“We had so much to talk about when we returned to class…the language, oral tradition, music, rhythm, positive messages…My 6th graders really enjoyed how interactive it was, and many who usually cannot focus and engage in activities were absolutely mesmerized and enthralled. Thank you so much for going the extra mile to bring a new perspective to our students!” Elizabeth, Lead Teacher, Central Middle School
Young Audiences/Arts for Learning (YA), America’s largest arts in education nonprofit, transforms the lives and education of our youth through the arts. We provide artistically excellent programs, expertise, and resources to ensure every student is immersed in opportunities to imagine, to create, and to realize their full potential through the arts.
YA Assemblies are live, interactive, and educational arts performances that inspire and motivate large audiences. They are 45 minutes in length and have a maximum audience size of 250 students, unless otherwise specified. To schedule an Assembly Program and to learn about possible funding opportunities, please contact Donna Sherman at 410.837.7577 ext. 102.
All YA programs are performed by professional artists that have completed a rigorous interview and audition process. YA also evaluates our artists annually.
Each Program:
* Addresses the Maryland Voluntary State Curriculum (VSC) in the fine arts and other academic areas. These connections can be deepened through the use of our customized Teacher Guides, which are complimentary with each service. (View sample teacher guide.)
* Enhances appreciation of the cultural arts and builds knowledge in the arts.
* Creates opportunities for enhancing the curriculum.
Note: Mileage, if applicable, will be calculated at the time of booking.
DANCE ASSEMBLIES Artist with this symbol (k) are Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC)
approved. MSAC funding may be available.
kBallet Theatre of Maryland
An American Journey Through Dance BTM takes students on an interactive journey to experience the impact of cultural diversity on the evolution of American Ballet. Students will experience the impact that the Irish, African-American, Latino, and Native American cultures, as well as other cultures have had on classical dance. Students will also see how classical dance can be used as a means of expressing the rhythms of a culture, or as a way of capturing its history. Grade Level: K-8
Fee: Single Program - $825; Back-to-Back Program - $1,165
Medieval Festival This 20 to 30 minutes of dance excerpts from the production of “Excalibur” includes duets, solos, and theatrical combat sword fights with a narrative about the Arthurian Legends. The excerpts are set to authentic medieval and Celtic music in period costumes. Students will then participate in demonstrations of stage combat, makeup, costuming, and customs of the period. Grade Level: 1-8
Fee: Single Program - $825; Back-to-Back Program - $1,165
kMaria Broom
Songs and Stories for Little Old Children Maria and Jali-D, the “Drum Talker,” use stories, music, and dance to teach character and values. Students will listen to stories while learning the importance of sharing, the impact of greed, and the practice of power, strength, wisdom, and beauty. Chanting, dancing, and singing songs like “IFETAYO, Love Brings Happiness” are all part of this inspiring, interactive program. Grade Level: PreK-5
Fee: Single Program - $775; Back-to-Back Program - $975
Rappercussion and Story Discussion Maria and Jali-D, the “Drum Talker,” use theatrical storytelling, make-you-move music, and ethnic style dancing to teach character and values to young adults. This program appeals to the ‘cool’ in adolescents while sparking their childlike appreciation of a good story well told. Maria presents her stories in a way that gives teenagers something to think about and Jali-D immediately captures minds and hearts with his positive rapping and hip-hop African-flavored drumming.
Grade Level: 6-12
Fee: Single Program - $775; Back-to-Back Program - $975
kDishiBem Traditional Contemporary Dance Group
Origins: From West Africa to Hip Hop DishiBem consists of four acclaimed professional dancers and musicians, who will take your students on a musical journey from the origins of music in West Africa to modern day Hip Hop. Their vibrant and interactive program connects history to the present day, and impresses upon students the power of music as a positive tool of communication and self-expression through songs, dances, instruments, and music. Grade Level: K-12
Program Fee: Single - $850; Back-to-Back - $1,150
kfootworks percussive dance ensemble
Keeping the Beat: Contemporary American Traditional Dance Footworks conveys the joy of dance while illuminating the historical and multicultural perspectives of different American percussive dances. The program includes live fiddle music, American clogging and hambone, call-and-answer songs and rhythms, as well as the French Canadian stepdance, and South African bootdance. Footworks specializes in performing and teaching the music and dance that developed across the continent from African-American, Celtic, and Native American cultural traditions still found in Southern Appalachia.
A wooden performing surface is preferred if available. Grade Level: K-12
Fee: Single Program - $850
Back-to-Back Program - $1,115
Illstyle & peace productions
The History of Hip-Hop This high-energy program brings the history of hip-hop dance to life. The company shares this history through interactive lecture, jaw-dropping dance, and a compelling Q&A session. Students will learn about the positive aspects of hip-hop art and culture, the technical elements of this dance form, and how the dance has evolved over time. Students get to share some of their own dance moves in this program also! DJing, the Human Beat-Box, and the MC are only a few elements covered. Grade Level: K-12
Fee: Single Program - $850; Back-to-Back Program - $1,150
kAnna Menendez
La Fiesta del Baile Anna Menendez will engage students in her masterful performance of Spanish dance, while exposing them to the concept of how rhythm expresses emotions. Students will learn some basic Spanish vocabulary, use their map skills to locate and identify various Spanish-speaking countries, and gain an appreciation of Spanish culture and traditional dance.
A wooden floor is required for this performance.
Grade Level: 1-12
Fee: Single Program - $430; Back-to-Back Program - $560
kNRITYA
New!Rhythms of India Arriving in stunning costumes, Lakshmi and Chitra introduce students to India and the different nuances of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, classical dance forms from Southern India. They gracefully integrate technical dance with storytelling in order to convey the rich imagery embedded in the art forms. Blending facial expressions and body movements, Lakshmi and Chitra bring interpretive traditional dances, as well as folk tales, to life. Grade Level: K-12
Fee: Single Program - $570; Back-to-Back Program - $725
Ssuuna
Mujje: Come Together
In this interactive program, Ssuuna opens a window on African culture through dance, music, and storytelling. He weaves together stories and dance with music from his native Uganda, played on authentic African instruments. Learn how the Amagunju dance evolved as a way to soothe an infant king (the traditional equivalent of today’s iPod) and how traditional values like respect and gratitude are passed on through song and story. Grade Level: K-12
Fee: Single Program - $500; Back-to-Back Program - $625
Taikoza
Touring artist/Limited availability
Japanese Drumming and Dance Taikoza introduces students to the rich festival traditions of Japan. Accompanied by thunderous taiko drums and Japanese flutes, students take a journey through different regions of Japan as they explore traditional folk song and dance. Grade Level: K-12
Fee: Single Program - $900; Back-to-Back Program - $1,200
Urgeworks Touring artist/Limited availability
Be You These dancers use street dance, rhythm, poetry, and drama to teach the positive aspects and history of the hip-hop culture. The inspirational young men of Urgeworks – formerly considered at-risk themselves – found focus through hip-hop and are now working as professional artists. They take students on an exciting journey that encourages individuality and self-confidence. Grade Level: K-12
Fee: Single Program - $725; Back-to-Back Program - $1,000
The Mathematics of Hip-Hop 'The Mathematics of Hip-Hop' explores the role that math and numbers play in the elements of hip-hop, reinforcing everyday mathematical concepts and State Curriculum standards. Grade Level: 1-5
Fee: Single Program - $725; Back-to-Back Program - $1,000
Young Audiences Arts for Learning Maryland | 2601 North Howard Street, Suite 320, Baltimore, MD 21218
| p: 410.837.7577 | f: 410.837.7579 | info@yamd.org
