Hopkins Center for the Arts

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Opening Doors to the Performing Arts!

HopStops are entertaining, hands-on, free programs introducing young audiences to the wonders of the performing arts. These hour-long interactive presentations are an engaging way to stimulate the curious minds of children. HopStops are offered one Saturday each month during the school year, often in conjunction with Visiting Artist performances.


The 2009-2010 HopStop Season will be announced in September 2009.

  • HopStops are free and open to the public; no tickets or registration required. All HopStops are held in Alumni Hall, located on the second floor of the Hopkins Center (signs are posted). For more information, call 603.646.2010.

  • Parking is available in the Hanover Parking Garage located on Lebanon Street. There is no time limit; first hour is $0.50. Call 603.643.0716 for more information. Metered parking on the street is also available.

  • For information on accessibility services, please call the Hop Box Office at 603.646.2422 or Click Here.

  • HopStops are free of charge thanks to a generous gift from Hop Members and the Children's Fund of the Upper Valley of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.


Take a look at last season's lineup:

Laugh, Sing, Dance

Saturday, October 4, 2008
11 am • Alumni Hall

Let your voice fly and your body boogie with internationally—acclaimed children's singer/songwriter Judy Pancoast and the fabulous teen dancing sensations, The Judy Crew. You could find yourself Swimming In Jello, building a Sand Castle or coming down with a case of the Good Times Goose Bumps.


Clown Jewel

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Actor/teacher Peter Gould stretches your muscles—and your mind—with his bubbling combination of storytelling and physical comedy. Gould's silly characters may need your help to escape some sticky situations.


Hele mai hoohiwahiwa (Come Celebrate!)

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Don your lei (flowered garland), pau (skirt) and kupea (anklets) as traditional dancer Tiffany Brown introduces you to the wonders of the Hula dance. Graceful movements layered with meaning, bring to life the history and traditions of the Hawaiian people.


Hot, Hot, Hot Calypso

Saturday, January 17, 2008

A warm island breeze blows in VT musician Scott Paulson and his seven-piece steel drum band. Music rich with the history of the Caribbean islands will have you going bananas for the enchanting rhythms and sizzling calypso beats.


Fiddlin' Irish

Saturday, February 7, 2008

You won't be able to stay in your seat when Massachusetts musicians Brendan Taaffe and Sarah Blair share the sounds of traditional Irish music. Your toes will tap and your hands will clap for more jigs and reels played on their fiddles and the button accordion.


Knock Your Socks Off

Saturday, March 7, 2008

Take off those shoes and let your bare feet hit the floor. Experience the innovative and imaginative forms of modern dance with the extraordinary Dartmouth Dance Ensemble. Follow in the footsteps of legendary choreographers Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham and Paul Taylor as you embody the movements of these dance pioneers.

Presented in conjunction with Paul Taylor Dance Company April 7-9, 7 pm The Moore Theater.


Romper Rhythm and Puppets Present: The Bremen Town Musicians

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Story, music and puppets…oh my! Diane Kordas and her puppet friends take us on an exhilarating journey with the story of the Bremen Town Musicians, based on the original Grimms fairy tale. With beautifully crafted hand and rod puppets, audience participation and a lot of silliness, this story is sure to become a family favorite.


Children Gather Round: Native American Drumming

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Mary Mitchell and song leader Sue O'Neill invite you to join in a hands-on exploration of Native American culture. Through tribal rhythms, folk songs and stories children will learn about many unique traditions from the Shoshone, Bannock and Ute tribes. Presented in conjunction with the annual Dartmouth Pow-Wow May 9 & 10.


2008-2009 Brochure