Touring internationally, author and award-winning Storyteller Dianne de Las Casas sizzles on stage with “traditional folklore gone fun!†Audiences don’t just listen – they sing, clap, dance, chant, and roar with laughter. De Las Casas adapts traditional folklore, adding fun audience participation, song, and of course, humor. A dramatic storyteller, she does not stay still! Through the use of character voices, creative movement, and animated facial expressions and gestures, she creates a world of fantasy and enchantment.
Childhood travels around the world contributed to shaping her future as a storyteller. De Las Casas lived in the Philippines, Hawaii, Spain and traveled across Europe and the United States. Her varied cultural experiences nourished her imagination, and she continues to draw on that knowledge, adding depth and richness to her tales. Always an avid reader, de Las Casas often spent her time living within the pages of a book. Her favorite books were a series called "My Bookhouse," a treasury of stories from around the world. This love of children's literature was fostered at an early age, a love she carries with her to this day.
Storytelling came naturally for Dianne. At nine years old, she often told spooky stories to her younger brother. But it wasn't until she was "grown-up" that she caught the story fever. Volunteering as a storyteller on Saturdays at her local library, Dianne fell in love with the art and honed her skills. With the encouragement of Andrea Taylor, the children's librarian, and the support of her family, Dianne began exploring a career as a professional storyteller.
Her debut CD, Jambalaya ~ Stories with Louisiana Flavor, won a 2004 iParenting Media Award, a 2004 Children’s Music Web Award, and a 2005 Storytelling World Honor. In addition, Jambalaya received a rave reviews in School Library Journal, AudioFile Magazine, Kidzmusic.com, and Georgia Family Magazine. Her second CD, World Fiesta, won a 2005 Children’s Music Web Award and received a rave review in ALA Booklist and was selected by School Library Journal as “Audio of the Week.†Booklist says, “De Las Casas' commanding voice, unique characterizations, emotive vocalizations, and creative methods of reaching out to her audience are most engaging.†Her latest CD, Jump, Jiggle & Jam ~ A Rhythmic Romp Through Story Land, won a 2006 NAPPA Honors and rave reviews in Publisher’s Weekly and School Library Journal.
De Las Casas is a Louisiana State Roster Artist, a Louisiana Touring Directory Artist, and a Mississippi Arts Education Demonstration Roster Artist. She is the author of Story Fest: Crafting Story Theater Scripts (Teacher Ideas Press), Kamishibai Story Theater: The Art of Picture Telling (Teacher Ideas Press), and Handmade Tales: Stories to Make and Take (Libraries Unlimited).
She performs arts-in-education programs and residencies at schools, libraries, festivals, museums, and special events. Interviewed by the Wall Street Journal, de Las Casas is a sought-after international workshop leader. She is an enthusiastic advocate of literacy and arts-in-education programming. Dianne de Las Casas continues to make the story connection with thousands of children every year, reaching and teaching through the joy of stories.
This profile was edited with CopyPasteSpace.com Profile Editor
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