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Universal Carnival Art and Dance class

Multidisciplinary, Multidisciplinary Art

My mission is to inspire, educate and entertain through a dance class for youth inspired by the folk art traditions of Panamanian Carnaval (Carnival). I call this program “Universal Carnival Dance Class.” Universal Carnival provides several benefits for Maryland’s youth.

About the Artist

Hello, my name is Josette Young, a Teaching Artist from Hyattsville, MD. Originally from Pedregal San Joaquin Panama. I've developed a fun interactive Dance and art class for children Pre-k to 2nd grades, called Universal Carnival, which came about as I was inspired by my nostalgia and great memories growing up in Panama during  Carnival season. I’ve called Maryland my home for the past 20 years; as a child, I was raised in part by my Grandmother, the devout Christian who was originally drawn to Maryland, calling it “Mary’s land.” Before Maryland, I was born and raised in Panama. Most notably known for our rich Afro-Latino culture. Growing up, Carnival was a massive tradition.  Witnessing the magnificence of Afro-Latinx culture, music, and costuming. My mission is to transfer this joy of dance and discovery to children. Universal Carnival offers a unique educational opportunity for the youth of Maryland.  

Universal Carnival Art and Dance class website Universal Carnival Art and Dance Workshop

Artist's Statement

First, the program offers an educational opportunity for youth to learn about the Panama Carnival folk traditions. Which mainly consists of learning simple “Las Comparsars de Panama” Band techniques (The Team of parade marchers who dance alongside the parade-floats for the duration of Carnival).  Additionally, this course allows students to engage and collaborate in a final project which consists of DIY costumes. Incorporating various crafts involved in Carnival, I work with students to engage their creativity to make costume accessories. The DIY aspect is meant to promote accessibility to Panamanian Carnival's fanfare for all walks of life.   

Featured Work

Photos

Inspired by a fun cardboard doll that was very popular in Panamá Muñeca Marica. It was one of my favorites. They came in books and had different outfits, made by cardboard to dress the silhouette into a new look every day.
Eco-friendly Easter egg hat costume, head piece created to showcase fun carnival fun fair.
Costume created inspired by the human body, the rib cage - La Costillita. The fun and colorful piece makes every dance move accentuate, reminding us of movement and that with dance you move every bone.
A fun kids costume idea in Universal Carnival Art and Dance we make our own costumes. Shades, wiggles eyes, colorful adhesive gems, colorful alphabet stikers.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, A handcrafted art self-portage piece.
Carnival attire is inspired by the beats in the Spanish Reggeaton music that I grew up hearing in Panama. In the Universal Carnival Art and Dance workshops, we travel through music and nostalgia, creating colorful costumes and props to dance comparsa style.

Videos

  • Universal Carnival Art and Dance Easter Egg Hat

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    Inspired by Easter, Universal Carnival Art and Dance created a Giant Easter Egg Hat costume.
    Medium: Mixed medium
    Year: 2021
    Details: A great way for kids to create their very own Universal Carnival costume.

  • Universal Carnival Art and Dance Easter Egg Hat

    See more information about Universal Carnival Art and Dance Easter Egg Hat
    Final finish results, take your costume out to the park and create wonderful memories with your friends, joying the Universal Carnival Art and Dance Comparsa.
    Medium: Mixed medium
    Year: 2021
    Details: Handmade craft, use for dancing

  • Universal Carnival Art and Dance Easter Egg Hat

    See more information about Universal Carnival Art and Dance Easter Egg Hat
    Finish results from Universal Carnival Art and Dance Giant Easter Egg Hat costume.
    Now go to the park, playground and create a fun theme costume joying your friends and family; create wonderful memories with Universal Carnival Comparsa.
    Medium: Mixed medium
    Year: 2021
    Details: Handmade craft, use for dancing

  • Universal Carnival Art and Dance Shade costume tutorial

    See more information about Universal Carnival Art and Dance Shade costume tutorial
    A fun activity for you and your friends to do.
    Let Universal Carnaval help you turn a plain set of shades into a unique masterpiece; all you need are shades, alphabet stickers, wiggle eyes, double-sided tape, and adhesive colorful gems.
    Medium: Mixed medium
    Year: 2021
    Details: A great way for kids to create their very own Universal Carnival costume.

  • Beautiful Pollera Colora (Congo skirt ) free style dance

    See more information about Beautiful Pollera Colora (Congo skirt ) free style dance
    Universal Carnival Art and Dance in honor of Panama 🇵🇦 independence anniversary month and in wholeheartedness perform this dance to celebrate the occasion. Folk Congo pollera skirt and headpiece inspired by tembleques. Handmade Panamanian folk craft.
    Medium: Mixed medium
    Year: 2021
    Details: Free style dance in honor of Panama independence anniversary month

  • Universal Carnival Halloween pumpkin decoration activity

    See more information about Universal Carnival Halloween pumpkin decoration activity
    Universal Carnival Holloween edition, a tutorial, and a fun pumpkin decoration activity to do with the whole family!
    Medium: Media, visual, theater
    Year: 2022
    Details: Fun tutorial pumpkin decoration

Booking

Booking Price: $500-$1,000

Email: Universalcarnivalarts@gmail.com
Cellphone: 301-455-5170
IG: @universalcarnivalart
Look forward to working with you!

Computer, wifi, water for students water breaks, for DIY costume confection I can deliver personally or mail to the address.

I'm flexible to travel in MD; please contact mileages prices vary. Monday to Friday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
This program is virtual.

Arts in Education

Audiences Types: Grades Pre-K – 2

Universal Carnival Art and Dance Class.

4 weeks 2 days per week of classes: day one dance aspect and day two the costume DYI aspect.
First, the program offers an educational opportunity for youth to learn about the Panama Carnival folk traditions. Which mainly consists of learning simple “Las Comparsars de Panama” Band techniques (The Team of parade marchers who dance alongside the parade-floats for the duration of Carnival).  Additionally, this course allows students to engage and collaborate in a final project which consists of DIY costumes. Incorporating various crafts involved in Carnival, I work with students to engage their creativity to make costume accessories. The DIY aspect is meant to promote accessibility to Panamanian Carnival's fanfare for all walks of life.