Contacting
Dianne de Las Casas, Author & Storyteller
MySpace URL:
http://www.myspace.com/storyconnection
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Dianne de Las Casas, Author & Storyteller's Interests
General
Hangin' out with Soleil (my 16 year old daughter) and her friends, having childhood fun with Eliana (my 6 year old daughter) doing things like blowing bubbles and dancing in public places, walking on the beach with the waves lapping at my feet, walking in the French Quarter in New Orleans and doing touristy things like eating beignets at Cafe' DuMonde and sitting on the river's edge (even after Katrina), reading children's literature, writing, crafting stories for kids, listening to music, going to the movies, seeing theater productions, eating GOOD food, making new friends, chocolate, and traveling. I love meeting new people and being able to inspire kids with my stories. I have a cool job - I write and perform for kids - what could be better?!
I LOVE the Black-Eyed Peas! Other music I love to listen to includes Shakira, Rihanna, Pussy Cat Dolls, Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, Madonna, Usher, and Beyonce, to name a few. I also like latin music, reggaeton, and hip hop.
My favorite children's music artists include Johnette Downing, Laurie Berkner, Monty Harper, and Zak Morgan.
Movies
Pretty Woman is one of my all-time favorite movies. I love movies with fairytale endings. I also love to watch kids movies. Nanny McPhie was an awesome movie! Mary Poppins is one of my favorites and Nanny McPhie was just as good.
Television
Believe it or not, I don't really watch TV. I don't have much time on my hands. I'd rather spend my time reading books, writing, or watching movies. I'm not crazy about what's on prime time.
Books
OMG! This is so hard to fill out because there are so many books that have inspired me. I love The Dot by Peter Reynolds. It is a children's picture book that encourages creativity and it really resonated with me. I love all the Harry Potter books - J.K. Rowling is truly blessed with a gift. When you open a Harry Potter book, he truly comes to life. I love Because of Winn Dixie and Tales of Desperaux by Kate DiCamillo. Other books I love: Chronicles of Narnia, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, Frindle, books by Judy Blume, Wild About Books, Bear Snores On, Diary of an Earthworm, Click Clack Moo, Juliet Dove Queen of Love, Journey to the Center of the Earth, The Good Earth, The Yearling, Memoirs of a Geisha... The list goes on but these are a few that truly speak to me. I love the power of words and the pictures words paint on a page.
Heroes
I love what Oprah has done with her life - she is an inspiration to woman all over the world. But my real hero is my mom, Josie Chretien. Coming to the U.S. from the Philippines, a poor third-world country, she made it and achieved the "American Dream" against all odds. I only hope to inspire others as my mom has inspired me...
Dianne de Las Casas, Author & Storyteller's Details
Dianne de Las Casas, Author & Storyteller's Blurbs
About me: 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.
EPCOT Hark!! There goes a space shuttle and a Brittish man! You are eager for discovery. No worries for you! Bring on the food from other parts of the earth and digest as you ride Spaceship Earth! Gather with family and friends to celebrate the fascinating cultures and numerous wonders of the world around you through dazzling shows, interactive experiences and amazing attractions. Marvel at the power of the human imagination to set the spirits soaring. - Disney.com
Who I'd like to meet: I'd love to meet fans :), school teachers, school librarians, public librarians, fellow children's performers, fellow authors, booksellers, and editors. Please me help me spread the word and tell your friends about my MySpace. Much love... <3 Dianne
Dianne de Las Casas, Author & Storyteller's Friend Space (Top 8)
Dianne de Las Casas, Author & Storyteller has 666 friends.
Hey there, so the Fort Walton thing has turned into a local thing, too many conflicts with friends schedule, but I still want you to come, you're welcome to stay over with me, or we're even thinking on doing a hotel suite for crashing. I miss you, say you'll come, I'm getting old by the minute.
Now I see where D&D came from. Your site. :) Hey, some friends and I are planning a trip to Florida for my 40th b'day, interesting in coming? It's going to be Memorial Day weekend.
Happy Birthday Dianne! Please go to my profile and listen to "The Birthday Song" in your honor. :) Cheers! Uncle Moondog P.S. For an extra special animated birthday treat, go to www.unclemoondog.com/birthday.html and crank up your speakers!
