K-12
7 Performing Arts Behind The Curtain Programmes!
Performing Arts
Total performing arts immersion! These full-day, multi-disciplinary, hands-on programmes, offered in partnership with leading professionals dance, theatre, and music companies, afford students the rare opportunity to be immersed in contemporary dance and culture.
Students will experience:
- A matinee performance
- A performing arts workshop with company members
- A creative arts workshop with School Visits educators inspired by the show.
Ferocious Beauty: Genome/ Liz Lerman Dance Exchange, Grades 9-12, Sept 28
Los Patita De Perro, Grades 2-4, Nov 8
Toronto Dance Theatre: Ivanochko/Calam, Grades 7-12, Dec 6
COBA Collective of Black Artists, Grades K-12, Feb 5-7
The Chimera Project, Grades 7-8, April 4
Andrea Nann Dreamwalker Dance Company, Grades 9-12, May 8
Tribal Cracking Wind, Grades 3-6, Winter 2008 (date TBA)
4-6
FULL DAY
A Tale From Behind the Mask: A Multidisciplinary Arts Experience! 
Performing Arts
Also available as an in school programme!
Bring an ancient folk tale to life as students discover ways to express themselves through art, dance and drama
• Students make a paper theatrical mask to depict their character
• Discover ways to express character in movement
• Explore elements of dance and choreography
• Develop theatrical skill through drama and role-playing activities
• Students use creative problem solving as they develop a group presentation
Curriculum connections:
Visual Arts (Grades 4 – 6)
Drama and Dance (Grades 4 – 6)
9-12
FULL DAY
Behind The Curtain: Andrea Nann Dreamwalker Dance Company
Performing Arts
Elements of drama, literature, music and visual arts are woven into the creative process and the final product, allowing the students to give physical form to their thoughts and feelings through painting, storytelling and movement set to music. Through a range of dynamic workshops with members of the company followed by a responsive visual arts workshop facilitated by our artist educators, each participant feels respected for their individuality and their own unique artistic interpretations and creations.
Asian Heritage Month
May 8, 10am-2pm
Part of Next Steps
Cost: Full day: $15 per student Matinee only: $10 per student
K-12
FULL DAY
Behind The Curtain: COBA Collective of Black Artists
Performing Arts
COBA SPARKS BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION!
COBA's mission is to preserve and promote the finest traditions of African, Caribbean, and contemporary dance and music through research, education, and public performance. This year at Harbourfront Centre COBA presents Danse Belé (Caribbean Indigenous Folk): 1995 a Dance Theatre production with traditional drums and Chants created by COBA’s Cheorographer BaKari E. Lindsay. Danse Belé is a theatrical representation of the history of Caribbean with Indigenous Folk dances from Trinidad and Tobago. The performance weaves dance, spoken word, music, drumming, chants and period costumes to transport the audience through the life and times of plantation slaves.
Programme includes a matinee performance, Roots and Rhythms workshop with COBA dancers and a specially designed Schools Visits workshop. Get inspired as you explore rhythms, dance and song rooted in African history! For more information, visit www.cobainc.com.
February 5-7, 10am-2pm
Part of NextSteps
Exclusive COBA Preview for Educators:
Wednesday, November 21 at 7:30pm, Studio Theatre, Harbourfront Centre. See Danse Belé excerpts and get information on workshops and curriculum suggestions! SPACE IS LIMITED, RSVP TODAY! Call (416) 504-6429 ext. 23, or e-mail jessica@danceumbrella.net.
Cost: Full day: $15 per student; Matinee only: $10 per student
2-4
FULL DAY
Behind The Curtain: Los Patita de Perro
Performing Arts
Mexican rock band Los Patita de Perro – there’s more to these muchachos than meets the ojo!
Harbourfront Centre’s Salvador Allende Festival will feature the Mexican rock band Los Patita de Perro! This dynamic group of children’s performers will also do a concert for our School Visits programme. Famous in Latin America for their ability to move both children and adults, Nacho Pata, Pancho Pata and Charlie Pata serve up a hard rocking hour of head nodding, arm waving, aisle dancing fun. The Patas use their music to educate children about social responsibility, self respect, personal hygiene, preserving Mexican traditions, and the importance of protecting the environment. Students will have such a good time they don’t even notice how much they’re learning!
November 8, 10am - 2pm
Cost: $15 per student; Matinee Only: $10 per ticket
9-12
FULL DAY
Behind The Curtain: Ontario Genomics Institute Presents: Ferocious Beauty: Genome- Liz Lerman Dance Exchange
Performing Arts
Brought to Canada by the Ontario Genomics Institute, this multi-media dance performance was developed in collaboration with scientists and scholars to explore human implications of discoveries in genetic science. Students will also participate in workshops with our artist educators and scientists from the OGI.
September 28, 10am – 2pm
Part of NextSteps
Cost: Full day: $15 per student; Matinee only: $10 per student
3-6
FULL DAY
Behind The Curtain: Tribal Cracking Wind
Performing Arts
Tribal Crackling Wind’s Artistic Director Peter Chin spent the last three years visiting Cambodia, working with local artists to research and create his new work: Transmission of the Invisible. Join us for a storytelling workshop led by company dancers and two special guest artists from Cambodia. Using video footage of Cambodian and Canadian children engaged in games, activities, and day-to-day life, the workshop will include dance and music activities that respond to these stories, performances by the two Cambodian dancers and movement work from the Cambodian tradition.
Participants of the workshop will be asked to agree to have the activities videotaped for inclusion in the video installation, which will form a part of the final presentation of Transmission of the Invisible.
Winter 2008, date TBA, 10am-2pm
Cost: Full Day; $15 per student; Matinee Only; $10 per ticket
7-12
FULL DAY
Behind The Curtain:The Chimera Project
Performing Arts
FIND YOUR HIDDEN SPOT with The Chimera Project!
Powerful, risk-taking and fiercely contemporary, The Chimera Project is known for its unique vision and riveting intensity. The Chimera Project's key activities lie in the creation of cutting edge dance, live performance, film, and education. Watch a matinee performance of The Hidden Spot, a dynamic, energy charged and superbly athletic quest to find the meaning of SACRED. Then, participate in a visual arts workshop with our educators and join the dance artists in highly physical workshops that aim to unleash your inner hero and tap into the secret sources of strength within.
April 4,10am-2pm
Part of Next Steps
Cost: Full day: $15 per student; Matinee only: $10 per student
7-12
FULL DAY
Behind the Curtain- Toronto Dance Theatre IVANOCHKO/CALAM
Performing Arts
Begin with an exhilarating movement class facilitated by Toronto Dance Theatre (TDT) alumni. Classes are tailored to suit students’ level of experience and emphasize participation, musicality and personal expression. Students will also be engaged in a contemporary arts programme facilitated by School Visits educators. Following lunch, students will watch two thirty-minute pieces by young Canadian choreographers Valerie Calam and Sasha Ivanochko, featuring TDT’s dancers – “some of the best on the planet” (The Globe and Mail) – followed by an interactive Q&A hosted by Artistic Director Christopher House.
December 6, 10am-3pm
Matinee tickets are sold through TDT. Please contact Bridget Cauthery, Company Manager, Toronto Dance Theatre
tel: (416) 967-1365 ext 2
Part of Next Steps.
Cost: $15 per student Full Day; $14 per student Matinee only
K-4
HALF DAY
Creative Movement
In-School Programmes, Performing Arts
Also available as an in school programme!
Experience the wonderful world of expressive movement in this imaginative workshop.
• Students learn how to engage their imagination as the driving force behind expressive movement
• Work with a professional dancer; explore sensory contrast, tempo, direction and whole body co-ordination
• Work with a Korean Dance Ribbon and learn how to articulate shapes in movement and rhythm.
• Learn about traditional dances from around the world (Grades 3-4)
• Educator’s learn a series of simple dance activities to assist with your in school dance programme
Curriculum connections:
Drama and Dance (Grades 1 – 4)
Visual Arts (Grades K – 4)
4-8
HALF DAY
FULL DAY
Djembe Drumming
Performing Arts
Available September 24 – December 21 and January 14 – April 14
HIGH DEMAND – Book early to avoid disappointment!
Half day: Drumming
Full day: Drumming and Clay Udu Drum Making
Work as a collective to beat as one! Using authentic African Djembe drums, students explore rhythm and hand drumming techniques, experiencing the power of collective drumming with their classmates
• Students experience the hands-on excitement of exploring rhythm on their own Djembe Drum
• Learn hand drumming techniques
• Learn about the rich cultural history of drumming around the world
• Experience the power of collective drumming with classmates!
• Create a Nigerian Udu Pot Drum from clay, using hand building techniques (full day programme only)
Curriculum connections:
Music (Grades 4 – 8)
Heritage and Citizenship (Grade 5)
Visual Arts (Grades 1 – 8)
Drums courtesy of Seiko
K-3
HALF DAY
ESL Rod Puppets
ESL, In-School Programmes, Performing Arts
Calling all young puppeteers! Discover the history of rod puppets and puppet-making from around the world. Create a one-of-a-kind two faced Rod-Puppet using wooden spoons and a variety of materials like wool, buttons, feathers, and patterned fabrics.
• Students use their imagination to create facial expressions and personality in their puppet through a variety of materials
• Participate in puppetry activities involving movement, expression and sound, with their new puppet
• Use techniques of collage in creating their unique puppet
• Learn to use terminology and vocabulary specific to working with rod puppets
• Learn and practice six levels ESL skills throughout the programme
Curriculum connections:
ESL curriculum
Visual Arts (Grades 1 – 3)
Drama (Grades 1 – 3)
Oral and Visual Communication (Grades 1 – 3)
4-8
FULL DAY
ESL Shadow Puppets
ESL, Performing Arts
Explore the ancient art of shadow puppetry and its South-East Asian cultural roots in this fascinating programme. Design and make a shadow puppet based on stories and fables and learn how to animate the puppet for a play.
• Reinterpret a fable as a contemporary story relevant to students’ lives and experiences
• Design silhouette shadow puppet characters, props, and scenery for the play
• Perform a play and tell a story with the new puppet
• Learn to use terminology and vocabulary specific to working with shadow puppets
• Learn and practice six levels ESL skills throughout the programme
Curriculum connections:
ESL curriculum
Visual Arts (Grades 4 – 8)
Drama (Grades 4 – 8)
4-8
FULL DAY
Global Drama
Performing Arts
Lauching January 2008!
Celebrating Diversity Through Drama and Art. Discover ways to critique, understand and discuss the role multiculturalism in your students’ lives through multi-disciplinary activities in drama and the visual arts.
• Explore Canada’s Policy of Multiculturalism and the experience of living in a Global City through facilitated discussion
• Participate in dramatic activities like “hot seating” which allows for an exploration of the role of diversity in the urban setting
• Reflect and respond to living in Toronto and the issues of global community through a visual arts project
Curriculum Connections:
Visual Arts (Grades 4-8)
Music (Grades 4-8)
Heritage and Citizenship (Grades 5)
5-8
HALF DAY
Movement and Choregraphy
In-School Programmes, Performing Arts
Students unleash their potential for movement expression as they learn new dance vocabulary and how to choreograph!
• Work with a professional dancer and peers to create a unique dance presentation
• Learn new dance vocabulary; explore a wide range of dance styles from around the world
• Become familiar with the elements of choreography; use creative problem solving abilities
• Students discover their unique way of moving – their own dance signature!
Also available as an in school programme!
Curriculum Connections:
The Arts: Drama and Dance (Grades 5-8)
K-3
HALF DAY
Rod Puppets
Performing Arts
Calling all young puppeteers! Discover the history of rod puppets and puppet-making from around the world. Create a one-of-a-kind two faced Rod-Puppet using wooden spoons and a variety of materials like wool, buttons, feathers, and patterned fabrics.
• Students will use their imagination to create facial expressions and personality in their puppet through a variety of materials
• Participate in puppetry activities involving movement, expression and sound
• Use techniques of collage in creating their unique puppet
Curriculum connections:
Visual Arts (Grades 1 – 3)
Drama and Dance (Grades 1 – 3)
Oral and Visual Communication (Grades 1 – 3)
4-8
FULL DAY
Shadow Puppets
Performing Arts
Explore the ancient art of shadow puppetry and its South-East Asian cultural roots in this fascinating programme. Students design and make their own shadow puppet, based on stories and fables from a global perspective, and learn how to animate them for a puppet show.
• Reinterpret a fable as a contemporary story relevant to students' lives and experiences
• Design silhouette shadow puppet characters, props, and scenery for your play
• Student perform a play and tell a story with their new puppet
Curriculum connections:
Visual Arts (Grades 4 – 8)
4-8
FULL DAY
Street Theatre Puppets Heads and Play
Performing Arts
• Learn a brief history of popular education, and street theatre
• Students collectively create their own skits based on issues relevant to their lives.
• Collectively construct props and giant puppets using easily-found, recycled materials
• Practice and present their popular theatre to their school/wider community.
• Be involved in an artistic activity to enhance creativity, language, drama and art skills while interacting with adults and other children
Curriculum Connections:
Visual Arts (Grades 4-8)
Dramatic Arts (Grades 4-8)
Media Literacy (Grades 6-8)
(full day at Harbourfront Centre and an in-school visit)
4-8
FULL DAY
Understanding Hip Hop Culture
Performing Arts
Launch in January 2008!
Global Hip Hop culture: possibly the most influential artistic movement in the world today. Discover its roots, its contemporary impact and its ability to empower self-expression.
• Learn the history of the hip hop movement dating back to the early 70’s, and the legacy of some of the greatest Hip Hop Pioneers
• Discover the four elements of Global Hip Hop Culture
• Take a critical look at the issues that surround Hip Hop Culture
• Explore self-expression through the Hip Hop medium
Curriculum connections:
Music (Grades 4 – 8)
Heritage and Citizenship (Grade 5)
Visual Arts (Grades 1 – 8)
Media Literacy (Grades 4 – 8)
9-12
FULL DAY
Understanding Hip Hop
Performing Arts
Begins January 2008!
Global Hip Hop culture: possibly the most influential artistic movement in the world today. Discover its roots, its contemporary impact and its ability to empower self-expression!
• Learn the history of the hip hop movement dating back to the early 70’s, and the legacy of some of the greatest Hip Hop Pioneers
• Discover the four elements of Global Hip Hop Culture
• Take a critical look at the issues that surround Hip Hop Culture
• Explore self-expression through the Hip Hop medium
Curriculum connections:
Media Literacy (Grade 11)
Music (Grades 9-12)
Dance (Grades 9-12)
5-8
Urban Dance Breakdancing, Hip Hop, Crumping and Stomp!
Performing Arts
From street to stage, urban dance is showing us new ways to move!
• Students develop their own Urban Dance vocabulary
• Uncover the origins, and track the glowing legacy, of Urban Dance
• Students become aware of their own style of movement expression
• Work with a professional dancer and peers to create a unique
dance presentation
curriculum connections:
Drama and Dance (Grades 5-8)
9-12
FULL DAY
Urban Dance- Breakdancing, Hip Hop, Crumping and Stomp
Performing Arts
From street to stage, urban dance is showing us new ways to move!
• Students develop their own Urban Dance vocabulary
• Uncover the origins, and track the glowing legacy, of Urban Dance
• Students work with a professional dancer and their peers to create a unique dance presentation, discovering their own style of movement expression
Curriculum Connections:
The Arts: Dance (Grades 9-12)
