Swingin Through History
Sample Work
Artist Discipline: Dance
Artist Bio
Swingin’ Through History is performed by Margot McGraw Toppen and Riley Wimes Jr., two of Chicago’s most active teaching artists. They are featured each season at Chicago’s SummerDance and have performed in many dance festivals, including Dance Chicago. Nationally they conduct workshops and performances and have appeared in the film The Road to Perdition and made multiple guest appearances on ABC, WGN, and CLTV news shows.
Artist Statement
Our work in schools has provided meaning and substance to our dance careers. As partners, we have found common ground in the joyful purpose of spreading our passion for dance to young people. As artists, we strike a balance between innovation and historical preservation, with a dynamic dance style that is athletic and very high-energy.
Educational Philosophy
Our touring show uses dance as the focal point of a journey through the past 100 years of American History, with a special emphasis on the 1920s-1950s. The exciting program is universally appealing because the music and dances of our nation are exuberant to the core. We seek to spread joy and appreciation of our American cultural heritage through a program filled with “ooh-aah” moments and packed with educational value for all ages.
Links
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