Connecting Arts-N-Schools


The Connecting Arts-N-Schools series was designed to bring artists directly into the schools - connecting students and teachers with the performing arts in deep and meaningful ways, offering performances that both enhance the in-school curriculum, and introduce students to worlds they have never known.  Connecting Arts-N-Schools began in 2003 to bring cultural performing arts into five elementary and middle schools in West Philadelphia; we reached nearly 600 children that year.  In our recently completed 6th season, nearly 9,000 students in sixteen schools citywide were partners in this dynamic series!

 

This year, students in our partner schools will be exposed to different cultures from around the world – take a look!

 

Kulu Mele African American Dance Ensemble offers an exciting blend of West African ancestral tradition and African American creativity with  performances that include music and dance of Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, Senegal, Brazil, Haiti, Cuba and African America.

 


 

Teachers, download your Kulu Mele study guide here!

 

Freedom Theatre gives students an introduction to creative dramatics, using various techniques to teach the basics of theater, movement and dance.


Teachers, download your Freedom Theatre study guide here!

 

Jonathan Sprout will introduce students to American Heroes by bringing history to life through his concerts.

 

 Teachers, download Jonathan Sprout study guide here!

Chosen Dance Company will take students on an exciting cultural journey tracing the roots of American dance from the 1960s to today’s hip-hop.


 Teachers, download your Chosen Dance study guide here!

 

Zen One Dance Collective is a fascinating ensemble who perform and teach Capoiera, the art form created in Brazil by African slaves more than 400 years ago.


Teachers, download your Zen One Dance Collective study guide here!

The Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble is an amazing group of young performers who will introduce students to West African celebratory dances and drumming. 


 

Teachers, download your Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble study guide here!

Sharon Katz & The Peace Train thrills audiences of all ages with the unstoppable beat and amazing harmonies of South African music and dance.


Teachers, download your Sharon Katz and The Peace Train study guide here

 

Connecting Arts-N-Schools has been made possible with support from:

  • Anonymous
  • Connelly Foundation
  • Crown Holdings, Inc.
  • The LENFEST Foundation
  • Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation
  • The Christopher Ludwick Foundation

For more information on the Connecting Arts-N-Schools Series, please contact Rhoda Blount, Director of Education and Community Engagement at 215.546.7900 x109 or rblount@manncenter.org.

 

Photos by Michael Hammie and Brian Mengini