Two Interactive Dance Programs For Children Come To Parrish Art Museum

The Parrish Art Museum welcomes the community to two exciting, interactive dance/music performances featuring the groups Afro Brazilian Arts and the Edge School of the Arts (ESOTA). Afro Brazilian Arts presents “Brazilian Carnival” on Thursday, July 11, and the award-winning children’s dance ensemble from Edge will take families on a journey of music and movement on Wednesday, July 24. At both performances, which begin at 1:30 p.m., the audience will observe and engage in dance and music activities with the performers.

Afro Brazilian Arts’ (ABA) Brazilian Carnival features Brazilian and African music, song, and thrilling dances where the artists fly onto the stage. The ABA troupe has over 26 years of experience performing for diverse audiences of all ages, and their performances feature the thrilling dances Maculelê, a warrior stick dance from the sugar cane fields of Colonial Brazil; and Capoeira, an acrobatic self-defense and dance developed by Africans brought to Brazil as slaves over 400 years ago. Capoeira incorporates the speed and agility of martial arts while teaching a philosophy of resolving conflict without the use of force.

ESOTA’s children’s dance ensemble presents an interactive performance in which the audience can engage in dance and music activities and play tambourines, shekeres (gourd and bead percussion instruments), djembe drums, and more. It’s an entertaining, enriching means to introduce children to various cultures—the performance comprises dance styles including classical ballet, jazz, African drums, and American tap—plus hip-hop songs and dance.

The shows are free for students and children, and for adults with museum admission. Reservations are recommended. The Parrish Art Museum is located at 279 Montauk Highway in Water Mill. Call 631-283-2118 or visit parrishart.org for details.