Linda D. Sutton
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SPIRIT TRANSCENDANCE WORLD DANCE COMPANY 2008 CATALOG |
Welcome to Spirit TranscenDance’s 2008 catalog of programming at a glance.
The purpose of spirit is to bring out the best in people and assist them in discovering their genius. We use our
understanding of world culture and its elements (dance, music, celebrations, ceremonies, language, cuisine, and values)
to foster understanding amongst different groups of people, thereby helping all to gain access to new worlds. We offer
performances, lecture/demonstrations, workshops, seminars, and classes in a variety of mediums that provide audiences
with the experiences and tools to become world citizens.
This is a time of an emerging global culture, a time in which we recognize the interconnectedness of all beings. Through
sharing our diversity and individuality, we uncover our singularity, that which makes us all human, that which makes us, as
the elders would say, all spirit.
Spirit, led by visionary, Linda Sutton, is known all around the world for their energetic, interactive, and inspiring
presentations. Be sure to schedule programs early due to their popularity. We look forward to serving you!
DANCE/MOVEMENT
Introduction to African World Dance as Culture
This play shop is an interactive lecture/demonstration that gives audiences an
introduction to the dances of the African Diaspora as well as provides a basic
understanding of the culture the dances reflect. An introduction to the culture,
dance, music, and language will be provided. An interactive component is
involved in all programs.
Introduction to Afro-Latin/ Latin American Dance as Culture
This play shop is an interactive lecture/demonstration that give audiences an
introduction to the dance of Latin America and explores the influence of African
culture on Latin American dances. This very dynamic workshop is BILINGUAL,
providing a unique intercultural experience for all audiences.
Capoeira: Introduction to African Martial Arts
In this interactive play shop, the audience is exposed to capoeira, an Afro-
Brazilian martial art and dance form with roots in West Africa. Instructors will
lead the audience through a series of exercises and movements to prepare
their bodies for jogo: the game.
WISDOM TREE
The Oral Tradition
High energy are the only words that can be used to describe this session that is
appropriate for all ages. The tradition of storytelling is used in African world
cultures, as a means of teaching cultural traditions and behavioral norms. This
session of African stories will be sure to delight and captivate all audiences.
Naming Ceremony
For many African ethnic groups and groups around the world, the first gift given
to a child is their name. In fact, the phrase that is used to describe what we call
“name” is magic. A child’s magic is to serve as a reminder of what they have
come to this world to do and to be. In our special program, we research the
names of the child and allow them to participate in a naming ceremony that
highlights the significance of the name in African culture. An awakening
experience for all participants.
There are two program offerings for this play shop. In one program, the
children will create a jewelry craft that will serve to remind them of the purpose
and “magic.” In another special program, the children receive certificate with
a focus on the formal ceremony. Both programs can be combined to create a
mini rites of passage program for your students!
PERCUSSION
Djembe! Hand Drumming Workshop
This workshop is a hands-on activity that introduces students to the percussion
instruments of West Africa, centered around the djembe. Students will learn
the basic notes and techniques of playing this instrument. Truly a session
enjoyed by all!
CUISINE
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
KARIBU! Internationalitea Tea Tasting and Tea Ceremonies
Around the world, tea and the tea ceremony are used to express hospitality and
encourage fellowship among groups of people. In this lecture and tea tasting
we will introduce students to the traditions of tea from various regions around
the world and allow them to taste or participate in the tea ceremony of various
cultures.
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
African Cuisine
This program allows students to sample a dish from an African country and
exposes them to the different dietary practices of the people of West Africa. A
discussion of eating habits as they relate to health issues is also led. The
program will culminate in dancing to contemporary African music.
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Latin American Cuisine
This program allows students to sample a dish from a Latin American country
and exposes them to the different dietary practices of the people of the
Caribbean, South America, Central America, and Mexico. A discussion of
eating habits as they relate to health issues is also led. The program will
culminate in dancing to contemporary Latin music.
SOCIAL STUDIES
World Marketplace. African Economics and Community Wealth
Dynamics.
Based on the principle to Ujaama (Cooperative Economics) students will be led
through an understanding of ancient and traditional African money concepts
and the dynamics of African economics. Afterwards, students will discuss
entrepreneurship as a fundamental principle in wealth dynamics around the
world and end the session by developing their own personal and community
“financial strategies.”
Mundo Afrique! Passport to the World
In this lecture/demonstration, students become world travelers by exploring the
concepts and history of the dispersal of African peoples throughout the world.
This course begins with an introduction to the concept of African Diaspora and
provides students a foundation for understanding Africa as a continent. After
discussing the influences of African culture through its dispersal, students will
begin to see the interconnectedness of world cultures. Finally, through the
hands-on activity of creating passports, students will begin to understand what
is means to be a world citizen and broaden their understanding and access to
the world. Two part session.
AFRICA SPEAK
This lecture/demonstration explores some of the many languages of Africa, in
words, in symbols, body language, music, and through wisdoms called
proverbs. The participants will understand the many ways in which we
communicate with each other and apply those principles to contemporary
culture to foster better communication within our communities today.
POETRY/ HIP HOP
Hip Hop as Culture
This is a special offering designed especially for today’s teens and Generation
Xers. This session is a hit with those hard to reach groups of young individuals,
providing a down to earth, in-your-face, straight up presentation and dialogue
about “African/hip hop culture” from a contemporary and traditional
perspective.
PERFORMANCES LECTURE/DEMONSTRATIONS
Limited dates available. Call for additional information. Consider collaborating
with your day school or PTA to create a residency experience for both day
school and after school. Discounts and other special arrangements are
available for collaboration and block booking.
Introduction to African World Dance as Culture
This play shop is an interactive lecture/demonstration that gives audiences an
introduction to the dances of the African Diaspora as well as provides a basic
understanding of the culture the dances reflect. An introduction to the culture,
dance, music, and language will be provided. An interactive component is
involved in all programs.
Introduction to Afro-Latin/ Latin American Dance as Culture
This play shop is an interactive lecture/demonstration that give audiences an
introduction to the dance of Latin America and explores the influence of African
culture on Latin American dances. This very dynamic workshop is BILINGUAL,
providing a unique intercultural experience for all audiences.
Capoeira: Introduction to African Martial Arts
In this interactive play shop, the audience is exposed to capoeira, an Afro-
Brazilian martial art and dance form with roots in West Africa. Instructors will
lead the audience through a series of exercises and movements to prepare
their bodies for jogo: the game.
WISDOM TREE
The Oral Tradition
High energy are the only words that can be used to describe this session that is
appropriate for all ages. The tradition of storytelling is used in African world
cultures, as a means of teaching cultural traditions and behavioral norms. This
session of African stories will be sure to delight and captivate all audiences.
Naming Ceremony
For many African ethnic groups and groups around the world, the first gift given
to a child is their name. In fact, the phrase that is used to describe what we call
“name” is magic. A child’s magic is to serve as a reminder of what they have
come to this world to do and to be. In our special program, we research the
names of the child and allow them to participate in a naming ceremony that
highlights the significance of the name in African culture. An awakening
experience for all participants.
There are two program offerings for this play shop. In one program, the
children will create a jewelry craft that will serve to remind them of the purpose
and “magic.” In another special program, the children receive certificate with
a focus on the formal ceremony. Both programs can be combined to create a
mini rites of passage program for your students!
PERCUSSION
Djembe! Hand Drumming Workshop
This workshop is a hands-on activity that introduces students to the percussion
instruments of West Africa, centered around the djembe. Students will learn
the basic notes and techniques of playing this instrument. Truly a session
enjoyed by all!
CUISINE
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
KARIBU! Internationalitea Tea Tasting and Tea Ceremonies
Around the world, tea and the tea ceremony are used to express hospitality and
encourage fellowship among groups of people. In this lecture and tea tasting
we will introduce students to the traditions of tea from various regions around
the world and allow them to taste or participate in the tea ceremony of various
cultures.
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
African Cuisine
This program allows students to sample a dish from an African country and
exposes them to the different dietary practices of the people of West Africa. A
discussion of eating habits as they relate to health issues is also led. The
program will culminate in dancing to contemporary African music.
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Latin American Cuisine
This program allows students to sample a dish from a Latin American country
and exposes them to the different dietary practices of the people of the
Caribbean, South America, Central America, and Mexico. A discussion of
eating habits as they relate to health issues is also led. The program will
culminate in dancing to contemporary Latin music.
SOCIAL STUDIES
World Marketplace. African Economics and Community Wealth
Dynamics.
Based on the principle to Ujaama (Cooperative Economics) students will be led
through an understanding of ancient and traditional African money concepts
and the dynamics of African economics. Afterwards, students will discuss
entrepreneurship as a fundamental principle in wealth dynamics around the
world and end the session by developing their own personal and community
“financial strategies.”
Mundo Afrique! Passport to the World
In this lecture/demonstration, students become world travelers by exploring the
concepts and history of the dispersal of African peoples throughout the world.
This course begins with an introduction to the concept of African Diaspora and
provides students a foundation for understanding Africa as a continent. After
discussing the influences of African culture through its dispersal, students will
begin to see the interconnectedness of world cultures. Finally, through the
hands-on activity of creating passports, students will begin to understand what
is means to be a world citizen and broaden their understanding and access to
the world. Two part session.
AFRICA SPEAK
This lecture/demonstration explores some of the many languages of Africa, in
words, in symbols, body language, music, and through wisdoms called
proverbs. The participants will understand the many ways in which we
communicate with each other and apply those principles to contemporary
culture to foster better communication within our communities today.
POETRY/ HIP HOP
Hip Hop as Culture
This is a special offering designed especially for today’s teens and Generation
Xers. This session is a hit with those hard to reach groups of young individuals,
providing a down to earth, in-your-face, straight up presentation and dialogue
about “African/hip hop culture” from a contemporary and traditional
perspective.
PERFORMANCES LECTURE/DEMONSTRATIONS
Limited dates available. Call for additional information. Consider collaborating
with your day school or PTA to create a residency experience for both day
school and after school. Discounts and other special arrangements are
available for collaboration and block booking.
