Celebrating over 45 years as a performing arts ensemble, Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble is an internationally recognized, roots-based music and dance company showcasing the cultural diversity of percussive dance. Footworks has a reputation for exceptional performances, bringing the joy and energy of percussive dance and music to audiences worldwide. Since 1979, Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble has delighted audiences of all ages and cultures around the world.
Melissa Foss’ work takes different forms, from sculptural ceramic instruments, improvisational performances, and electroacoustic compositions to educational workshops and residencies for all ages. Through these different expressive channels, she explores themes of memory, kinship, and myth, as well as sound itself; its ability to inspire awe and its power to generate collective moments of shared emotions and connection.
Marcie Wolf-Hubbard received her B.A. from the University of Maryland in Studio Art and studied Fine Art & Illustration at the Maryland Institute, College of Art. Her paintings in encaustic (wax) and mixed media have been exhibited widely on the East Coast. Marcie teaches drawing, painting, mixed media, and encaustic painting. She teaches students of all ages including individuals with disabilities and seniors with dementia. Marcie is an instructor at Glen Echo Park, Yellow Barn Studios, The Smithsonian, and has transitioned to teaching virtually from her studio.
Alan Rubinstein, a certified public school teacher, has founded and directed Involvement Theater, Inc.
Involvement Theater programs have been used with Maryland County Office of Aging sites, preK-12 public & private schools, College & University Student Activities, after school and No Child Left Behind programs. The programs are adapted to the participating age level including special needs and at-risk populations. Residencies, teacher in-service, family/parenting programs, music song writing and creative drama workshops are also available. Please call for funding options.
Snowday was founded in early 2008 with the mission of bringing a cappella and vocal music into mainstream education. The group loves bringing a dose of fun to community and private events. As part of the Artivate roster, Snowday travels to dozens of schools each year and members are very active in the local, national and international a cappella communities. While they spend a lot of time touring U.S. schools, they have also traveled internationally, including a trip to Russia as Arts Envoys with the U.S. Department of State.
SOLE Defined is the Washington Metro area’s leading arts organization specializing in percussive dance – using the body as an instrument to create musical expression. Advancing styles such as Tap, Stepping, Body Percussion, Sand Dance, and Gumboot; this BIPOC led company infuses powerful skill to delight and inspire audiences. SOLE Defined was founded under the joint leadership of Ryan Johnson and Quynn Johnson.
Founded in 1980, Black Cherry Puppet Theater has performed and presented puppetry-based activities to thousands across Maryland and the Mid Atlantic. The company is committed to the advancement of puppetry through collaborations with artists of other disciplines, presenting educational, as well as community-focused arts programming, and by sustaining a performance space that brings a very special theatrical experience to a growing and very diverse audience in “Baltimore’s coziest little theater.”
OUR MISSION AND MANDATE
Lesole Dance Project (LDP) seeks to empower youth and community members to engage in healthy, creative self-expression by providing educational arts programming and opportunities for cultural exchange.
Working in the United States and South Africa, LDP promotes the unique movement vocabulary and choreographic style inspired by the Southern African heritage, and faciltates learning spaces that honour Black artistic excellence.
Multi-instrumentalist, composer, recording artist and educator. Leader of the Unified Jazz Enaemble.