Beyond the Stage

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.

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

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.

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

re-SoundMN

re-Think, re-Store, re-Build.

re-SoundMN is a non-profit coalition of upper- midwest music and arts professionals on a mission to create new and innovative opportunities and resources for educators of all backgrounds to bring their vision to life. Through our ‘re-Think, re-Store, re-Build’ projects, re-Sound strives to pave the way for a future where equity barriers and achievement gaps in the performing arts are a thing of the past.

Teaching students through Ordway's artists in the schools program.

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.

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