Tourmaline Z

Rhythm Dialogues

Rhythm Dialogues  2012

A global music and dance conversation

Rhythm Dialogues is a performance/presentation and class structure that utilizes the American vernacular art form of Jazz/Rhythm Tap Dancing (Hoofin’) to communicate broadly across borders and boundaries.  This is done through improvisation and conversation with other musicians and dancers playing instruments that derive from all over the globe.  In addition to American jazz cultural influences, we explore rhythmic patterns found in Cuba, West Africa, Brazil, Southern Italy, and parts of the Middle East and North Africa.  Interacting between students, artists and instruments highlights the value and possibilities of creative communication.

Students will be asked to participate and interact.  Instruments will be defined and their geographical and cultural origins will be discussed.

These presentations/classes highlight rhythmic dialogues as a method for:

Inspiring peace

Negotiating

Increasing creativity

Honoring cultures and peoples from all over the world

Self-expression

Communication

Connecting to others and self

Identifying behaviors and personality

Increasing understanding between peoples

we will need you to provide:

wood floor/stage

sound system

participants

we will bring:

drums

tap shoes (where applicable)

The primary artists and instruments for 2012 include:

 

Stefanie Weber

Tap Dance(United States)

Doumbek (North Africa)

Zills (Middle East)

Tamborello (Italy)

Robin O’Herin

American Roots Blues Guitar & Vocals

 

Aimee Gelinas

Ashiko (Nigeria)

Djembe (West Africa)

Bodhran (Ireland)

Congas, cahones, clave (Cuba)

Berimbau (Brazil)

Tambourine (Middle East)

 

other participating artists may include:

Nana Simopoulos (sitar, bizouki)

Chris Hairston (buckets, drum set)

Brian Bender (trombone, piano, melodica, tuba)

Mike Fahn (trombon

 

There are options for how you can include Rhythm Dialogues at your school or organization:

1) as a performance/presentation

2) as a series of classes that focus on instruction with the ideologies we support as stated above

3) a one-time workshop

4) a blend of the above options

[Tap Dance is the primary focus of all classes and workshops.]

Contact Stefanie to discuss what the best choices for your group may be.

Stefanie Weber 413-281-6734

Stefanie AT fertileuniverse DOT com