Education
Celebrating the artist in every child through performing arts experiences
Beyond the Stage
The artists of Ordway's Education and Community Engagement programs
In schools, in communities, and online
From artist-led workshops to special classroom curricula to free online lessons, Ordway's Education and Community Engagement programs connect artists with you—wherever you are. Get to know the extraordinary artists who are sharing their work, and learn where else you can find them!
24-25 Beyond the Stage Artists
Afrocontigbo
Igbo-rooted dance therapy by Korma Aguh-Stuckmayer
Afrocontigbo: pronounced "AFRO- CON-Tee-Bough"
Igbo: pronounced "Eee-Bough"
Afrocontigbo is an African Contemporary Igbo dance company founded by CEO Korma Aguh-Stuckmayer in 2015. Korma is from the Igbo tribe in Nigeria. Afrocontigbo mixes traditional and modern West African dance moves. They teach classes and do performances all across the Twin Cities.
The music is invigorating and the moves are joyful. Get ready to join Afrocontigbo on the dance floor. Add "Afrocontigbo" on social media for more information on classes, challenges, and performances.
Ordway Artists in Communities.
@Afrocontigbo on Instagram
Alison Bergblom Johnson
Artist centering disability justice.
Alison Bergblom Johnson is an artist whose work explores disability, identity, and joy. Her collage, storytelling and essays often approach taboo topics (disability, sexuality) in nonthreatening, inclusive ways. As part of Mixed Blood Theatre’s 12×12 project she created a theater piece with other people with disabilities about disabled lives. The Walker Art Center’s Mn Artists Presents Alison Bergblom Johnson featured a number of artists with disabilities in a variety of ways online in November 2020. Some of the organizations she’s partnered with include The Loft Literary Center (as a teaching artist), the University of Minnesota’s Liberal Arts Engagement Hub (The Art of Disability Justice Now on display at Mill City Museum in Minneapolis), Springboard for the Arts (artist career consultant, workshop facilitator), and the Minnesota Historical Society’s Gale Library. She has performed solo at Strike Theater, Patrick’s Cabaret, in the Minnesota Fringe Festival and on many other stages.
Featured On The Ordway Education Youtube.
Watch HereAlison Bergblom Johnson Official Website
Babatunde Akinboboye
The genre we never knew we needed - Hip hopera.
A singer of diverse talents, Nigerian American Baritone, Babatunde Akinboboye is known for his enthralling stage presence. He has performed with the Los Angeles Opera, Opera San Jose, Opera Santa Barbara, Long Beach Opera, and Utah Opera.
As an advocate for the performance of art song and operatic works written by African, and African American composers, Mr. Akinboboye has headlined the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry awards in Lagos, Nigeria performing a fusion of opera and traditional African music and has been a featured performer at both the National Association of Negro Musicians Annual Conference, as well as the African American Art Song Alliance Conference.
In December of 2018, Babatunde combined his love of classical opera and hip hop and created the new genre Hip Hopera in a viral video that gained over 10 million views and was featured on Time.com, Classic FM, MSN.com and more. His debut EP “Della Citta” is now available.
Teaching students through Ordway's artists in the schools program
Babatunde Akinboboye Official Website
Chops Inc.
Helping school and community drumming groups access festivals and competitions
Leveraging a 30-year history in national drum corps and percussion communities, Chops partners with local schools and educational groups to make restorative efforts come to life within Minnesota's music education sphere. Chops works with professionals and organizations throughout Minnesota to identify, mentor, and uplift underserved music educators and education programs in the urban core. With a belief that music education and the performing arts are strong vehicles for improving lives, Chops aims to ensure all have equitable access to grow through music education. Chops offers evidence-based program development, professional mentorship, and resource management services to education communities in the Twin Cities.
Teaching students through Ordway's artists in the schools program
Chops, Inc. Official Website
Dance Projects By Me
Cultivating space for dance projects inspired by diverse styles and community exchange.
Dance Projects by ME mission is to cultivate space for dance projects inspired by diverse styles and community exchange. We strive to make dance accessible through choreography, education, and performance. As an organization, our dance programs include community workshops and performances to increase dance accessibility for audiences and movers in the Twin Cities. Our projects welcome participants from diverse backgrounds, with all levels of dance experience, and movement ability.
Ordway Artists in Communities.
Dance Projects by ME Official Website
Ed Jenkins
Family-friendly character that uses food to inspire kids to care for others.
Ed Jenkins has over 20 years’ experience inspiring kids through stories. Ed has a BFA in acting and has experience with theatre, storytelling, and video production. He is the creator of Lalo's Lunchbox, a show that uses healthy foods to teach kids how to be kind and share in their communities. He is also the creator and Executive Producer of the PBS KIDS podcast, Keyshawn Solves It. Ed’s deeply passionate in using theatre and creative media to empower kids to make the world wonderful.
ORDWAY ARTISTS IN COMMUNITIES
Ed Jankins Official Website
Suchi Sairam
Decorated arts Entrepreneur and Founder of Kala Vandanam
SUCHITRA SAIRAM is an arts entrepreneur and highly committed Bharatanatyam, nattuvangam and konnakkol artist with over 35 years in the field. She founded Kala Vandanam in 2002, where she shares her passion for Indian performing arts with her students and the community. Her teachers of several decades are her inspirations as an artist, teacher, and arts presenter.
Suchitra’s work reflects a deeply personal blend of eastern and western values, methods, and aesthetics, as well as her multi-faceted experiences, background and interests. She is a sought-after teacher, helping her students achieve artistic excellence while enjoying art as a vehicle to experience joy, develop humility and self-confidence. Her mission integrates the arts, science, culture, leadership and entrepreneurship to develop great people and spread good in the world.
Suchitra is passionate about giving young dancers a voice in different ways. Her debut illustrated children’s book, Dancing Deepa, is the recipient of multiple awards.
Featured On The Ordway Education YouTube.
Watch HereSuchi Sairam Official Website
Taja Will
Socially Engaged artist and Healing practitioner.
Taja Will (they/them) is a non-binary, chronically ill, queer, Latinx (Chilean) adoptee. They are a performer, choreographer, somatic therapist, consultant and Healing Justice practitioner based in Mni Sota Makoce, on the ancestral lands of the Dakota and Anishinaabe. Taja’s approach integrates improvisation, somatic modalities, text and vocals in contemporary performance. Their aesthetic is one of spontaneity, bold choice making, sonic and kinetic partnership and the ability to move in relationship to risk and intimacy. Will’s artistic work explores visceral connections to current socio-cultural realities through a blend of ritual, dense multi-layered worldbuilding and everyday magic.
Featured On The Ordway Education Youtube.
Watch HereTaja Will Official Website
Grupo Bella
A unique Mexican folk experience.
Formed in the summer of 2011, Grupo Bella is a multi-faceted ensemble from the Los Angeles area. Grupo Bella is quickly becoming known for their excellent musicianship and diverse repertoire. With their use of traditional Mariachi instrumentation, they have their roots in the Mariachi genre, while also spanning the music of many different cultures, decades, and various Latin American and American styles.
Grupo Bella is passionate about student and community outreach having traveled extensively giving music workshops about the history and cultural significance of folk music from the different regions in Mexico and Latin America. It’s Grupo Bella’s hope this will keep the culture alive and inspire future generations to help the music continue to grow and thrive.
Teaching students through Ordway's artists in the schools program ORDWAY ARTISTS IN COMMUNITIES
Grupo Bella Official Website
The String Queens
A DYNAMIC TRIO THAT CREATES AUTHENTIC, SOULFUL AND ORCHESTRAL SOUNDS.
Praised for its authentic, soulful, and orchestral sound, The String Queens (TSQ) is a dynamic trio that creates stimulating musical experiences that inspire diverse audiences to love, hope, feel, and imagine! With an array of repertoire spanning from the Baroque era to the Jazz Age to today’s Billboard Hot 100 Chart, TSQ performs versatile programs that take listeners on a rousing musical journey through time and a multitude of musical genres.
TEACHING STUDENTS THROUGH ORDWAY’S ARTIST IN THE SCHOOLS PROGRAMS
The String Queens Official Website
Beyond the Stage artist alumni
Artists in the Schools
Bring the performing arts to your classroom
School Performances
Unforgettable arts field trips with bus reimbursement for all
