Every day on Art&Seek, we’re talking to people who have tips on art in the time of social distancing. Share yours with us on Facebook, Instagram, or @artandseek on Twitter. Click above to listen to Debbie Storey, president and CEO of AT&T Performing Arts Center, share her tip with KERA’s Nilufer Arsala.
Debbie Storey. Photo by Carter Rose.
During this pandemic, creative resources are essential. That’s why the AT&T Performing Arts Center created a place for their audience to stay creative during school and entertainment closures with free resources.
“We feel very passionately about keeping our audience connected to the art that they love,” said Debbie Storey, president and CEO of AT&T Performing Arts Center.
“So we’re creating and hosting digital content on our AT&TPAC@home YouTube channel.”
The channel includes free arts education programs for high schools, and Disney Musicals in Schools, which teaches musical theater to elementary school children. For the life-long learner, there are dance and drawing classes, artist conversations, and even storytelling time. And finally, Backstage View gives the audience the opportunity to see all the fascinating things that go on backstage when they’re sitting in their seats.
In a three-part series, Carlos Donjuan from The Sour Grapes Crew teaches kids how to draw a paleta or a popsicle, a pyramid figure, and a paper mask. Known for his Oak Cliff murals, Donjuan breaks down step-by-step on how to create shadow and definition to one’s artwork. The series is accessible to English and Spanish speakers.
Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s Nycole Ray offers viewers a Dunham technique class. The dance technique is named after Katherine Dunham, renowned choreographer and innovator of African American modern dance in the 1940s and ’50s. Ray breaks down the basics, from core breathing to footwork. AT&TPAC @Home also offers Indian classical dance basics, ballet Folklorico, and salsa dance lessons.
The at-home series began nearly two months ago and has screened some backstage interviews and behind-the-scenes videos to past productions. Recently added is the online premiere of Dust Bowl, presented by the chorale group Verdigris Ensemble. You’ll also see the amazing story of Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing Visual Arts senior Damoyee Janai Neroes. Her composition was selected as the musical piece to accompany the levitating Moddy Foundation Chandelier at the Winspear Opera House. The winning theme song was also performed by her fellow classmates from the school.
With nearly 34 episodes, the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts is adding to the new wave of free, online classes to learn about culture and creativity.
Got a tip? Email Mia Estrada at [email protected]. You can follow her on Twitter @miaaestrada.
Art&Seek is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.
COMMENTS