Dianne de Las Casas

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. Dianne 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. Dianne has a magical connection with her young audiences, engaging them in playful dramatization and active involvement in her programs. It is that special connection with her audiences that she cherishes.

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.

Childhood travels around the world also contributed to shaping her future as a storyteller. Dianne 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.

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, 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.”

She was also selected 2003 "40 Under 40" by Gambit Weekly, Louisiana's largest weekly newspaper. Dianne is known nationally for being a leader in the storytelling community, serving as a founding member of several arts organizations. She is a Louisiana State Roster Artist, a Louisiana Touring Directory Artist, and a Mississippi Arts Education Demonstration Roster Artist. She is the author of The Story Biz Handbook (The Story Connection), Story Fest: Crafting Story Theater Scripts (Teacher Ideas Press), and a contributing author to Telling Stories to Children (National Storytelling Press).

She performs arts-in-education programs and residencies at schools, libraries, festivals, museums, and special events. Interviewed by the Wall Street Journal, Dianne is a sought-after national workshop leader. She is an enthusiastic advocate of literacy and arts-in-education programming. Dianne continues to make the story connection with thousands of children every year, reaching and teaching through the art of storytelling.

--http://www.storyconnection.net/?content=about