2020-2021 CAP Roster

Griot/Storyteller, Oral Historian, Musician, Poet and Singer. “The Art of Storytelling” inspires the participants with stories, instruments, songs, theater (story-play) poetry, dance, and circle-partner-line-ring games. Participants will learn the importance and the significant role of the Griot/Storyteller to the family and community as well as morals, values and self-esteem. www.griotstoryteller.com

Fred is a working visual artist who has exhibited in New York City, across the USA, Europe and in Dallas. Mural Painting Projects Offers organizations and groups mobile on-site mural painting, workshops, and sessions for the creation of painted murals. Mobile mural workshops help to create learning experiences for participants, and can raise awareness of communities needs, while creating memorable bonding and growing experiences for participants. Movable murals can take the form of large paintings that can be rolled up and stored, banners, or backdrops. These are very versatile, and can be stored and moved often when dry. Mobile Media Lab Workshops This workshop will reveal and elaborate the use of everyday media and technology as used in the creative art and design studio, from very basic uses, to more advance techniques and ideas of how to harness the power of technology in the creation of art and design. From image research, and basic desktop publishing to the more advanced techniques of video projections and photo collages for drawing, technology is more within our reach than ever before. www.fredvillanueva.com/sacred.asp

Exploring Traditions of Mexico This is a fun, interactive, picturesque, educational program that captures the folklore of Mexico through its traditional dances and beliefs. These dances portray the essence and diversity of Mexico’s regions depicting their unique history, costumes, art, and music. http://www.anmbf.org/

At Beckles Dancing Company, the aim is to refine the body and mind, so that they are flexible, articulate and accomplished. On this path, each person is at different stages, but our aim is to take the dancer to the next level of expression The Beckles Dance Company’s program is about Experience/Dance.  They will provide performances from works including: Red Drink: Giovanni, and Charlie. The performances are inspired by challenges of living the African American experience and the ability to continue to rise and uplift each other and communities. The movements and sequences express the mood and emotions of the current climate and how it affects communities. Attendees will learn a phrase or two from the compan’s repertory (its rhythm, sculpture, need for discipline and cooperation), and then view it and other works with a new insight into the process. Website: www.BecklesDancingCo.org

Bhuvana is an enthusiastic dancers/choreographers/Yoga practitioner (RYT200 certified), strongly rooted in tradition, specializing in the Indian classical Dance form, Bharatanatyam and Hatha Yoga. She is drawn towards these art forms, captivated by the vibrancy and the spiritual beauty they have to offer. She considers Bharatanatyam a medium for finding metaphors in every event in our lives and finding its deeper roots in spiritual elevation. Backed with strong training in this art form and its background in Yoga, she wants to blend the great art with strengthening aspects of Yoga to provide a medium for Body and Mind conditioning. Indian classical dance performance: This session introduces audience to the rich and elaborate tradition of Indian classical dance for Bharatanatyam. We will provide description of the dances and the art form , followed by the performance and an optional Interactive session. Depending on the availability of time & space audience maybe able to try a few steps and follow along. This performance will take the audience members on a journey into India’s past and present through poetry and musically charged movements. Suitable for all age groups. Cultural awareness session: This is a fun and creative session sharing the rich and colorful heritage of India. We will bring interesting exhibits, stories from Indian mythologies, Henna designs and Saree wrapping. This colorful and upbeat presentation will help audience familiarize and appreciate our art form and culture. Suitable for all age groups. Storytelling through Bharatanatyam: During this workshop participants can learn techniques provided by Natyasatra on physical and emotional improvisation. We will provide an overview of mudras (hand gestures) and abhinaya (facial expressions). At the end of the masterclass, students would have created at least one dance phrase, based on the techniques learned. No dancing background necessary. Suitable for all age groups. Maximum 50 participants Yoga session: Guided session on yogasanas and breathing techniques. The content can be adjusted based on the age and ability of the participants. Geared towards creating a holistic approach to exercise, incorporating elements for physical, mental, and emotional health based on Yoga sastra. Suitable for all age groups. Abhyasa - The practice of Body and Mind conditioning This will be an effort to create a holistic approach to exercise, taking into account the big picture and incorporating elements for physical, mental, and emotional health. This will be a blend of classical Indian dance with the strengthening aspects of Yoga, to provide a medium for strengthening the Body and Mind. Indian classical dance has its roots in Yoga sastra. Combining the techniques of classical dance with asanas can create a beautiful amalgamation of movements that can be used to strengthen the body and the mind. End of workshop performance/presentation. Maximum 20 participants Suitable for all age groups.

Brenda Randall presents workshops that introduce participants to the art of acting and performance poetry. These workshops can encompass emerging artists from the ages of 12 to Senior Citizens aiding them to discover their poetic voice and share it with others. These acting and poetry workshops provide a coaching and mentoring experience to elevate participants to a larger artistic platform of self-expression

Cara Mía Theatre Co. is a non-profit theatre company that develops innovative and educational youth arts programming reflective of the Latino experience. Their workshops and residencies combine theater, music, dance, and art workshops. They also provide intensive fine-arts after school residencies at cultural and community centers. Write On! Residency Students collaborate to develop a play based on their own ideas, a piece of literature, works of art, or Social Studies material. Mask Making for the Theater Students create masks based on research on cultural and theatrical masks from around the world. In a highly structured curriculum, students design their own personal masks and learn how to use them for performances. Big Puppets Residency Oversized puppets, or Mojigangas, have been used in Mexican towns during religious and cultural festivities. Students will be shown the various types of puppets there are before creating their own designs.

Chesley Antoinette (Cantoinette Studios) Chesley Antoinette is a native Texan who arrived in North Texas back in 2010, temporarily settling in Denton while working on her M.F.A at the University of North Texas and has been a part of the Dallas art community as an educator, entrepreneur, and artist since 2013; planting roots in Oak Cliff. She is the creator and designer of Cantoinette Studios, conceptualizing with sustainable practices in forms of sculptural installations, wearable art, and curatorial projects. Her current body of work explores well-known and lesser-known artwork featuring minority groups between the 16th and 18th century throughout the world along with historical context to further understand the time period and other visual observations North America through turban headwraps and shares the history in forms of art exhibitions and interactive educational workshops. During Chesley’s workshops, each participant will be provided a unique scarf and be taught how to incorporate personal style techniques with the overall goal in boosting physical image confidence through physical identification with the headwrap while taking into account historical references. 

Cynthia is especially good working with special needs populations, seniors or groups that have challenges that can be overcome through art. Global Tapestry Offers a unique art experience in which participants explore and create art pieces from a myriad of cultures. Creations will range from traditional folk art to contemporary artworks and are meant to foster creative expression, cultural awareness, and acceptance of the global village in which we all live.

DFW Play presents theater workshops to the participants ranging from emerging youth artists to adults of all ages. We help the curious minds to explore creative dimensions, combining acting, music and dance beyond borders. DFW Play will inspire participants to work towards highlighting human conditions, social justice issues and help to tell their own stories. The workshops are designed to build acting skills, vocal range, stage presence, ensemble movements, creativity and confidence through drama games, script work, improvisation and characterization. DFW Play provides the following services: Theater Games In this usually one day session, you will be learning through the theater games, movement exercise, improvisations while having exposure to some of the cultural nuances of South Asia. Team Play This comprises multiple sessions leading to a culminating activity, for an immersive multicultural experience seeking relevance of the stories that delves into urgent themes of present time or a traditional art form. Musical Journey This course has been guided by history and practice of the Indian music. We will explore many interesting and vibrant ways of constructing and arranging music for theater. Digital Play This is an alternative to explore theater at home. The subject will be topical. Depending on the number of sessions, the students will be guided through the script, brainstorming the characters, rehearsing and recording an original digital play. Workshops can be offered virtually and are appropriate for ages 10 and above.

Theatre Workshops Theatre for children and/or adults Performance with Folk Masks Art and Craft Workshops Eyes of God Huichol Yarn Mask Making Big Puppets Tailored Theatre or Art and Craft project according to the Host’s needs.

Gia Rodriguez is a designer and artist who has lived and worked in the city of Dallas for over 15 years. She works primarily as a leather craftsman but has been a long-time student of cultural art forms. Much of her inspiration is derived from experiences she has had traveling throughout the world. Gia enjoys sharing her artistic explorations, experiences, and skills to help others find their artistic voice. Gia Rodriguez presents visual arts workshops through which participants will explore the creative process that will introduce them to the art and design of indigenous people in Africa, Mexico, and Native America. This exploration will serve as the inspiration for the student’s creation of a symbol set that tells their own personal story. Once complete, the symbol set will be used to create their own unique design motif that will be transferred to leather and assembled into a final project. Workshops are for participants of all ages. Website: www.giarodriguez.com

Jazz and Blues in the Context of American Standards Music performances that describe the development of Jazz and Blues that originated on the Mississippi and in New Orleans. The band plays selections from various periods. With adults and seniors, the band provides a time for requests. The group takes an eclectic approach to its performances drawing from Dixie Land, Swing, the Blues and Bop. The “Great American Song Book" forms the basis for most of its presentations.

Bharatnatyam Dance A performance of Asian Indian Classical dance in the Bharatnatyam style with vibrant native costumes and dazzling jewelry set to original recorded music. Yogercise A presentation on the history and the background of Yoga and its benefits, therapeutic aspect as well. This comprehensive yoga routine consisting of postures, sun salutations, breathing techniques, relaxation and meditation Yoga One can practice Yoga at any age. Yoga can have a number of benefits for people over 50, from healthy bones to flexibility to anxiety relief. Yoga is not only safe for older practitioners but also effective in keeping the mind and body in good health. An improved sense of body awareness is also often seen in people who practice yoga regularly. For a senior, this enhanced awareness can translate into increased confidence in their ability to get around without falling. Practice of yoga is ancient, however, research on the effects of yoga is still in its infancy, but some promising results regarding a few of the benefits of practicing the discipline have been published.

Past Present and Future Live band performance of various styles of African American Music. Get Up and Move! Programming for seniors to move and dance to live jazz.

Jennifer goes by the nickname "Bout' It" given by a legendary Bgirl named Honey Rockwell. She's a social butterfly, quit-witted, adaptable, easily-fascinated, loves making new friends, and spends time with loved ones. Jennifer provides an excellent movement workshop to your guest at your next event. Participants will learn some fundamentals of Hip Hop dance through performances and movements workshops that challenge students of all ages, improves motor learning skills, and inspires creativity while educating participants on the History of Hip Hop as it relates to breakdance, house music, and Latin dances such as cumbia, bachata, merengue, salsa, and fusion. Dance is enjoyable and exhilarating to the soul and very exciting; Jennifer can even come to your event to perform a showcase.

Jiles King (Urban Arts Acting Company) The Urban Arts Acting Company is a group of local professional actors that perform theatrical works of all genres. The also teach acting and theatrical techniques for all levels by way of workshops as follows: “Start the Drama” is a workshop of theater games appropriate for ages 6 and up. Participants will be lead through various relaxation, improvisation, group cohesion and character building activities. Start The Drama workshops turn our collective stories into theater. “OnStage” is a workshop allows participants to learn stage direction, character building, projection while building confidence and self-awareness. “The Writers Room” Participants in The Writers Room will individually or collectively develop a short play based on their ideas, a photo or theme. They will learn the basics of script formatting, character development and story arc. The Urban Arts Acting Company’s performances include: “Ebony Shakes” which takes scenes from several of Shakespeare's works and puts them in black and brown voices under a contemporary context. Each performance ends with an audience talkback. “StageBlack” Scenes from classic and contemporary African American plays are woven together to create a tapestry of culture and entertainment. Each performance ends with an audience talkback. “Can We Talk About It” is a peer-to-peer performance used as outreach for issues important to teens. The art of performance is used to share information on community building, culture building, self esteem and more. Each performance ends with an audience talkback. The workshops will teach participants basic theatre fundamentals such as stage direction, creative writing, character building, and team building activities.  Performances and workshops are suitable for all ages and can be done virtually.

Kamica King is a classically trained soul/folk/pop artist known for her soulful voice and acoustic stylings. Citizens of Dallas will receive the opportunity to delve into the music and flavor of her many musical art forms. Kamica shares uplifting performances that incorporate live Afro-Caribbean music as well as African American and Latin music. Her audiences will be exposed to authentic recordings as she sets the stage through musical stories. Kamica also provides workshops that create hands-on opportunities to introduce participants to a cultural art form or tradition. A workshop series allows the participants to explore the topic in greater detail and includes a culminating activity.

Percussion Things creates energetic, engaging programs for audiences of all ages. For our senior audiences, programs include jazz performances for music fans, percussion demonstrations, drum circles and stories and percussion presentations. Senior audiences enjoy the opportunity to learn about a variety of percussion instruments and rhythms from around the world or immerse themselves in rhythm and music in our drum circles, where each participant has a hands-on experience with drums, shakers, bells, and more. Seniors who love to laugh will enjoy our stories and percussion program, complete with a nostalgic stroll down memory lane with folkloric tales and songs.

Bond of Yesterday (B.O.Y.) Marcus Bey present workshops in which participants will learn drumming, music, weaving, and theater from the African-American and Afro-Cuban perspective. Workshops include storytelling and a rites of passage component for young men entitled Bond of Yesterday (B.O.Y.). The rites of passage program will include artistic components to provide an understanding of multi-cultural believes and help identifying creative personal goals. Workshops will be available for children ages 6 to 18 years old.

Michelle N. Gibson, the Artist / MFA a true New Orleans ambassador now living in Dallas Movement for Seniors Workshops and Residencies Movement, music, and dance are used to support seniors awareness and sensibility connected to the motor functions of their bodies. A variety of dance styles are used in class including basic Modern and Jazz, Cultural and Authentic dance styles, Aerobic dance, and Social dance. Movement and music feeds their soul while conditioning their bodies. The Original BuckShop Workshop Creates works, teaches master classes, and presents lectures that are firmly rooted in her own “ New Orleans Second Line Aesthetic " that involves improvised movement, defined footwork, brass band music and the embrace of communal ritual. Class structure includes: history, theory, technique & practice Presentation of information through full embodiment: NOLA essence reflected in voice, facial expression, body language, eye contact Technical proficiency of movement emphasized: rhythm, intention, and physicality (in past experiences steps have been taught as open to interpretation)

Tejiendo Historias: Why our Cultural Voice Matters: The workshop examines what culture is and how it impacts our personal and writing self. Appropriate for youth (middle & high school) and adults. Semillitas Community Book Club for Girls: A book club for girls that focuses on books written by authors, especially women, of diverse backgrounds. Participants meet for book talk and an opportunity to practice reading out loud and speaking in front of groups in a comfortable setting. Appropriate for girls in second through fifth grade. Chirping Frog Bookmaking/Zine Workshop: Participants create their own book or zine. Focus is on writing a story or narrative based on their personal experiences. Appropriate for all ages.

Ollimpaxqui means “Joyful Movement” in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs. Ollimpaxqui Ballet Company works to increase awareness and promote the traditional and folkloric music and dances of Mexico, Central, South America and the world folklore art form by providing educational dance programs, public performances and artistic enrichment events to the community. Bi-lingual Performances and Workshops: Dancing through Mexico, Dancing through South America, Mexico Music & Dances, Dance Games & Stories from Pre-Columbian America, My Cultural Heritage, Yesterday and Today Dance Styles. (Rock and Roll, Swing Dance Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Dance Fitness.)

Afro-Caribbean Dance. Micaela Tillet has 15 years in Texas teaching the youth, adults to seniors. ORIZON encompasses the different facets of the arts: music, dance, video & mental awareness through historical facts to an artist's soul. Micaela Tillet presents performances and workshops by way of Afro-Caribbean Dance that will be taught following various formulas.  The consultant shall introduce participants to Afrobeats (AfroDance) / Dancehall / Latin / Hip Hop including their language, history, connectivity, and value.  Participants will learn dance through muscle memory, understanding of beats and rhythm, and choreography combinations through the application of the steps.  Workshops and performances will vary by demographic and purpose. Workshops will be presented to seniors, adults, and children of all ages.

Patrick M. Oliver is a writer, author, publisher, literary and education consultant dedicated to promoting reading and writing as tools of empowerment. Through a variety of innovative projects Oliver engages children, youth, and adults in activities such as author talks, vision boarding, book discussions, professional development sessions and community forums. Patrick Oliver presents workshops which involve literary storytelling in various sessions.  Participants will learn how to tell their own stories including writing and illustrating. Services also include introducing participants to the writings from authors and illustrators who were recipients of major literary awards like the Newberry, Ezra Jack Keats, Coretta Scott King and more. Workshops will be presented to seniors, adults, and children ages 9 and above.

Quan Powers is currently a dance teacher at H. Grady Spruce HS in Dallas, TX. He has been dancing since he was 13 years old. His program ensures that the male dancers of our generation have a fair play when it comes to auditions, technique and gaining professional jobs. Quan’s service is to provide a workshop that focuses on the male dancer and how to step away from the stigma of male dancers to gain employment and pursue a career or degree in dance. His performances and workshops, which entail focused choreographed dance classes for male dancers, will educate on and address the stigma of African American males in dance. Each workshop will culminate in a choreographed piece created by the consultant. Workshops will be presented to seniors, adults, and children of all ages.

Roots for Youth Helps build the self-esteem of youth. RFY has developed into a cognitive learning system using cultural education programs, playscripts/curriculum, children's literature, games/puzzles to help youth embrace the African/African-American culture, and simultaneously increase cognitive development. African Textiles Participants learn the basics of Ghanaian Adinkra and Batik printing, Nigerian Adire cloth, and Abomey Applique of the Republic of Benin.

Intro to Acting & Improv Kids will learn to embrace their inner creativity & spontaneity while learning acting basics & script reading. This introductory course to performance is also an ideal gateway to boosting self-esteem, teamwork development and public speaking skills. Choreo Camp for Beginners A fun way to introduce aspiring young choreographers/dancers to sharing their movement ideas with the masses. Kids will be introduced to drawing upon various inspiring sources, combining physical movement, and learning basic directorial reasoning to lead each other in a his/her own choreographed selection. Good for developing leadership skills and effective communication. Upcycled Fashion Workshop Features DIY training on recycling old clothing items for a cool, revamped look (aka "upcycling"). Attendees will learn techniques to reconstruct items such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. using scissors, chalk & No Sew techniques. Fabric paints may also be used to jazz up a cool, new tote bag!

Music performances in a variety of styles from classical to country, Jazz, Blues and older generation R&B. Audiences are given a historical background on the music being performed thus given them a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art of music.

Dean Hill’s mission as an artist and educator is to inspire and cultivate the full music potential of all students. Dean believes that music and arts education is a core to student’s overall education and must be available to all. Dean Hill presents performances and workshops that will introduce participants to "Instrumental Band Workshops". These workshops will be designed to prepare participants for band audition processes. Participants will learn creative expression, rhythmic accuracy using complex patterns, will learn to create and notate original musical phrases. Students taking part in these workshops can look to perform better in their school band program: IE. Auditions, chair placements, all-city, all-region, solo & ensembles and scholarship. Services include systematic guided practices to help participants from high schools in the City of Dallas. Services will be provided free of charge to Dallas students between the ages of 12 and 18, and they will be available virtually.

Sal Barron presents workshops for adults and children of all ages which take a contemporary approach to visual arts. This culturally-based program allows participants to learn clay sculpting, mural painting, mosaics, drawing, photography, and creative writing. Workshops can be presented to participants of all ages.

Sorany is a theater and visual artist that considers collaborative work fundamental, recognizing the importance of merging different languages, different artistic techniques, and multiple cultural expressions. Her mission is to make art to achieve a better human connection. Sorany Gutierrez presents workshops entitled “Scenophonia”. Participants will be involved in learning dramatic narrative: Structure and Writing, Voice and Space, Body and Image, and Collective creation among other subjects. Workshops can be held virtually and in a bilingual (English/Spanish) format. Workshops are available for seniors, adults, and children ages 6 and above.

South Dallas Concert Choir's (SDCC) - provides a unique opportunity to enhance the cultural life of the community by educating, performing and preserving the Negro Spiritual in its original form. The group is well versed in a variety of genres and can perform repertoire that includes classical music, show tunes, classic rhythm and blues, traditional and contemporary gospel.

Theatre Games These games stimulate creativity, language skills, concentration, interaction, group planning and decision making. Writing, drawing, and acting skits can be part of the workshop as well. Classes are bilingual.

The Terrance Johnson Dance Project The Terrance M. Johnson Dance Project (TMJDP) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that uses the art of dance to promote community enrichment, cultural awareness, art in education, and the preservation of live performance art. Our mission is to support the welfare of historically underserved communities through the creation and implementation of art & culture programs that are rooted in the principles of humanity. D.A.L.L.A.S The Dance As Literacy, Language Arts, & Service (D.A.L.L.A.S.) After School Program is a dance as a literacy initiative that uses the art form of classical ballet to develop a students’ creative writing and critical thinking skills while providing structured training in the discipline of classical ballet. The curriculum includes: Literacy - Language Arts – Creative Writing/Dance Journal, Classical ballet vocabulary - Classical ballet movement fundamentals, Human Anatomy Health & Wellness.

The Flame Foundation Antonio and Delilah Arrebola are Dallas' prominent world class flamenco dancers. Antonio is from Malaga, Spain Director and Choreographer for Flamenco DNA. Delilah a native Texan is the artistic Director of the 2017 Dallas Flamenco Festival and Estudio Flamenco Conservatory of Dallas "Flamenkitos" youth program. Both Delilah and Antonio have danced flamenco since the early age of 5 years old, and instructors for over 10 years.

An African Drum and Dance Ensemble, under the direction of founder, Tony Browne. The name “Bandan Koro” means “under the tree”, which is traditionally a gathering place for the community. Bandan Koro performances feature songs, rhythms, and dances from West Africa and the Caribbean. Audience members will observe vibrant attire, authentic instruments, and traditionally-based music and dance demonstrations from various ethnic groups of West Africa while learning about African culture & traditions. Additionally, workshops and residencies can focus on African Drumming, African Dance, or a combination of both. Designed to foster a greater awareness and understanding of African and African Diaspora related music, dance, and culture in a fun, interactive environment.

VET is a native Texas artist who incorporates environmental recycling awareness through her artwork, commissions, and workshops. In addition to her wide variety of cultural-based and educational arts programs, she also shares innovative ways to re-think, re-purpose and re-design discarded items. VET provides visual art workshops in which participants will learn how to combine recycling and found objects to create 2D and 3D artwork through the use of art, math, and science. Participants learn practical solutions to reduce, reuse, and recycle to the general community and promote the re-distribution of non-toxic recyclables though visual art. The Found Objects experience workshops can be presented to adults and children of all ages.