration of the cultural diversity found in the United States. The Washington Post declares, “The eruptive joy of Footworks dancers is as contagious as laughter!”

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