Tales from The Road: April 2007

The Vanaver Caravan was established in 1972 by musician/composer Bill Vanaver and dancer/choreographer Livia Drapkin Vanaver. Their love for the world's diverse cultures and peoples and commitment to their art and to peace among nations, continue to inspire artists, students, teachers and audiences daily. Their down-home, high-spirited performances have been presented throughout the U.S., Europe and North Africa, including appearances at major festivals including: The Smithsonian American Folklife Festival, the Bienale de la Danse in Lyon, France, the Rudolstadt Festival in Germany, Harbourfront in Toronto, and the Sidmouth International Festival in England.

From percussive Appalachian clog dancing featured in their "Pastures of Plenty" tribute to songwriter Woody Guthrie, to Greek line dances, to reconstructions of works by modern dance pioneers Ted Shawn and Ruth St. Denis, to original choreography by Livia, with full orchestral accompaniment composed by Bill, The Vanaver Caravan weaves tapestries of dance and music with effortless skill and precision.

The Caravan has worked on many projects since their inception. Some of the most recent include their collaboration with Friendship Ambassador's Foundation, which brought the Company to work at the Balkan Peace and Reconciliation Conference in Romania and Bulgaria. In 2002 the Company created an arts and healing program for 9/11 victims that included workshops with children and adults and has now been conducted annually.

The Vanaver Caravan has also pioneered in-depth arts-in-education programs throughout the US for both public and private schools, often creating a curriculum in conjunction with teachers and administrators. and offers imaginative workshops, a Dance Institute and SummerDance intensive program. Equally at home in a symphony hall, an outdoor festival, in the classroom, school assembly, or at a conference, The Vanaver Caravan has captivated audiences worldwide with its celebration of American and International dance and music.

Tales from The Road

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

First Post on Springtime beginnings

Blog Archive

My Blog List

Followers