Celebrating Youth! - Performers
(Currently scheduled performances may change prior to event.)
• Academia de danza Mexico
Ballet Folklorico Mexico and Academia de Danza Mexico are located in the city of Milwaukee and directed by Jesus Avia. This is a Mexican dance group and Academy part in many events that benefit the Milwaukee community. The young students of the Academia de Danza benefit in many ways as they take advantage of what is being offered. www.myspace.com/456537154
• Accompany of Kids
With an average age of fourteen, fifty youth of all experience levels will entertain you at Celebrating Youth! Enjoy their vitality, high energy dance and vocal performances as our troupe performs selections inspired by our upcoming Spring Gala – Electricity! As with every AOK performance, it is our hope that you take with you a renewed sense of the goodness inherent in the youth of today!
Accompany of Kids is a group of young, gifted singers and dancers, and a non-profit organization. The mission of Accompany of Kids is to provide young people the opportunity to gain self-confidence, leadership skills, and grow into productive and successful adults through the use of the arts. We have 40 to 60 kids, ages 10 through 20, who sing and dance to all kinds of music such as Swing, Patriotic, Broadway, Oldies, Rock & Roll and more. www.aokwi.org
• Avalon Village Girl Scouts of Badgerland Troop
A dance and drill team is composed of four girls from the Avalon Village Girl Scouts Troop. They follow the mission of Girl Scouts which is to build character, courage and confidence to build better leaders in the future.
• Black Star Drumline & Music Makers (Boys & Girls Club of Dane County)
The Boys & Girls Club of Dane County Black Star Drumline program was formed in 2004 and continues to grow. We have performed for various events throughout the community. Our mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. We have two facilities serving Dane County, our South Madison branch and our Allied Family Center in Fitchburg. We serve members aged 7-18. Please visit us at www.bgcdc.org.
• Cherokee Drill Team
The 2009-2010 Cherokee Drill Team is composed of a group of dedicated 7th and 8th grade young ladies. Many of the members have been on the team since their start at Cherokee Middle School. The young ladies are the sole choreographers and visionaries for all of their step and dance routines with little guidance from their coaches. The team provides its members with a forum to create complex step and dance routines, while keeping the young ladies fit and active.
• Children of the Sun Drum Troupe
The Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing's "Children of the Sun Drum Troupe", established in 1998 in Milwaukee, is the first and only known performing drum troupe comprised of young deaf and hard of hearing musicians. This unique troupe has performed at a variety of Milwaukee-area events and venues under the leadership of Musical Director Jahmes Finlayson. The troupe uses African rhythms and dance to engage and encourage audience participation. The Children of the Sun Drum Troupe is an inspiration for all individuals who strive to overcome challenges. Contact Program Director Deb Kravit 414-704-7205. www.cdhh.org
• Children's Theater of Madison (CTM)
Children’s Theater of Madison, a resident company of the Overture Center for the Arts, is Madison’s premiere theater for youth and families. Onstage and in our classes, CTM ignites imaginations, inspires wonder and excitement, and offers all ages the chance for creative self-expression. Acting and musical theater classes are offered year-round. CTM’s acclaimed Summer Drama School has been training students in stage and life skills since 1977. While learning to act and sing, performers gain confidence, develop collaborative and performance skills, and make life-long friends in a fun and supportive environment. CTM’s performance at this year’s event will feature excerpts from 2009 Summer Drama School all-youth productions. Visit www.ctmtheater.org for more information on productions at the Overture Center for the Arts, classes and Summer Drama School.
• Club TNT (Today Not Tomorrow)
Club TNT (Today Not Tomorrow) is a locally produced, sixty minute, weekly television show, airing Saturday mornings on TVW-14. Club TNT uses the medium of entertainment and technology to promote positive behaviors, build self- esteem and confidence ALL in a drug free, alcohol and violence free environment. Club TNT provides opportunities for youth to express themselves through music, poetry and dance and raises awareness on the issues that face all youth. Club TNT youth hosts Mychi Kober, Stoughton, and Sammi Tracey, Janesville, will be performing. To be part of Club TNT call 608-770-2049 or visit our website at www.clubtnt.org.
• Crushin' All Force
Crushin' All Force stands for “A force of urban dance that creates unique movement.” C.A.F’s primary goal is to take teens off the streets and show them a genre of artistic urban avenues, with the motto “An Excellent Commitment to Leadership.” C.A.F’s commitment to leadership not only carries us as dancers but also as activists against drugs, violence, and the everyday battles that our youth struggle with in our society. Our strategy is to teach through the urban arts of dance, primarily hip hop. Through this, we focus on leadership, fitness, self confidence, high expectations in our educational lives, and discipline.
• East Madison Community Center Jugglers
The EMCC Jugglers are a group of kids from the after school program at the East Madison Community Center. They attend Hawthorne Elementary School. The hourglass shaped object is a gyroscope that is known as the diabolo. Under the direction of comedy juggler Truly Remarkable Loon the EMCC Jugglers have been playing together since October of 2008. Our goal is to achieve success and self-confidence through practice, cooperation, and teamwork. Yes We Can!
www.eastmadisoncc.org www.trloon.com www.diabolotricks.com
• Floor Monkeyz Krew/ Breakin 101 EMCC Breakers
Floor Monkeyz Krew was started in September of 2008 by Devon Webb (bboy dizco) & Jee Vang (bboy count3r). The breakdance crew consists of 8 experienced bboys (dizco, count3r, demolish, Thor, Hector, GaWong, Tu, & shatter). The crew has competed in talent showcases and competitions such as BTL( a international competition), Breakin Injustice, Mad City Sessions, Battle Shamattle, MATC Dance festival, and other shows for schools. The bboy crew not only battles, but they also spread their love for this unique dance to the community. In October of 2009 the crew began to teach at the local East Madison Community Center were they started the class/crew for anyone who wants to learn to breakdance "Breakin 101 EMCC Breakers". FMK has many goals for 2010 and plan on reaching them.
• Gaelic Fusion Dance Company
Gaelic Fusion Dance Company merges the wonderful roots of Scottish dance with modern Scottish dance music. Maggie Thompson and Silvie Marlette, co-directors, focus on the creative performance of their young dancers, combining the best of the old and the brightest of the new. Their performance at this year's event concentrates on the favorite and familiar traditional dances of old Scotland. Performances, workshops, bookings, Highland Dance Lessons call: Maggie Thompson 608-242-9521 www.gaelicfusion.com
• The Girls Who Care - Wisconsin Youth & Family Center
The Girls Who Care (TGWC) are a group of young women learning to express themselves in positive and empowering ways. They are a part of the Wisconsin Youth and Family Center, within AFTER SCHOOL and the Wisconsin Youth Company. Come see these natural talents shine on stage, vocally, rhythmically and creatively. TWGC care about themselves, their communities and their families--and YOU, so show some love! www.wisconsinyouthcompany.org
• GCC Atlas Improv Teen Comedy Troupe
In September 2009, Atlas Improv and the Goodman Community Center teamed up to offer a series of workshops giving teens the opportunity to learn fast-paced, interactive, on-stage comedy! Atlas Improv Company teaches techniques for young entertainers to create a scene, become a character, and tell an off-the-cuff story based on audience suggestions. Teen performers are from Wright Middle School, O’Keeffe Middle School, and East High School. Atlas Improv hosts classes throughout the year for both adults and teens and are also available for private bookings. www.atlasimprov.com; www.goodmancenter.org
• GCC Spoken Word Poets
Teens performing participated in the November 20th, 2009 first annual “Can You Spit?” spoken word competition sponsored by Johnson Brother’s Entertainment, Phredum Productions, and the Goodman Community Center. Derek Johnson, creator of Phredum Productions LLC, leads a series of free spoken word workshops for high school teenagers at the Goodman Community Center. Teens that join the workshops learn about the history of the urban art form, receive one-on-one advice from local spoken word artists and peers, and have opportunities to practice and record poems on www.goodmancenter.org.
• Hip Hop 360 (Wisconsin Youth & Family Center)
Choosing to use the universal language of hip-hop in the pursuit of learning, setting goals and an overall new outlook on our life and future. Hip-hop is a relatable history source that we feel all children should indulge in no matter where you are from. It has been said, it's easier to understand your struggle when you can listen to others and relate to theirs. So we start by learning the history and four elements of hip-hop, then move on to hands-on learning. The Hip-Hop 360 talent showcase will feature dancers, R&B singers, DJs, hip-hop artists and graffiti art. Acts include Y.N.T.O., S.O.C. and, newcomers to Hip-Hop 360, Unstatistical. For info, call Antonio D. Travis at 276-9782, ext. 14 or e-mail or ttravis@wisconsinyouthcompany.org.
www.wisconsinyouthcompany.org
• Hua Mulan Traditional Chinese Dance Troupe
Led by director Dalian Yu Urbonya and choreographer Jong May Yu Urbonya, Hua Mulan performs ethnic Chinese dancing from 56 regions in China. Hua Mulan also specializes in fusion dances. This year’s show will feature a fan dance from “Shanxi ” province. The performance will also include dances from the Mongolian and Dai nationalities and a Chinese/Indian fusion dance. Join us as we welcome the year of the tiger! Contact dalianurbonya@yahoo.com for more info about performances or classes.
• Kanopy Dance Company Two & Student Ensemble
Kanopy School for Contemporary Dance and Choreography is dedicated to the pursuit of artistry in dance. The Student Ensemble program stresses technical as well as performance and creative development through a full curriculum of study in modern dance technique, ballet & jazz, repertory, composition, improvisation, and dance history. Self-awareness, confidence and group spirit are developed through the multi-layered Kanopy experience. Students bring their creative energies together by producing their own choreography in public performances in Madison and throughout the state. At Celebrating Youth! you will see dances created by students in the Student Ensemble and Kanopy Company Two. Lisa Thurrell & Robert Cleary, Directors. www.kanopydance.org.
• Kehl School of Dance
Kehl School of Dance is Madison's original dance school run by Kehl family members since 1880. Join us for fun and creative programs such as Dance Sampler, Hip Hop, and Fairytale Ballet for your dancer's first experience. We have 3 locations to serve you: Middleton, Verona and Waunakee. Visit our website: www.kehldance.com.
• Luke Kokinos
Luke Kokinos 11 year old home schooler, who enjoys performing arts and has acted in local theatre venues, makes short films with his brother, and is a guitarist. He started playing guitar when he was 5. His mix of music inspiration comes from 60's bands like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Cream, The Who, The Kinks and Pink Floyd.
• Macyn Taylor
Macyn Taylor is an accomplished guitar player and singer. She is 15 years old and is an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee majoring in finger-style guitar performance. Macyn has been performing since she was seven. She loves to play many different styles of music and is the 2009 East Troy Bluegrass Festival guitar playing champion. This year Macyn was also given an award for “most promising new talent” by Acoustic Guitar Magazine. www.myspace.com/macyntaylor
• Madison Hope Chinese School
Your spirits will soar as the children of Madison Hope Chinese School (MHCS) entertain you with traditional Chinese dance. Featuring bright costumes and vibrant music. "Bing Tang Hu Lu": A traditional sweet and sour treat of red sour crabapples coated in a clear sugar crystal glaze is the inspiration for this dance. Like the crabapple treat, they are a complex combination of sweet and tart that you are sure to enjoy! "Cou Re Nao": We hope you find this Northeastern Handkerchief dance fun and exciting. Our sassy dancers pretend that they are in a big crowd and compete with each other for your attention! "Ying fu Nian": Chinese New Year wouldn't be complete without this traditional ribbon dance which wishes the audience a "Joyful Life". Help us celebrate the year of the tiger in 2010! MHCS is a non-profit organization directed by Hui Cheng and run by volunteers. Dalian Urbonya, and Jong Mae Urbonya are the dance instructors. MHSC provides classes in Mandarin, Dance and Art. Visit us at www.madisonhopechineseschool.org
• The Madison Professional Dance Center
The Madison Professional Dance Center offers a centrally located, family-friendly studio for the serious as well as the recreational dance student. Dancers age 3-adult can enjoy a broad range of classes in Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern, Tap & Creative Dance. Our creative, experienced staff teaches classes that are challenging, yet fun with lots of personal attention. We also offer performing companies for dancers age 9 + up. Register now. www.madisonprofessionaldancecenter.com
• Madison Unicyclists
Unicycle riders possess abundant energy, athleticism, artistry, and perseverance. Riders, ages 6-16, from the Madison Unicyclists unleash their creative energy riding backwards, hopping, spinning, jumping, and sitting atop “giraffe” unicycles; always expanding the boundaries of performance art. If you've never tried unicycling before, beware, the performers make it look easier than it is. All ages and abilities are welcome to join in the fun. Special thanks to the Goodman Community Center for practice space. Hop on at www.MadUni.com!
• Meenakshi Ganesan and the Kalaanjali School of Indian Dance
The Kalaanjali school of Indian Dance is directed by Meenakshi Ganesan in an effort to propagate Bharatanatyam – Indian Classical Dance form through various outreach programs, workshops, seminars, fund raisers etc. The Kalaanjali dancers as young as 5 years to adults have performed in various multicultural and collaborative performances in Wisconsin and other cities of the U.S., including various preschools, elementary, middle and high schools and Universities of WI. Meenakshi and the dancers have been appreciated by the press and public for their quality and presentation. Please visit www.kalaanjali.com for further information on classes, shows and colorful pictures of the young dancers.
• Stoughton High School Norwegian Dancers
The Stoughton Norwegian Dancers is a group of Stoughton High School students that perform a variety of authentic Scandinavian folk dances. The group began in 1953, performing for their home community at the annual Syttende Mai celebration (Norwegian Independence Day). Today they share their talents all across the United States. Entertaining young and old alike, leaving all with a warm appreciation for the Norwegian heritage. For information, schedules or details, contact us at: Friends of Norwegian Culture, P.O. Box 314, Stoughton, WI 53589. www.stoughtonnorwegiandancers.com
• Suzuki Strings of Madison
Since 1990, Suzuki Strings of Madison has provided children of all ages quality, comprehensive musical instruction through the violin. By helping to foster a positive environment and working relationship between the teacher, child, and parent, students learn the tools for success and well being that last a life time. Today's performance includes members from SSM's touring ensemble Sonora Strings. Musical selections will include Bach, Kabalevsky, Rameau, Faure and others. SSM has performed at the Overture Center, State Capitol, Milwaukee Art Museum, Stoughton Opera House as well as international tours to Costa Rica and Vancouver CA. We have also collaborated with the Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society, MSO, WCO and the Union Theater. Please visit us at www.suzukistringsofmadison.org
• Tai Chi Animal Frolics
Gerri Gurman's Tai Chi Animal Frolics demonstrates a movement form that combines the principles of Tai Chi, with influences from an ancient style of health enhancing movement called, Animal Frolics. This lovely, flowing pattern is done to soothing music and promotes a sense of peace, calm, concentration, body awareness, and balance. In our performance, we will demonstrate the Tai Chi Animal Frolics and then invite members of the audience to practice the form with us. A Tai Chi Animal Frolics instructional DVD will be available soon. For more information contact: gerrigurman@yahoo.com, 608-833-5058.
• Trinity Irish Dancers
Founded by Artistic Director Mark Howard, a two-time Emmy Award-winning choreographer. The Trinity program centers on the empowerment of each child, with lessons focused on self-confidence and choice, allowing each child to decide their own level of participation in Irish dance. The Trinity program allows students to embark on a unique Irish dance journey that not only provides them with a healthy, fun form of exercise, but teaches them traditional dances, customs, music and even a bit of the Gaelic language. Trinity's performance will showcase dancers of all ages (4 to 19) and levels, from beginners to world champions. For more information, call 877-326-2328 or visit www.trinityirishdancers.com.
• Viv Ncaus (Sisters)
Viv Ncaus (Sisters) is a dance troop that is a part of Freedom, Inc (a non-profit organization that provides advocacy and services to low and no income communities of color in Dane County). Viv Ncaus was started 3 years ago by Hmong teenage girls who wanted to learn, share, and teach Hmong dance and culture to each other. All the dance teachers are teens and volunteer their time to teach the younger girls. In addition, their mothers also volunteer their time to help design and sew the dance outfits. Unlike, many Hmong dance troops around who are evolving to become more westernized, Viv Ncaus still embraces the simple beauty of traditional Hmong clothing and music. The core of Viv Ncaus is to teach young girls to respect and love Hmong art, cloths, music, and paj ntaub (pandao), while still embracing their new Hmong American roots.
• Wasira Dance Troupe & United Clans Drum Group of Wisconsin Dells
Ho-Chunk Youth Services Program
Our Native American students will perform Pow-wow style drumming, singing & dancing. People say you can't have a Pow-wow without a drum, for it carries the heartbeat of the Indian nation. The dancer are broken down into a number of categories however the most popular are Men’s Traditional, Men’s Grass, Men’s Fancy, Women’s Ho-Chunk Appliqué, Women’s Jingle and Women’s Fancy Shawl. The very fancy outfits wore by the dancers are handmade which require major amounts of time often by relatives to bead and sew. Outfits are also passed down within the family and some carry a special pattern representing their clan.
www.ho-chunknation.com/?PageId=516
• Wild Rumpus Circus
Since 2001, we've been introducing kids to the fun and physicality of the circus arts, teaching focus and concentration, building self esteem and cooperation through juggling, clowning, acrobatics, aerial dance, stiltwalking and more. This year's performance at Celebrating Youth! features aerial silks, acrobatics and the collaborative imaginings of our fine performers. Next, our Trolltown Clowns will weave a web of laughter around the audience members, and for our grand finale, we’ll open up the stage to anyone who wants to try trapeze and other circus arts! For up-to-the-minute information about our summer day camps and weekly circus arts classes, visit www.mazoMAC.com
• Wisconsin Tibetan Association
The Wisconsin Tibetan Association (WTA) is a charitable organization representing over 500 Tibetans in Wisconsin with the mission to improve human rights in Tibet and to assist the settlement of Tibetan exiles and refugees, particularly in Wisconsin. The main activities of the WTA are: 1. organizing events to foster and develop an appreciation of Tibet's unique culture, philosophy, religion and Tibetan customs through speakers, art exhibits, and publications. 2. Providing instruction to the local Tibetan children in Tibetan language, religion, history, dance and music. 3. Circulating petitions, organizing and participating in demonstrations, distributing literature and otherwise informing the public and elected officials of conditions in Tibet and Tibetan activities in this country. For this event, there will be two traditional Tibetan dances performed by boys and girls ranging in age from 6 to 10 years old. Each performance will depict the distinctive traditional costume and dance of a province in Tibet. www.wistib.org
• Xclusive Drill Team
Northport Community Learning Center is a non-profit organization that provides resources and tools to help Northport Apartment residents achieve their educational, career and personal goals. Xclusive Drill Team was started in the summer of 2008, one of the youth programs at Northport Community Learning Center, where youths show their talents, creativities and work together as a team. We are proud to present the Xclusive, a team of talented young people!
• Yonim Israeli Folk Dance Troupe
Yonim (Hebrew meaning doves, peace) is Madison's Israeli Folk Dance Troupe. Dancers share their enthusiasm for Israeli Folk Dance and have fun while developing coordination, improving self esteem and learning to respect each other. Yonim members perform each season in Madison and around the Midwest. Their performances include major local Jewish Community celebrations and several other special regional events such as Chagigah Folk Dance Camp a OSRUI, Celebrating Youth!, International Folk Ball, Mit's Israeli Folk Dance Festival, and The Israeli Folk Dance Festival in New York. Any child K-12 who wants to dance and have fun may participate in Yonim. Israeli Dance is a wonderful, culturally rich experience for both Jews and non-Jews alike. Shalom! Visit www.Yonim.org for information. Your feet can learn the steps, but only your spirit can dance!
• Young Deucez
RaQuan Cunnigan the rapper, and David Howard the singer. They have performed at many events including Celebrating Youth!, 2009 Juneteenth celebration, and the Johnny Winston, Jr. Block Party. They have opened for Gucci Mann, DAY 26, and Sean Kington. They write their own music, and organize their music together.
• The Young Shakespeare Players
Founded in 1980, YSP is designed to show its participants, aged 7-18, (and their families and the community) that the plays of Shakespeare (and Shaw) are delightful, accessible, and fun. There are no auditions or rejections. Rehearsals & performances take place at the YSP playhouse, 1806 West Lawn Ave. Free admission is offered to all performances. Scholarships are available. For more information, specific dates, & registration materials, please visit our website, www.ysp.org or email ysp@ysp.org.
• youthrive:LIVE!
Youthrive:LIVE (the production division of youthrive - Upper Midwest Affiliate of PeaceJam International) communicates a message of hope, peace and non-violence through music, poetry and spoken word. Youthrive's mission is to
inspire and engage youth and adults through education, leadership and service to integrate peace making activities into their lives, their communities and the world; provide opportunities and experiences for all youth to engage in civic dialog and civic action on issues of social justice, human rights, non violence and anti-racism; reduce the barriers and foster connections for the full and authentic engagement of all youth in addressing community concerns and create an environment that values youth voice. www.youthrive.net.
Today's performers will include:
Rachel Stanke, AmeriCorps VISTA, who just graduated from Skills for Tomorrow Charter School (a service-learning based school) in St. Paul, MN, who will be showing a short video about the "Global Call to Action."
Jeron Mariani, 15-year old youthrive Leadership Team member and freshman at Central High School in St. Paul. He will deliver a poetry and spoken word performance on the topic of youth leadership and civic responsibility. He has performed publicly at several venues throughout the Twin Cities. DJ Snuggles, who just turned 21, is an internationally known beat-boxer. The crowd will love him!! He is a young leader in his community and a positive role model for young people everywhere.
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