forces of nature resources
Forces of Nature Dance Theatre takes the audience by storm! This New York-based troupe performs a whirlwind of traditional West African and neo-African dance, hip hop, ballet, contemporary modern dance and martial arts. It’s a powerful homage to the ancestors, as well as an invitation to the next generation to connect with their culture and the world. Students will be riveted by the vibrant music and visceral performances.
ABOUT THE NJPAC ON THE MIC PODCAST
NJPAC On the Mic is an audio resource that takes Schooltime Performances to the next level. This podcast series features three exclusive, curriculum standards-aligned episodes for all of NJPAC’s 2022-2023 Schooltime Performances. On the Mic offers students the opportunity to engage their listening skills, deepen their understanding of the performance, and learn about the process of bringing a live or recorded production to life. This immersive audio experience features a theme song by students in the NJPAC arts education program.
How to Listen to njpac on the mic podcast
BEFORE THE PERFORMANCE
Episode: ABOUT (6 minutes)
Listen to this audio via the embedded media below for an introduction to the
performance, the artist or company, and the venue.
Includes: An introduction to the performance, artist & venue, welcome message
Written and hosted by Dania Ramos
Additional writing by the team behind Forces of Nature Dance Theatre
Sound editing, sound design, and voiceover by Michael Aquino
Theme and outro music: NJPAC TD Jazz for Teens program
Additional music from Epidemic Sound
Welcome message voiced by Eyesha Marable
Series producers: Michael Aquino and Dania Ramos
AFTER THE PERFORMANCE
Episode: CONNECT (8 minutes)
Listen to this audio via the embedded media below for reflection questions, a closer
look at an aspect of the performance such as historical context or background on
the art form, and a brief selection of vocabulary words.
Includes: Reflection questions, a look at the symbols and principles of Kwanzaa
Written and hosted by Dania Ramos
Additional writing by Rochelle Herring-Peniston
Sound editing and design by Michael Aquino
Theme and outro music: NJPAC TD Jazz for Teens program
Additional music from Epidemic Sound
Opening question voiced by Eyesha Marable
Series producers: Michael Aquino and Dania Ramos
Episode: SPOTLIGHT (10 minutes)
Listen to this audio via the embedded media below for an exclusive interview with
an artist from the production or an NJPAC staff member followed by discussion
prompts.
Includes: An interview with NJPAC’s Assistant Vice President of Community Engagement, discussion starters
Written and hosted by Dania Ramos
Sound editing and design by Michael Aquino
Theme and outro music: NJPAC TD Jazz for Teens program
Additional music from Epidemic Sound
Interview guest: Eyesha Marable
Series producers: Michael Aquino and Dania Ramos
NJPAC On the Mic is produced in partnership with CM Studios.
NJPAC Arts Education performances team: Rosa Hyde, Treasure Borde, and Kendall Lipham
CM Studios producers: Michael Aquino, Dania Ramos
NJPAC and CM Studios are located in Essex County, New Jersey, situated on the traditional territory of the Leni Lenape people.
Episode links and sources
Episode links and sources
NJPAC | Arts Education programs: njpac.org/arts-education
NJPAC | About NJPAC: njpac.org/about
NJPAC resources | Forces of Nature Dance Theatre: njpac.org/arts-education/teacher-resources
Forces of Nature Dance Theatre: forcesofnature.org
Official Kwanzaa Website | The Symbols of Kwanzaa: officialkwanzaawebsite.org/the-symbols.html
University of Minnesota | History and traditions of Kwanzaa:.youtube.com/watch?v=xdO_Enf0RNE
National Geographic | Celebrating Kwanzaa: kids.nationalgeographic.com/celebrations/article/kwanzaa
Smithsonian | Kwanzaa: nmaahc.si.edu/kwanzaa
Inside Edition | What Is Kwanzaa and How Is It Celebrated?: youtube.com/watch?v=JKLvaql9Xvg&t=2s
NJPAC | Eyesha Marable: njpac.org/about/our-people