Express yourself through art, music, and more.

Kids ages 5 & up, express yourself, make art, learn rhythms and explore the world at Summer of HeART with Youth Arts Alliance. This free eight-week series invites you to try new things with YAA teaching artists and community partners. All supplies and a snack provided.

Each day’s activities will be different. The lineup is offered by YAA Teaching Artists & community partners:

• Youth Congolese Drumming and Dancing with Bichini Bia Congo Dance Theater Company:

  • Learn the art of Congolese drumming! Students will learn the basic techniques for hand drumming along with songs and accompanying instrumentation as they learn a variety of traditional Congolese rhythms. Drums and instruments will be provided on a first come first served basis and participants are also welcome to bring their own instruments. Sessions will be taught by members of the Bichini Bia Congo Dance Theater Company along with the company founder Biza Sompa (born and trained in Congo - Brazzaville). Students will be invited to participate in a final performance with the company at the end of the program.

  • Join us for this one-of-a-kind opportunity for your child to learn Congolese dance! Dancers will learn a variety of basic movements for Congolese cultural and contemporary dances. Participants should wear loose clothing or dancewear that allows for free movement and be prepared to dance in bare feet (unless outside). Sessions will be taught by members of the Bichini Bia Congo Dance Theater Company along with the company founder Biza Sompa (born and trained in Congo - Brazzaville). Students will be invited to participate in a final performance with the company at the end of the program.

Made possible in part by the United Way of Southeast Michigan, the Barnes & Thornburg Racial and Social Justice Foundation, University of Michigan Center for World Performance Studies and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services - Washtenaw County.