Cultural Events
LET SMART ARTS INTO YOUR HEART…
as you connect with dance, theatre, music, and more. This intimate setting provides for the perfect cultural journey, as guests come aboard to enjoy performances, participate in question/answer discussions, and meet artists. Where performance entertains, Smart Arts edu-tains.
Stay tuned for the Smart Arts Fall 2021 season! Through Smart Arts Virtual: The Sage Stage, discover: The Royal National Ballet of Georgia, Ensemble Español, The Great Dubois, Sharpe Family Singers, Mads Tolling & the Mads Men, Salzburg Marionette Theatre, Chicago Tap Dance, and Darrah Carr Dance—all at Westchester Community College!
Smart Arts is just that: first-rate and affordable for children, students, and seniors.
At a Glance – Event Calendar
Click here to see the "At a glance" calendar and Virtual Zoom Events
AT A GLANCE: FALL 2021 LINEUP
Smart Arts Virtual performances are free unless indicated otherwise (however, donations are appreciated). Access is time dated (unless noted otherwise), and exclusive to Smart Arts patrons & WCC students, faculty & staff. Performance links are obtained through the Vikings Newsletter or through emailed monthly Mailchimp announcements.
Each month, Smart Arts will send private and time dated links to the virtual performances.
(We ask that all private links not be forwarded)
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SEPTEMBER
September 1THE ROYAL NATIONAL BALLET: Fire of Georgia
(Access: September 1 at 12:01 am — September 30 at 11:59 pm)
This world heritage treasure unites folklore and classical dance elements with acrobatics, athleticism, choreographic splendor, and synchrony. Georgian folk dance choreography was introduced to the world centuries ago, dating back to the 2nd millennium B.C. Always innovative and novel, this dance spectacular is bound to amaze and delight!
September 15
ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL: The First 20 Years: 1976-1996
(Access: September 15 at 12:01 am — September 30 at 11:59 pm)
Explore the rich and varied history of the world-renowned dance company’s first twenty years, from 1976-1996, after its founding by Dame Libby Komaiko in 1975. For over forty years, ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL SPANISH DANCE THEATER (in residence at Northeastern Illinois University) has shared the history and contemporary importance of Spanish dance. This premier dance company preserves and presents the rich traditions of the dance, music, literature, and culture of Spain through contemporary and classical Spanish dance, folkloric and flamenco accompanied by guitar and percussion.
OCTOBER
October 1ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL: Tales of Spain
(Access: October 1 at 12:01 am — October 31 at 11:59 pm)
Learn about the rich history and distinct dance styles of Spain’s unique regions through a program of selected archival recordings of performances, video clips, and “behind the scenes” footage of the company’s stylistic approach, choreographic process and execution. For over forty years, ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL SPANISH DANCE THEATER (in residence at Northeastern Illinois University) has shared the history and contemporary importance of Spanish dance. This premier dance company preserves and presents the rich traditions of the dance, music, literature, and culture of Spain through contemporary and classical Spanish dance, folkloric and flamenco accompanied by guitar and percussion.
October 15
THE GREAT DUBOIS: Masters of Variety
(Access: October 15 at 12:01 am — October 31 at 11:59 pm)
The award-winning team of Michael DuBois and Viktoria Grimmy have just created a wildly entertaining one-hour special that was filmed in and around their own home “circus estate.”
Enjoy five generations of circus performing pedigree between them! In their fast-paced, high energy theatrical show, they perform incredible feats of juggling, hula hoops, unicycle, aerial, circus stunts, contortion, magic and audience interaction (all wrapped up in a blanket of comedy).
NOVEMBER
November 1SHARPE FAMILY SINGERS
(Access: November 1 at 12:01 am — November 30 at 11:59 pm)
This is a mix of blockbuster soundtracks, from box office movie hits to top award-winning Broadway showstoppers, plus “bonus clips” from their most popular TikTok videos. This family ensemble puts “family” back into family entertainment, becoming a global TikTok sensation with over 3.5 million followers!
November 15
MADS TOLLING & MADS MEN
(Access: November 15 at 12:01 am — November 30 at 11:59 pm)
Mads Tolling, violinist adventurer, performs solo and in collaboration with his Mads Men, exploring and re-imagining the 1960s sounds of jazz, soul and early R & B with innovative flair and distinct style. Celebrate a nostalgic musical journey with a contemporary twist!
DECEMBER
December 1SALZBURG MARIONETTE THEATRE: The Nutcracker
(Access: December 1 at 12:01 am — December 31 at 11:59 pm)
In this enchanting puppet production of the famous holiday tale, set to Tchaikovsky’s music, sparkles with life as a little girl’s Christmas gift magically changes from a nutcracker to a handsome prince as the two fight an army of mice and visit the exotic fairytale realm, known as the Land of Sweets.
December 15
FESTIVAL OF TAPPIN’: It’s All About the Feet!
(Access: December 15 at 12:01 am — December 31 at 11:59 pm)
CHICAGO TAP DANCE preserves the quintessentially American tap dance form, taking tap to the next level by bridging other dance forms (modern, jazz, ballet). Artistic Director Mark Yonally’s choreographic vision “taps” into conceptual, narrative, and emotional approaches.
DARRAH CARR DANCE is a sensational and unique blend of traditional Irish step and contemporary modern dance. Artistic Director Darrah Carr calls her style ModERIN: a playful combination of the words modern (dance) and ERIN (an Irish American reference to Ireland). Irish music, step dance footwork, and spatial patterns create high-energy, rhythmically-based work.
Ticket Purchase Options:
- Mail-in: Make CHECK payable to FSA/Cultural Affairs and mail to (include a stamped, self-addressed envelope): Office of Cultural Affairs, Hankin Academic Arts Building, Westchester Community College, 75 Grasslands Rd, Valhalla NY 10595.
- At the door: CASH ONLY – Available 30 minutes prior to show time.
- Online: CREDIT CARD – Click on the “Buy Tickets” link (Print out and bring emailed purchase confirmation for admission)
Tickets for Smart Arts events can now be purchased online. Click here to purchase tickets. Click here to view the seating chart for the Academic Arts Theater.
SMART ARTS & SMARTS ARTS PERFORMANCE ACADEMY (SAPA)
The Office of Cultural Affairs has established the SMART ARTS PERFORMANCE ACADEMY (SAPA) for Westchester’s aspiring artists in the Pre-College and College Divisions. SAPA offers a great platform for young creatives to perform their works and the works of others in: music, dance, voice, drama, film, and literary arts. Also, master workshops are conducted by noted professionals in the performing arts to allow students to hone their performance skills, to learn about the creative process, and to engage with artists in the field. SAPA is artistic exploration, professional development, along with cultural, social and community engagement!
CULTURAL UPDATES
SMART ARTS VIRTUAL: The Sage Stage
The Office of Cultural Affairs has adapted its Smart Arts programming to virtual programming to keep you connected with the arts: dance, theatre, music, and more. Smart Arts Virtual: The Sage Stage provides a cultural journey, for guests of all ages to enjoy pre-recorded live performances and be inspired to participate in Smart Arts Virtual Challenges. Smart Arts Virtual aims to “edu-tain.”
Through a special arrangement and customized collaboration with national and international performing artists, SMART ARTS VIRTUAL: THE Sage Stage at SUNY/Westchester Community College, presents a series of virtual performances, accessible for a limited time on the Smart Arts YouTube channel. This is exclusively, free of charge, for our Smart Arts patrons and Westchester Community College’s family of students, staff, faculty, and administrators. The virtual performances will be accompanied by Smart Arts Challenges, an opportunity for viewers to put their skills and imagination to the test in creative contests and seasonal activities. These submissions will be shared on Smart Arts social media: @smartartswcc
Each month, Smart Arts will send private and time dated links to the virtual performances.
(We ask that all private links not be forwarded).
SMART ARTS VIRTUAL SCHEDULE:
SALZBURG MARIONETTE THEATRE: Sound of Music (Sept 1), Ballet Folklorico de Sinaloa (Sept 15), SALZBURG MARIONETTE THEATRE: Hansel & Gretel (Oct 1), CIRQUETACULAR ENTERTAINMENT: Art of Circus (Oct 15), SALZBURG MARIONETTE THEATRE: Peter & the Wolf (Nov 1), NEW YORK GILBERT & SULLIVAN PLAYERS: The Pirates of Penzance (Nov 15), SALZBURG MARIONETTE THEATRE: The Nutcracker (dec 1), TOMASEEN FOLEY’s A Celtic Christmas (Dec 15).
CULTURAL UPDATES
ACCESS: Beat Poetry & Jazz (Editions 1 & 2) and all Smart Arts Virtual Showcases are currently available and on demand.
Smart Arts Virtual: The Sage Stage, in collaboration with WCC’S Poets & Writers series, presents BEAT POETRY & JAZZ.
BEAT POETRY & JAZZ (1st edition) is a compilation of poetry written and spoken by George Wallace, first Poet Laureate of Suffolk County, and music improvisations performed by father/son jazz duo Edward (Skip) (on piano) & Jonah Weinstock (on drums). Both George Wallace and Edward (Skip) Weinstock are Adjunct Professors of English at Westchester Community College. Enjoy the rhythms of both poetry and jazz!
BEAT POETRY & JAZZ (2nd edition) is a compilation of poetry written and spoken by George Wallace, first Poet Laureate of Suffolk County, and music improvisations performed by father/son jazz duo Edward (Skip) (on piano) & Jonah Weinstock (on drums). In a special section is George Wallace performing the poetry of other poets—notably Walt Whitman, Woodie Guthrie, and Ainsley Burrows. Both George Wallace and Edward (Skip) Weinstock are Adjunct Professors of English at Westchester Community College. Enjoy the rhythms of both poetry and jazz!
SMARTS ARTS PERFORMANCE ACADEMY GOES VIRTUAL
The Office of Cultural Affairs has established the SMART ARTS PERFORMANCE ACADEMY (SAPA) for Westchester’s aspiring artists in the Pre-College and College Divisions. SAPA offers a great platform for young creatives to perform their works and the works of others in: music, dance, voice, drama, film, and literary arts.
Smart Arts, in conjunction with the Smart Arts Performance Academy (SAPA), has provided a platform for creatives at SUNY/Westchester Community College to present their talents with a variety of virtual showcases. In the Spring 2020, the Smart Arts Performance Academy adapted, and the Smart Art Virtual Showcases were initiated.
SAPA presents its first ever Performing Arts Virtual Showcase. The talents of WCC students and faculty are displayed through song, poetry, and film.
In collaboration with the WCC Film Club, Smart Arts hosts its first Documentary Short Films Virtual Showcase and Narrative Short Films Virtual Showcase. The compilations feature contributions by WCC’s talented film students!
Smart Arts presents its Visual Arts Virtual Showcase. Featured are works by WCC students in various visual arts mediums, as well as, film shorts related to the creative process within the visual arts.
In collaboration with the Fashion Design & Merchandising Program, Smart Arts presents the Fashion Design Virtual Showcase, a compilation of works by fashion design students at WCC. This is a look into some of the students’ design process towards finished products.
SMART ARTS presents a Fall 2020 compilation of works by fashion design students at SUNY/Westchester Community College, in collaboration with the Fashion Design & Merchandising Program. Students researched fashion history, conceptualized, and designed collections from the Fall 2020. Exploring fashion historical trends, charting fashion timelines, and creating looms for weaving textiles were just a few fashion-related activities. This is a look into some of the students’ findings and creations, as well as their design process towards finished products.
For inquiries about the Smart Arts program and/or the Smart Arts Performance Academy, please contact us by email at: smartarts@sunywcc.edu or by telephone at: (914) 606 – 6262.