Native American, British Performances Brought to County Students by ARTS
In April, communities in Fayette County found American Indians, a British Storyteller and East Indians offering performances and education to the youth of south central Texas.
Arts for Rural Texas in conjunction with the Texas Commission on the Arts sponsored several free performances in Fayetteville, Schulenburg and Weimar.
Great Promise for American Indians performed for over 300 students and adults in Fayetteville and Schulenburg. Seven American Indian dancers moved to the native songs and rhythmic drumming on the stages of the Fayetteville and Schulenburg schools. They spoke to the youth about their culture, their history, their handmade costumes, and their lives in today’s world. The students learned about Grass Dancers, Fancy Dancers, the Women’s Shawl Dance and Traditional Dancers. To the delight of all, some of the school’s teachers joined the Indians on the stage to dance in a fun and inclusive Circle Dance.
On April 13, Bernadette Nason enchanted children with her storytelling. Young children in two schools were whisked away into an imaginary world with her live performance. While listen-ing to Bernadette’s lyrical British accent, the children participated in interactive play with the storyteller.
Multiple award-winning English storyteller/actress/writer Bernadette Nason has studied all over the world, including Guildford Acting School. She’s the author of Tea in Tripoli: A Memoir, and appears in movies like Miss Congeniality and regional theatrical productions. The actress believes that the power and influence of live storytelling can change the world and produces captivating programs of multicultural stories, mixing traditional telling with creative drama.
The month of learning and cultural experiences is capped off on April 21st when Kathak Rhythms performs. This group, under the direction of Guru Akhila Rao, is a Kathak dance school and performing company based in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. They use the classical Indian dance form as a method for artistic and cultural engagement and discovery. Traditionally attributed to the traveling bards of ancient northern India known as Kathakars or storytellers, Kathak gained refinement and complexity in technique and aesthetics over two millennia. Kathak Rhythms’ presentations range from traditional to modern themes while maintaining the purity of the dance form.
All three performances are brought to the children offering them an understanding of the diversity of world cultures and an opportunity for unique and creative experiences. The Texas Commission on the Arts and Arts for Rural Texas seek to provide the greatest opportunities for the youth of Texas.
For more information, call, 979-378-2113 or visit www.artsforruraltexas.org.