One-hour school performances representing a global spectrum of cultural art forms
$3 Tickets and bus subsidies for all Schools!

Celebrate the rich culture and traditions of India with Katha Dance Theatre’s retelling of the Asian-Indian fairytale Sundari Aur Nag. A young man trapped inside the body of a snake must earn the love of his new wife to break the curse with which he was born, in a story reminiscent of the well-known Beauty and the Beast. The performance features vibrant costumes, breathtaking dance, live music, and narration in three languages with projected English translations!

Experience music from both Japanese and American musical cultures, including the final movement of Ah Nagasaki, by the American composer Robert Kyr. Commissioned by the Nagasaki Peace Museum to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the atomic bombing of the city, the work will be performed by the Minnesota Chorale, taiko drummers from Mu Daiko, and the Gaia Philharmonic Choir and Yokohama Chamber Choir "Kai" from Japan. Lyrics sung in both Japanese and English.

Ronald K. Brown and Evidence delve into the importance of the human experience through spoken word and African, modern, ballet, and hip-hop dance styles. In this performance, Evidence dancers create a unique sensory experience to a variety of music styles including Cuban rap, reggae, jazz, and Afrobeat.

This presentation is supported by the Performing Arts Fund, a program of Arts Midwest funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art, with additional contributions form Minnesota State Arts Board, General Mills Foundation and Land O’Lakes Foundation.

Rooted in the heart of New York’s vibrant 1950’s jazz scene, Palladium Nights revisits the culture and popularity of the Mambo, the Cha Cha, and the Merengue in one of New York’s first integrated night clubs.  Ballet Hispanico and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra with Arturo O’Farrill join forces to recreate the magic of the legendary palladium ballroom where the hottest Latin dancers and musicians of the era ruled the dance floor. 

Trace the evolution of Latin American culture through dance as Ballet Hispanico presents ¡Viva Las Americas!.  Experience the blend of European, African, and Indigenous cultures that have influenced Latin American and Caribbean dance forms, cultural music, and customs.  The performance showcases folkloric dances from Mexico, Puerto Rico, and more.

Award winning choreographer Lula Washington offers a thought provoking mix of stylish choreography, imaginative costumes, and captivating theatricality with Lula Washington Dance Theatre. This dynamic, fresh, LA-based modern dance company combines high-energy modern dance with jazz, hip-hop, African movement, and the intoxicating rhythm of drums.

Whether silently read, spoken or sung, the power of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s words creates hope for equality, justice, and peace.  The VocalEssence Chorus honors the 80th anniversary of Dr. King's birthday with music and spoken word performances. Elevating his message through music, this dynamic concert will feature legendary jazz pianist Billy Taylor's Peaceful Warrior for chorus and jazz trio.

Recognized as one of the world’s leading ukulele players, Jake Shimabukuro defies the notion that the ukulele is only capable of traditional Hawaiian music.  Jake crosses musical genres as he amazes audiences with his revolutionary playing techniques and lightning fast fingers through jazz, blues, funk classical, bluegrass, folk, flamenco, and rock.

See circus performed like never before in a factory filled with acrobats,
dancers, clowns, and contortionists who perform on giant gears,
unicycle platforms, on a high-flying trapeze, and more! Inspired in
part by Mexican-born Diego Rivera’s murals and Charlie Chaplin’s
film Modern Times, Birdhouse Factory takes place in a 1930’s factory
where circus mayhem ensues after a hapless bird flies into one of the
factory’s machines. Watch as the worlds of machines and acrobats
collide in this unique performance creating a feast for your eyes that
will inspire your imagination.

Follow the amazing and brave journeys of three of Eric Carle’s most beloved stories retold on stage by Nova Scotia’s Mermaid Theatre. Watch the Very Hungry Caterpillar’s journey to become a beautiful butterfly; the Little Cloud’s transformation into an airplane, a sheep, and more; and the Mixed-Up Chameleon’s becoming a little bit of every animal it sees at the zoo! Stories come alive using larger-than-life puppets

estamusic.com

From Israel, Esta creates a unique and original sound blending an array of cultural music elements from around the world, with the rhythm of rock and the sprit of jazz. Esta uses elements from the many different cultures present in Israel, including Mediterranean, Balkan, African, Asian, Celtic, and more. Esta captivates audiences and has them dancing in their seats.

Featuring four musicians and eight dancers, Sidi Goma presents the joyful and exuberant devotional music and dance of the traditional rituals of the Sidi African-Indians from Gujarat, India. Audiences will be enthralled by the intoxicating drum patterns, captivating dance and explosive energy as Sidi Goma musicians and dancers bring their unique African-Indian heritage to the stage.

Capture your students’ imaginations with a theater treat from across the globe. We’ll announce this show in early fall, but you will want to purchase your tickets now!