Community, School Residencies and Performance
Information for Laini Kuumba Ngoma Troupe
Be positive in all you do and forget those that do not know you. For in the end they will understand you by your work.
PROFORMANCE & RESIDENCY ACTIVITIES:
The Laini Kuumba Ngoma Troupe’s arts-in-education programs engage diverse student populations through a series of performances, workshops, master classes and training seminars. Students are exposed to a rich cultural heritage through association with community elders in the arts and education fields who are committed to transmitting the positive values, traditions and beliefs of the people and cultures of the Americas and Africa (north, south, east and west).
Through the development of ongoing programs offered to schools, community service organizations and cultural arts institutions, the company has found that the arts (music, dance, theatre, visual arts, oral tradition, etc.) coupled with informative, stimulating academic presentations that educate through creative participation, serve as one of the best tools in educating our young and redirecting them to a progressive alternative path.
Fire Under my Feet
Fire Under My Feet is a program designed to expose the participant to the historical and cultural bridge between Native Americans, African Americans and Latino Americans, and to remove the misconceptions which have alienated people of color in the United States. The program includes songs, dances, drumming, folktales and a historical overview, which demonstrates the cultural bonding between these three people. Study guides and videotapes are available for teachers and students upon request.
Journey Within
A ‘Journey Within” transports urban youth from the streets of the city into the world of self-knowledge by taking them on a journey through the African Diaspora. The participants travel to Africa, the Caribbean Islands and back to the Americas through music, dance, song and storytelling. At each point in the journey, the students encounter cultural experiences connecting them to the omnipresence of African culture and to the common heritage they share through a linkage to African ancestry.
Who Wears The Mask
This unit focuses on the uses of mask from around the world, imagery in our society as symbols of power and how these mask and images have taught men and women about survival, balance, and society since the beginning of time. The program consists of dances, music, songs and visual arts from Nigeria, Senegal, Haiti, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Study guides and a video presentation are available for this unit.
Rhythms of Africa in my Soul
”Rhythms of Africa in my Soul” introduces audiences to the cultural riches of the ancient African Empires. Through music, dance, and accompanying narration, students learn about the history, traditions and belief systems of the people of the powerful political empire that subsequently evolved into the nations of Senegal, Guinea, Ivory Coast and Mali. The lecture/demonstrations and concerts include a "Bantaba" or "dancing circle" where the audience is invited to join the company in a traditional African dance experience. Study guides and a video presentation are available for this unit.
Kwanzaa
Laini Kuumba Ngoma Troupe holds the distinction of producing the largest Kwanzaa Celebration Night in Houston. Special activities for children, elders and the family are central to the event, which attracts multi-ethnic audiences from all over the state. In order to educate and enlighten the general public, educators and community leaders about this powerful cultural and spiritual holiday, the company conducts lecture demonstrations, workshops, mini concerts, lectures and performances focusing on Kwanzaa and its importance as an institution empowering our youth and strengthening our communities.
Living Images
Living Images is a series of short dramatic presentations for students and teachers focusing on diversity and acceptance as tools for cultural and racial harmony. The programs examine racism, stereotyping, discrimination, values conflicts and overcoming prejudice in a non-threatening and objective manner, allowing participants to share feelings, reflections, experiences and general perceptions without fear of judgment. Teacher training is available for this unit. Living Images conducts several creative writing sessions before the main event/gathering. The creative writing sessions allows it’s participates time to reflect before the dramatic presentation begins.
Explore the Rhythm
Youth and Adult participates will be given an opportunity to experience hands on learning and playing of instruments from around the world. Ending with a musical blast parade. Using drums, shakers, sticks, bells, and several different types of drums.
Other Residency Activities:
Concerts: The concert presentation is chosen from the company's repertoire of over 50 works. Full company. 90 minutes including a 7-minute intermission.
Mini- Concerts: Works are chosen from the main stage repertory, which can be performed with minimal lighting and suited to the technical limitations of the facility. Full company, and solos. 60 minutes with no intermission.
Lecture Demonstrations: Works are chosen from the educational program repertoire in addition to solo’s, duets and full troupe which includes 5-12 artists, including dancers, poets, singers and musicians. 30-60 minutes.
Master Classes: Classes are offered in West African, Caribbean, and modem dance. Musical instruction for percussion instruments is also offered by the troupe in a separate class. The levels of instruction range from beginning to advanced, and are available for senior citizens, physically challenged, and special needs populations. 4 -6 artists. 60-120 minutes.
Residency Options: Programs featuring choreography, collaborative work, teacher training (curriculum development) for public schools, colleges, universities, civic and private organizations can be scheduled (no more than 3 activities per day). Full education unit consist of 4- 6 artists. Residency time
2 to 21 days or longer.
Teacher Training: Through lectures, demonstrations, dance, songs, and stories, teachers are given "movement language", information, and materials to be used in their classrooms to teach African and Native American (history and culture). Teachers are provided with study guides, basic movement vocabulary, a bibliography of current titles, and instruction on how to create a resource center for their classroom. 4 artist/instructors.
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