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Helenes Childrens class scaled

Helene Haynes-Stakem

North CountySouth CountyPerformance

Bio

Helene has been a SPECTRA artist since 1990 who has traveled extensively across Europe, Asia and North Africa, and researched dance and music in Egypt and Morocco. She is an international dance teacher, performer and choreographer and has been a producer of music and dance shows, events and festivals locally for over thirty years. In 2002 Helene was a recipient of The Gail Rich Award for her significant contribution to the arts in Santa Cruz County. She is currently writing her autobiography titled Dance to Heal and continues her mission to help create bridges of interest and appreciation of other cultures.

Classes

Egyptian Folk Dance and Percussion Workshop

This is not just a rhythm and movement class but helps students develop an understanding of the very different cultures and lifestyles of Egypt by sharing stories from her travels and comparing its ancient history with modern times. The students take turns to play percussion and dance with the canes, Raks Al Asaya, or with baskets and mime in the Nubian Harvest Dance. This workshop is an exercise in social studies that can fit well with your curriculum. Mike Fair has been playing percussion for African and Arabic bands since 1994 and facilitates drum circles all around the San Francisco Bay Area.

Details
Fees: $95/hr with drummer - minimum of three 45-55 minute sessions per day (Negotiable)
Grade level: K-6
Requires: Multipurpose room, gym, auditorium, outdoor setting, or large classroom

Egyptian Folk Dance and Percussion Workshop with Student Performance

The students learn to play drums and finger cymbals to basic Egyptian rhythms, and how to perform the most popular Folk Dance for children and adults Raks Al Asaya or Cane Dance, derived from an ancient combat game dance called Tahtib which is still performed today. After taking turns to play and dance Helene helps the students present a performance at the end of the session. Rick Walker is a long- time professional performer, multi-award winning percussionist and founder and director of the world's largest international Looping Festival in Santa Cruz.

Details
Fees: $275 for 2 hours - with drummer (Negotiable)
Grade level: K-6
Requires: Multipurpose room, gym, auditorium, outdoor setting, or large classroom

A Live Music and Dance Journey Along the Romany Trail to Egypt

Helene and members of The Sisters of the Desert Sky Dance Company take you on a magic carpet ride, tracing the steps of nomadic tribes from North West India to the banks of the Nile in southern Egypt. This performance also includes storytelling and a general knowledge quiz for the students on the geography, history, language, and life styles of the people.

David and Natasha Feldthouse and Trianna Feruza continue the musical legacy of their family patriarch Soleman El Coyote of the legendary Sirocco band with Uncle Mafufo, sharing their passion for the music, songs and dance of the Romany people, and the folk culture of the very different countries they passed through over the centuries on their journey west.

Details
Fees: $35 minutes- $475 / 55 minutes- $800 - with drummer (Negotiable)
Grade level: K-6
Requires: Multipurpose room, gym, auditorium, outdoor setting, or large classroom