HopStop Family Series

opening doors, opening minds...

Start your Saturdays at the Hop! The HopStop Family Series introduces young children in preschool through third grade to the performing arts. These hour-long presentations highlight music, theater and dance in ways that are interactive, engaging and exciting for children. Chat with the performers, meet other Upper Valley families and enjoy a family-friendly show in a relaxing environment.

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 or visit www.hop.dartmouth.edu.

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 visit www.hop.dartmouth.edu.

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

To request a brochure, please click here.

2007-08 HopStop Family Series

Tamasha la (Celebrate!) African Dance

Saturday, September 29
11 am • Alumni Hall

Tanzanian musician/dancer Robert O. Ajwang brings the invigorating rhythms of his East African homeland to the Hop. Ajwang's spirited performance includes rich traditional dances and lots of audience participation. Come prepared to move -- and be moved.

Coyote Man

Saturday, October 13
11 am • Alumni Hall

Have you seen the Coyote? In this fast-paced program, actor/storyteller Chris Hayes portrays the fabled trickster found in Native American folklore. Coyote's humorous tales capture the imagination and teach lessons about survival and persistence in the face of challenge.

Be-Bop at the Hop

Saturday, November 17
11 am • Alumni Hall

Jazz educator Fred Haas explores one of America's original art forms in this interactive hour of musical improvisation. Joined by vocalist Sabrina Brown, Haas alternates between piano and saxophone to create a musical tapestry of cool jazz guaranteed to get your toes tappin'.

Shim Sham and Shuffle

Saturday, January 19
11 am • Alumni Hall

Doreen Keith and company from Dancer's Corner (White River Junction, VT) will get your feet moving with an upbeat, high energy morning that explores the world of tap dance. Experience the infectious rhythms of this percussive dance form.

Presented in conjunction with Savion Glover Live at the Hop on Friday, January 18 and Saturday Janurary 19, 8 pm in The Moore Theater.

2008: Year of the Rat

Saturday, February 2
11 am • Alumni Hall

Chinese New Year is a family affair, a celebratory time of reunion and thanksgiving honoring one's ancestors and community. February 7, 2008 welcomes the year of the Rat! Dartmouth's Chinese Dance Troupe brings this festive holiday to life by performing traditional and original dances reflecting the beauty and grace of this time-honored art form.

Discover Australasian Music

Saturday, March 29
11 am • Alumni Hall

Colin Offord is a singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist and inventor of original instruments whose eclectic music weaves together Anglo-Celtic, East Asian, and Aboriginal Australian traditions.

Presented in conjuction with William Yang's Shadows on Saturday, March 29, 8 pm in Spaulding Auditorium.

Beethoven Lives in New Hampshire

Saturday, April 19
11 am • Alumni Hall

Journey through time and space as Ludwig van Beethoven (Daniel Weiser) comes to Hanover seeking inspiration. The music he composes is inspired by the animals he encounters on his journey. The resulting piece, Theme and Variations Trio in E Flat, will be performed by members of Classicopia (a local classical chamber music awareness group) on piano, violin and cello.

Zerphy's Zany Acts

Saturday, May 10
11 am • Alumni Hall

Michael Zerphy is a physical comedian, mime and clown whose topsy-turvy programs have delighted audiences of all ages. Get ready for juggling, music and lots of audience participation – this is serious fun!

Presented in conjunction with the Big Apple Circus.