New Jersey Performing Arts Center announced that they will present Embodying the Dream: A Celebration of the Life and Message of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a FREE community event for children and their families, will convey the essence of Dr. King’s dream through performing arts workshops.
Activities from 11am to 2pm at NJPAC’s Center for Arts Education (24 Rector St.).
Embodying the Dream Festival Descriptions
Celebrate the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr through Dance, Music, Movement, Visual Art and Spoken Word.
Dance:
Dance Theater of Harlem Community Workshop – Horizon Black Box: – All ages welcome!
Create your own poetry through motion with Dance Theater of Harlem. This community dance workshop will be led by members of the Dance Theater of Harlem Company. Participation in this workshop is on a first come first serve basis. Arrive early space is limited.
Liturgical Dance Workshop – Room B-07 – All ages welcome!
Explore your spiritual side as participants dance and feel the spirit of Gospel and strength of Protest in this introduction to Liturgical Dance led by accomplished Teaching Artist Theara Ward.
Music:
Civil Rights Sing-in – Room 105 – All ages welcome!
The heart of the Civil Rights movement was led through song. Join Master Teacher Chantel Wright and accompanist Victor Burke as we sing-in freedom, folk and protest music from the movement.
Nina Simone: Jazz Music of the 1960’s – Room 105
Few musicians embody the soul of 1960’s protest, like Nina Simone. Listen and learn about the life and work of this accomplished singer, songwriter and musician with Wells Fargo Jazz for Teens Faculty and Vocalist Charenee Wade.
Movement:
History of Stepping Workshop – Room B-07 – All ages welcome!
Stomp the Yard as participants learn the art of Stepping, as popularized by African-American fraternities and sororities, a percussive dance form that utilizes the entire body to meld folk traditions, percussive movement, singing, speaking, hand claps, chanting and drama.
Civil Rights Storytelling – Room 114 (11:00am & 12:30pm) – All ages welcome!
Explore the themes and memorable stories of the Civil Rights movement with the entire family.
Visual Arts:
Community Mural: Dreamscapes – Room 202 – All ages welcome!
Make Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy concrete in this community mural project which all participants reflect their version of his dream with paint and canvas.
Video Time Capsule: Reflecting on MLK’s Legacy – Room 218 – All ages welcome
Memorialize your reflection of Martin Luther King’s Dream of a better tomorrow using technology as we capture your stories on video of how his vision affects the landscape of today’s world.
Spoken Word:
Protest through Poetry – Horizon Black Box – All ages welcome!
The words of Martin Luther King Jr. inspired a nation to reflect, to change and to grow. Join us for this spoken word workshop to create, explore and inspire your words of change.
