The Vanaver Caravan performs all over the globe. They have a special interest in sharing the experiences of other cultures with children - through music & dance. They have found that their approach fosters an appreciation of, and openness towards those elements of culture that students had once considered “foreign.” Furthermore, children respond enthusiastically to related classroom learning once they are exposed top a particular culture through its dances & songs. The child’s increased sense of self - gained by learning and performing - is one of the many benefits of this program that teachers and parents cite repeatedly.”

"Your program is ideal for school programs as it incorporates music, dance, sociology, and American history -our teachers really have a breadth of ideas to draw upon in the classroom. But most importantly you and your terrific company know how to put on a show that is completely professional and absolutely engaging."
Marnie Duke Mitze, Pepperdine University Center for the Arts

"The benefits to students cannot be overstated. A Fourth grade class understood the impact of one historical era on the next as they worked throughout the year... Kindergarten students learned about the properties of water in a way they will never forget. A First grade class explored the dynamics of sun and shadow by producing a shadow play. A Second grade class learned the concepts of forces of motion though contact improvisation dance. Students kept journals of their efforts and shared their work with other classes at school assemblies... I have watched students become more confident, learn new skills and enjoy the sheer exuberance of moving to music. I have witnessed teachers opening up to the possibilities of teaching through the arts."
Virginia A. Ferri, Principal, Rosendale Elementary School

School Assemblies

School Assemblies are a wonderful way for The Vanaver Caravan to interact directly which children from a wide range of backgrounds. Three to six members of the Vanaver Caravan consult with school administrators, teachers and/or parents to offer flexible and varied programs for children from preschool through high school. All assemblies are presented with live instrumental and vocal accompaniment on authentic instruments, and with colorful ethnic costumes. Assemblies are based on the same range of performance offerings as shown on our “ Repertory ” page, with appropriate modifications, and may be proceeded or followed by school residencies.

School Residencies

The goal of The Vanaver Caravan school residencies is to provide a hands-on learning experience that augments and enlivens the curriculum, along with promoting self discovery in a “can do” atmosphere. This approach also engenders a visceral understanding of textbook information. School residencies are lead by one or more members of The Vanaver Caravan, and are typically 45 minutes in length, with about 30 participants of similar age. Residencies may last from one day to several weeks, and workshop themes may be integrated with social studies, language arts, phys. ed and/or arts programs. See repertory for program possibilities.

Programs can be developed for the specific geographic area our group is studying . Caravan directors Bill and Livia Vanaver have researched and compiled one of the most extensive resource collections of international & American dance and music, and teachers and schools have the world at their feet, when it comes to choosing dances and songs as workshop subjects.

Example: In a five-day residency, days 1 - 4 are spent learning the dances, on day 5 -we hold a full dress rehearsal in the morning, and a culminating assembly in the afternoon for the entire school. We're also happy to stay for an evening performance for the community that can include our professional company.

Example: a 3rd grade residency can focus on regions of the world, culminating in a global dance festival where each class "becomes" a different country. Through learning the dance and music, and the reasons why people dance, the students and teachers personally experience how people from other cultures express themselves, while discovering self-awareness and their own abilities to relate to others.