Striding Lion is an organization full of really incredible people fulfilling a critical need in the community... arts education by actual working artists! Creativity is undervalued in our society and Striding Lion is helping to foster a creative spirit that will help lead to a brighter future.
I've experienced the incredible talent that encompasses Striding Lion in many arenas. Although my time as Secretary on their Board of Directors has been amazing, it wasn't until I witnessed the educational programming as a teacher during a residency that I truly understood how fantastic they really are. The relationships they build with the students is a powerful thing to watch, and seeing the impact that is made on students who don't have many opportunities like this is second to none. This organization is filled with dedicated artists and educators who make a positive difference in many kid's lives.
Striding Lion is doing amazing work on two fronts. As an artistic ensemble, they are doing new, fresh, original, and important work that touches on important aspects of our world. As educators, they are bringing a hugely impactful experience to youth in need of such creative exercise. As an artist and as an educator I am so happy to see the work they do. I love their professional performances, and I love seeing the showcases of what they have done with their students. FANTASTIC STUFF!
I fell in love with Striding Lion through my children's experience with them--their special way of teaching kids to express themselves through a variety of disciplines, music, drama, dance, but I have developed a personal attachment to the organization all my own, through seeing their performances. They are not teachers who also make their own art; they are artists who are gifted teachers. They believe in the exceptional results to be gleaned from drawing on a variety of art forms to make one beautifully constructed piece of work. They truly communicate to all of us that when it comes to conveying ideas, we don't have to choose. We can blend art forms to reach the strongest, most engaging possible expression of our ideas.
This is a wonderful organization that creates original interdisciplinary performance (that includes original dance, music, and theater) in the Chicago performance community and that also does many artistic residencies and workshops throughout Chicago and its suburbs. The educational work that Striding Lion does is very unique and engaging. I met Striding Lion when they did a residency at my kids' elementary school, and everyone -- teachers, parents, principal, students -- were crazy about the Striding Lion teachers' charisma, teaching abilities, and classroom management skills.
STRIDING LION: is one of the best Non Profit groups out there, they are very dedicated to making art happen for all of us.
My 9 years old daughter attended a dance workshop organized by Striding Lion staff last summer. It was a fantastic experience for my child who is usually so shy and withdrawn. She had two differents roles in a dance-play and was so confident and excited about the project that stage fright was far from her mind. The teachers are all just amazing: they help children build self confidence and develop their creativity in a very fun, caring way in a non competitive structure. We are looking forward the next workshop !
Striding Lion has worked with both my kids in school residencies and we have all enjoyed the experience a lot! Their creativity is boundless and they work so well with kids who are interested in the arts, as well as those who are more reluctant performers. Their adult performances are a blast! You never know what to expect from a Striding Lion show, but you can always expect to enjoy it!