|
Educator Info
Photograph by Molly Ogden
"At first I thought
that it would be any other assembly, but I had
no idea it would be so good. It is just so
incredible to have them come here. Thanks,
whoever arranged [Jeh Kulu] to come." -
Adam E. |
Jeh Kulu
School Programs: Jeh Kulu Dance and
Drum Theatre has been working as artists in
residence in schools throughout Vermont and New
Hampshire for over ten years. Our artists hail
from Guinea, Senegal, and USA, and have been
bringing the culture and spirit of West African
drumming and dance to children all over the
northeast. We are delighted that you are
interested in bringing Jeh Kulu to your school.
We offer a variety of programs in order to work
within your budget while fulfilling the
educational goals you have for your students.
Whether you bring Jeh Kulu as a part of your
music, French, social studies, or physical
education curriculums, or as an enrichment to
cultural and diversity programs, special
celebrations, or health and wellness, Jeh Kulu
will provide a memorable experience your
students are sure to love. |
Performances:
Our performances include
energetic dance choreography, live drumming by highly
trained artists, an introduction to traditional
instruments and audience participation. Performances
generally range from 35-60 minutes and are perfect for
events such as cultural fairs, end of the year
celebrations, memorable assemblies, MLK day or black
history month celebrations.
Workshops:We offer
60-90minute dance and drum workshops for all ages.
Dance workshops can accommodate the typical class size
or larger groups of up to 35 students. Drum workshops
are limited to groups of 10-15 unless the school can
provide additional instruments. Students will learn a
sequence of traditional dance steps or several parts to
a traditional polyrhythm taught by master artists.
Residencies:Residencies
range from one day cultural education/demonstration, to
two or three week in-depth teaching of dancing,
drumming, and culture culminating in an all school
performance. Student performances, presentation s by
our company, or a combination of the two are a great
addition to any residency package. All residencies can
include a combination of drum, dance, and cultural
education and involve your students learning one or
more traditional dance or drum pieces, a brief
introduction to traditional instruments used during the
residency, and question and answer time with master
artists from West Africa. Depending on your budget and
goals we offer several different packages and we can
accommodate the focus to best meet your goals.
* Longer residencies allow for more tailored
focus and we work closely with teachers to determine
the best fit. See below descriptions of common
options.
|
1-2 day immersion
residency
Students will have a
memorable immersion into West African dance
and drum culture through learning
traditional rhythms, brief Q and A with
Master artists, and an introduction to
traditional instruments. Student
performances are possible as well.
Additional fees apply.
3-5 day packages
can be tailored to accomplish the goal you
would like to focus on:
-
Dance/Drum
Immersion: Students will
focus on dancing and drumming. This
focus is fun and active and the
cultural education will happen
through experiencing the form and
personal interaction with master
artists. Students will not perform,
but will learn one or more
traditional pieces (depending on
time). This is a great choice for
PE teachers.
-
Cultural
Education focus: Students
will have extra time for question
and answer sessions and discussion
about the culture of West Africa.
They will learn the names of
several instruments, see
traditional dress and
accoutrements, learn about the role
of dance and drum in the community,
and see images of life in W.
Africa.
-
Performance focus:
Students will focus on learning a
choreographed piece to perform for
their peers and/or parents.
Additional performance fees apply
(see price list).
6+ day packages
offer additional options:
-
West
African style ballet
performance: An extension
of the performance focused package
described above, students will have
time work with Jeh Kulu artists to
create a well rehearsed performance
including the added elements of
theater and song. Option to create
costumes may be available with
school support. Additional
performance fees apply (see price
list).
-
Performance and cultural
education: Combination of
performance and cultural education
focused packages described above.
Residencies will begin with a focus
on cultural education and move into
preparations for a performance.
Additional performance fees apply
(see price list).
|
***Dance residencies can
accommodate large groups of students depending on age
and availability of teacher support. Drum
workshops are limited to groups of 10-15 unless the
school can provide additional instruments. Any dance
residency of 2+ days can include a combination of
dancing and drumming.***
For
booking information contact jehkulu@yahoo.com
Some of Jeh
Kulu’s favorite links to resources and lesson
plans on teaching about Africa:
|
