The Carver offers master classes and workshops designed to give the community an opportunity to learn more about the work of the artists that we present each season. Our residencies also enrich students in the public schools through lecture/ demonstrations and workshops held on site at the schools.

José Porcel - October 3, 2011
The Compañia Flamenca José Porcel brings the purest and oldest part of flamenco from Andalucía, by reviewing the most famous styles of this dance form. This lecture/demonstration focuses on preserving the style and form of traditional flamenco customs and experiences of the Andalusian people.

Erica Anthony - November 8-10, 2011
Ms. Anthony brings together a unique blend of English and Brazilian Portuguese to express various musing of life with her sweet soothing voice that captivates. Using poetic prose and possessing a striking ability with string instruments, she will amaze you with her performance and capture you with her music. As a mathematician and physicist, in addition to studies in kinetics, Erika seeks to take the pure elements of music beyond that which can be heard into that which can be felt. Ms. Anthony will share her expertise with the community by visiting schools, agencies and Senior Centers through a one of a kind residency that is sure please.

Spirit of Uganda - January 13, 2011
Spirit of Uganda presents riveting programs of music and dance for audiences of all ages complemented by outstanding residency programs. Under the artistic direction of Peter Kasule, Spirit of Uganda is Empower African Children's professional training and touring program. A vibrant cast of performers, ages 8-18, share the histories, legends and beliefs of East Africa and introduce some of the new and dynamic music and dance forms that are being created now.

Lionel Loueke - February 3, 2012
Benin born, Paris and Berklee educated guitarist Lionel Loueke grew up absorbing the guitar traditions of Mali and Nigeria as well as samba and jazz. He will discuss “Harmony and Rhythm” and share his thoughts on how they relate to one another.

Charlotte Blake Alston -February 15-17, 2012
Artist Residency
Master storyteller, narrator and singer, Charlotte Blake Alston will work with the community in a series of workshops, performances and out-reach activities in schools. Through story, song poetry and monologue, Ms. Alston evokes riveting images reflecting the richness of African culture and historical lore; the passion, humor, and pathos of African American literature and the power of personal, historical narrative.

Luna Negra Dance Theatre - March 8, 2012
Master Class
Luna Negra company members teach a master class in ballet, modern, jazz or improvisational technique. This class will offer experienced dance students the opportunity to work directly with professional artists and enhance their technical and performance skills.

Black Violin - March 29, 2012
Master Class/Workshop
Kev Marcus and Wil B from Black Violin work with string musician students who are ready to start thinking outside of the box! This exciting workshop/master class will teach students the basics of musical improv. Using scales and arpeggios the floor will be open to the group to experiment with freestyle and improv compositions.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre - May 4, 2012
Master Class
Each year the Dallas Black Dance Theatre exposes children to dance forms of ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop and African dance. These programs are designed to build critical thinking skills, connect youth to themselves and their own culture, and to invigorate the educational process by building connections between the construction and execution of dance as an art form and traditional learning techniques.