Commedia dell’ Arte with Fools in Progress – Viva Commedia!

Fools In Progress Inc. is a theatre company specialised in COMMEDIA DELL’ARTE with over a decade of experience in schools. Their program FOOLS IN SCHOOLS includes the new production of VIVA COMMEDIA! With stunning original renaissance costumes, exotic stage setting, and handmade leather masks VIVA COMMEDIA! is the perfect show to celebrate Italian culture with the traditional stock characters of Arlecchino, Capitano, Colombina, Pantalone and many, many others. Engaging, informative but most of all fun for students and teachers alike.

Road to Rio

The Road to Rio will take you on a journey in to the heart of the carnaval parades in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Each year the country comes alive with preparations for the biggest party on Earth, and all of the cities fill with the sound of drums. In this hands on workshop percussionist Rob Arcari will immerse you in the world of Rio’s Samba Schools, and introduce you to the rhythms that make carnaval swing!

Lion Dance Kids

The Race of the 12 Zodiacs & The Lion Dance Story is both an important part of the Chinese Celebration of the Lunar New Year. This workshop introduces the concept of courage to kids. Narrating a young girls journey to explore the origins of Chinese New Year. We provide help kids identify their zodiac animal, allowing them to identify with the strengths of the animal to empower them to face fears. We introduce Lion Dancing props, instruments and costumes to the kids. So they can have an upfront experience with the costumes.

French Music

‘La musique des années folles en France’ refers to the music of the post-war years of the roaring 20s which swept across the world. Multi-instrumentalists Peter and Marie Rappolt have been playing live music together since 1969 for this program they are joined by French cabaret singer Corrine Andrew to form ‘Viva the Trio’. The trio play music from legends like Edith Piaf, Django Reinhardt, Sidney Bechet and Josephine Baker and contextualize the music by introducing the lyrics, instruments and cultural context in French and English according to the student’s level.

Les Chansons Françaises

Pauline Maudy shares stories of her Parisienne childhood in an interactive vocal session with songs that explore intercultural understanding. Depending on the age group Pauline will teach students a popular children’s song or a catchy chorus from the Yé-Yé era of the 1960s which they’ll sing accompanied by the band. Students will hear and speak French throughout the workshop and end the session learning to waltz!

Spirit of Italia

Students will be immersed in stories of Italian immigrants arriving in Australia, and the challenges that they face upon entering a new country. The presenter leads discussions of Italian culture, language, food and a folk dance workshop.

Folkloric to Flamenco

Born in France to French and Sephardic-Moroccan parents Pauline Maudy teaches Jewish Sephardic songs with influences from Turkey, Greece and the Balkans reflecting the widespread geography of the diaspora. John, a Flamenco guitarist, will accompany the songs and teach ‘palmas’, the clapping that is a common accompaniment to Flamenco music. This program can be tailored to Spanish language students.

Indian Instrumental Infusion (sitar)

Deeply rooted in Indian classical music traditions, Sudha Manian started her training in Indian classical music and dance: Sitar and Bhartnatyam at the age of nine with her Gurus in Hyderabad, India. Sudha is wholeheartedly committed to her art and her passion is contagious as she performs amazing music and gives students insight into the most recognizable Indian instrument – the Sitar

Rhythm of Nepal

Nepalese born Dheeraj is recognised is the foremost Tabla player in Australia. The Tabla is the quintessential percussion instrument of the Indian subcontinent and one of the most complicated drums to play. Nepalese percussion instrument the Madal is the backbone of Nepalese folk music and often played while hiking in the mountains of the Himalayas! Dheeraj will demonstrate Nepalese-Indian rhythms and hip-hop vocal percussion. He will also introduce the fastest percussion instrument in the world – the Tabla!

Japanese Dance with Junko

Teacher, choreographer and art director Junko and her dance group combine different traditional Japanese dance styles into their own unique cultural experience. This program is a balance of dance performance set to unique Japanese instrumentals and interactive dance workshop. Junko wears amazing Kimonos and will demonstrate the strict art of Kimono dressing for students.