ARTIST BIOS
The Vanaver Caravan (www.vanavercaravan.org) was established in 1972 by musician/composer Bill Vanaver and dancer/choreographer Livia Drapkin Vanaver. Their love for the world's diverse cultures and peoples and commitment to their art and to peace among nations, continue to inspire artists, students, teachers and audiences daily. Their down-home, high-spirited performances have been presented throughout the U.S., Europe and North Africa, including appearances at major festivals including: The Smithsonian American Folklife Festival, the Bienale de la Danse in Lyon, France, the Rudolstadt Festival in Germany, Harbourfront in Toronto, and the Sidmouth International Festival in England.
From percussive Appalachian clog dancing featured in their "Pastures of Plenty" tribute to songwriter Woody Guthrie, to Greek line dances, to reconstructions of works by modern dance pioneers Ted Shawn and Ruth St. Denis, to original choreography by Livia, with full orchestral accompaniment composed by Bill, The Vanaver Caravan weaves tapestries of dance and music with effortless skill and precision. The Vanaver Caravan has also pioneered in-depth arts-in-education programs throughout the US for both public and private schools.
