Center for World Performance Studies

Upcoming Events

Dragon dance with full scale dragon body in Peony Garden

Dancing with the Dragon Exhibit

November 4 through December 11, 2026
Open Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Closed Nov. 26-27)
Room 547 – Weiser Hall / Central Campus

Experience a curated experience of the imaginary, featuring the LRCCS Fortune and Longevity Dragon, a 25-ft long, Asian-inspired full-body dragon sculpture for use in the traditional “dragon dance” crafted by renowned international artist Zhen Guo with U-M faculty arts lecturer Raymond Wetzel, artist Jeri Rosenberg, students, and volunteers. The exhibition highlights the story of the dragon’s fabrication and its impact on community.

November 10 | 7:30 pm

John Santos Lecture

Watkins Lecture Hall
Earl V. Moore Building

Free - no tickets required

A multimedia presentation by musician and historian John Santos – “De un Pájaro las Dos Alas (Two Wings of the Same Bird): The Parallel Colonial Histories that Unite the Music of Cuba and Puerto Rico.” The distinct musical traditions of Cuba and Puerto Rico are joined at the hip for good reason. Their shared colonial experience of genocide, slavery and US intervention created a similar foundation for musical resistance and self-expression that resulted in iconic, internationally renowned musical forms such as Salsa and Latin Jazz as well as lesser-known forms. Presented by the Center for World Performances Studies with support from the Residential College and the SMTD Percussion Program.

Free Lecture Talk Scholarship North Campus

November 13 | 7:00 pm

John Santos Sextet

Keene Theater
East Quadrangle

Free - no tickets required

Led by seven-time Grammy nominee John Santos, the John Santos Sextet brings Afro-Latin jazz to life through irresistible rhythms, bold improvisation, and deep musical connection. The ensemble blends jazz with the rich traditions of the Caribbean and Latin America, creating music that is both rooted in history and vibrantly contemporary. Known for its dynamic performances and exceptional musicianship, the sextet invites audiences into a joyful, soulful exploration of rhythm and culture. Expect an unforgettable evening of percussion-driven grooves, spirited collaboration, and music that moves both body and mind. Presented by the Center for World Performances Studies with support from the Residential College and the SMTD Percussion Program.

Free Central Campus

John Santos holds a traditional beaded percussion instrument, with a graphic of vocalists behind him.

November 16 | 7:30 pm

Nora Sharp in Performance

Dance Performance Studio Theatre
Dance Building

Free - no tickets required

Join us for a Work-In-Progress showing with guest artist Nora Sharp, followed by Q&A. Presented by Daring Dances and the Center for World Performance Studies.

Discussion Free Talk North Campus

Nora Sharp presents standing on a stage in dance rehearsal attire.

December 1 | 6:00 pm

CWPS Graduate Student Capstone Presentations

Walgreen Drama Center

Free - no tickets required

The graduate capstone presentation is a culmination of the year-long certificate program in World Performance Studies. Graduate certificate students will present their research and findings after taking an introductory performance studies course, pursuing summer research in the field and a final capstone course, bringing together theory, research, and practice. Each presentation will be roughly 30-40 minutes with Q&A for each. Join us in Studio 2 at the Walgreen Drama Center.

Free Lecture Talk Research Scholarship North Campus