2005 Flint Hills International Children’s Festival

The idea to bring the best of the performing arts to the Midwest that is specifically geared to children and their families began in the late 90s and became a reality in May 2001 after three years of research and preparation when Ordway Center launched the first Festival. The performances of the 2005 Flint Hills International Children’s Festival include:

Phonk! by Scrap Arts Music (Main Hall)
Scrap Arts brings together five exceptional musicians and twenty-five sculptural instruments for a choreographed, high energy performance! The original compositions are a groove-based fusion of world music traditions and twenty first century sounds played on the handcrafted, cast-away scraps of industrial production.

Dan Zanes and Friends (Main Hall)
Dan Zanes, whose CD House Party is nominated for a Grammy, and who was formally the lead singer and songwriter for the legendary rock and roll band The Del Fuegos, and his friends perform exuberant, handmade music for enthusiastic crowds and kids and kid sympathizers. “It was one of those rare children’s concerts where the grownups clearly had as much fun as their toddlers.” – The Boston Herald

If you go down to the woods today… by Cas Public (McKnight Theatre)
With a musical score spanning such diverse styles as Classical music to Abba hits, this charming performance features four dancers speaking and moving through expressions of fears funny, sad, big, and small — and relaying ways to overcome those fears. In this wonderful introduction to contemporary modern dance, Cas Public invites you to embark on a trip to the land of fears, big and small, all expressed through word and movement.

Kevin Locke Native Dance Ensemble (McKnight Theatre)
American Indian Dance, Instrumentals, Song, and Story. Hoop dancing, fancy dancing, traditional dancing, soaring powwow vocals, powerful drums, ancient flute songs, cultural insight, Northern Plains sign language, and authentic stories of the First Nations. “Mr. Locke has the rare ability to tell sophisticated tales in a way that children understand, but without condescension.” — Dallas Morning News

The Shape of a Girl by Green Thumb Theatre for Young People (Drake Room)
Propelled by memories she can’t forget and scenes from her past she can no longer ignore, Braidie must confront the truth of her giddy, terrifying teenage world. Can she find the courage to break her friends’ conspiracy of silence when their bullying of a classmate goes too far? “Brilliant…The Shape of a Girl should be seen by teenagers everywhere.” — Alexandra Gill, Globe & Mail

Earth Harp by MASS Ensemble (Landmark Plaza/Center)
This incredible musical instrument will be strung between Landmark Plaza and the top of Landmark Center — and will be played by the instruments creators and by visitors to the Festival.