Footworks Programs
HOT STRINGS AND FLYING FEET
Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble is long recognized as a creative and pioneering force in presenting roots-based music and percussive dance. Celebrating over 45 years touring internationally, Footworks delivers acclaimed theater productions and festival performances, along with arts-integrated programming for schools and universities. With a dazzling and diverse array of traditional and original music and choreography, HOT STRINGS AND FLYING FEET takes you on a journey that conveys the roots and branches of American music and dance, integrating live music, song, and dance to illuminate connections between cultures. "A brilliant music and dance troupe with one foot in tradition and the other in innovation," (The Irish Echo ) Footworks' performances reach all ages and backgrounds, and "pack as much skill, pizzazz, energy, imagination, and artistry" (The Washington Post) as any audience could ask for.
“The group’s techniques ought to be patented...a fast paced, witty and exuberant exhibition of their remarkable skills. In short, a first rate show.” - THE WASHINGTON POST
IRISH ROOTS AND AMERICAN BRANCHES
IRISH ROOTS AND AMERICAN BRANCHES is a celebration of Irish culture with live music and percussive dance and their descendant American styles. With intricate footwork and high-energy music, this show is a feast for the senses and a celebration of Irish and American culture. Footworks' talented dancers, musicians, and singers will take you on a journey through Ireland's rich cultural heritage, featuring sean nos steps, jigs, and reels, and illuminate an American story with tap, Appalachian clogging, and more. Footworks will get you tapping your feet, singing along, and feeling the joy of traditional music and dance so come along and join in the fun!
STEPPIN' AT THE JUNCTION
Steppin’ at the Junction is an exciting new collaboration between two Maryland-based roots music and dance organizations, acoustic roots quartet Charm City Junction and the world-renowned Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble. Both ensembles have extensive histories and experience performing traditional Old Time, Irish, and Bluegrass music throughout the country; and both groups breath new life into those traditions through innovative, original, and playful creations. Steppin’ at the Junction is a dynamic, rousing, high-energy celebration of the roots and branches of American music and dance including tunes with acoustic instrumentation, songs, and percussive dance choreography.
FESTIVALS
Footworks has a long history of performing at major folk, bluegrass, roots music, and international festivals across North America and the United Kingdom. The company’s high energy main stage performances with live music and dance delight audiences and adds visual variety to any festival line up. Footworks also brings a wealth of teaching experience to conducting participation workshops in many styles, making dance accessible and fun for all ages. The company can assist any festival in creating areas where festival goers can participate in dance and movement workshops.
WORKSHOPS & MASTER CLASSES
Part of Footworks’ mission is to make dance accessible and enjoyable to anyone, whether you are a beginner or a highly trained dancer who has yet to experience tradition-based percussive dance forms. Class material is custom designed for every level: dance studios; recreational or semi-professional groups; college dance departments; and professional companies. In addition to years of experience and first rate teaching skills, Footworks imparts the concept of dance as cultural expression, within a historical context.
Workshops varying in length are also offered to general audiences of all ages and capabilities, including instruction in: the classic rhythms and distinguishing characteristics of Southern Appalachian clogging; contemporary clogging; French Canadian, Cape Breton and Irish stepdance; South African Boot Dance; Irish country sets, ceili dance and old-time waltzes; beginning or intermediate swing and Cajun; as well as hambone, tap, and creative improvisation.
COMMUNITY CONCERTS It is part of Footworks mission to serve and bring music and dance performances and experiences to everyone. All of Footworks theater shows are also available in a community concert size as well as a concert/workshop or community dance format. In the concert/workshop or community dance format a shortened concert is given followed by a participatory workshop or community dance. Footworks master artists will lead participants in Appalachian Circle dances, Contra, Irish Social dances, World Folk dances or teach simple and easy tap, clogging, or irish steps, or hamboning rhythms with Footworks' musicians providing live music. It is our mission to get everyone up and dancing with us or dancing in their seats! Offerings available for all mobility levels.