Giraffes Can't Dance

Student Matinee Series

Giraffes Can't Dance

Buy Tickets

Date
March 14
Event Starts
10:30 AM
Ticket Prices
$12
Location
Concert Hall
Availability
On Sale Now

Event Details

THIS SHOW IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT.

Based on the book Giraffes Can’t Dance, written by Giles Andreae and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees. All the animals in the jungle know their own special dance, but Gerald the Giraffe can’t seem to move without a clumsy step. But with the help of a wise cricket, he finds his own song, and dances to the beat of his own drum! In this stage adaptation of the beloved children’s book, with puppets, African rhythm, and lots of dancing, Gerald learns that his differences are what make him special.

Recommended Age

Recommended for grades Pre-K-2

Download the Study Guide

Click Here to Download the Giraffes Can't Dance Study Guide

Jun 2025

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR TILLES CENTER’S 2025/26 SEASON! Buy early for the best seats at the best prices! The wait is over — tickets to Tilles Center’s 2025/26 season are now on sale to the general public! From Broadway blockbusters like TINA – The Tina Turner Musical and RENT in Concert to unforgettable evenings with talents like Dianne Reeves, Malcolm Gladwell, and Isaac Mizrahi, this season offers something for every interest. Enjoy thrilling dance from Ballet Hispánico, orchestral brilliance from the Royal Philharmonic, global music from Silkroad Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens, family favorites like Peppa Pig: My First Concert - and so much more. PLUS - limited tickets still available for in-demand events like Elvis Costello, Foreigner, The Avett Brothers, and Ben Folds - grab them before they’re gone! Tickets in great locations start at $35 for most shows — but they go fast! Buy early to get the best seats and prices. Click below to check out the full season and get your tickets today! Season Sponsor: Catholic Health #TillesCenter #LongIslandUniversity #CatholicHealthLI #LongLiveLongIsland #LongIsland

🎉 MEMBER PRESALE STARTS NOW! Tilles Center Members get first access to our 2025/26 Season— from Riverdance to TINA: The Tina Turner Musical, Arturo O’Farrill to the Royal Philharmonic, Malcolm Gladwell to Rhiannon Giddens, and much more. Early birds get the best seats at the best prices– but they go quickly! Join today for access, benefits, and unforgettable performances. #TillesCenter #LongIslandUniversity #LongIsland #CatholicHealth #LongLiveLongIsland #LIUPost

Just added! Blippi: Join the Band on Sunday, December 7 at 2 pm! Gain early access! Tickets on sale to Blippi: Join the Band to Members and Subscribers only starting tomorrow, June 4. Become a member TODAY and gain exclusive early access before tickets go on sale to the public on June 6! Members and subscribers also gain early access to Tilles Center’s entire 2025/26 season, before it goes on sale to the public on June 11! Membership starts at just $100. More info at TillesCenter.org/membership. Subscribers also gain early access! Not a subscriber yet? Learn more about becoming a subscriber at TillesCenter.org/subscribe. Season Sponsor: Catholic Health Family programming sponsored by Northville Industries #TillesCenter #LongIslandUniversity #CatholicHealthLI #LongLiveLI #Blippi #FamilyFun #BlippiOfficial

JUST ADDED! Tilles Center is excited to announce the debut of Jeff “Skunk Baxter” on Saturday, June 21 at 8 pm! In 1972, Jeff became a founding member of Steely Dan, and played on their first three albums Can’t Buy A Thrill, Countdown To Ecstasy and Pretzel Logic, including the iconic guitar riff on the classic Rikki Don’t Lose That Number. In 1974 Jeff was asked to join The Doobie Brothers on Takin’ It To The Streets, Living’ On The Fault Line and Minute By Minute, which brought the Doobies a Grammy for Best Vocal Performance, and received a nomination for Album of the Year. What A Fool Believes earned three Grammys including Song and Record of the Year. Jeff was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Doobie Brothers in 2020. Jeff’s studio work includes the guitar work on 9 to 5, Donna Summer’s’ Hot Stuff. He has also toured or recorded with Barbra Streisand, Joni Mitchell, Elton John and Linda Ronstadt. Jeff released his first solo album “Speed of Heat” in 2020 and formed his own band. That band plays all the hits laced with great stories from his legendary career. Gain early access! Tickets on sale to this special event to Members and Subscribers only starting tomorrow, May 29. Become a member TODAY and gain exclusive early access to see Jeff “Skunk” Baxter before tickets go on sale to the public on May 30! Membership starts at just $100. Learn more at TillesCenter.org/membership Subscribers also gain early access! Not a subscriber yet? Learn more about becoming a subscriber at TillesCenter.org/subscribe Season Sponsor: Catholic Health #TillesCenter #LongIslandUniversity #LongIsland #JeffSkunkBaxter #CatholicHealthLI #LongLiveLI

May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, a time to celebrate the importance of communication, accessibility, and making sure everyone’s voice is heard! It’s also the perfect moment to shine a spotlight on one of our incredible sponsors, @lispeech. We’re lucky to have Long Island Speech as our sponsor! Their support helps us continue to present inclusive, multi-sensory events and performances that invite audiences of all abilities to experience the wonder of live performance in a safe and welcoming environment. Thank you to Long Island Speech for making the arts more accessible to our valuable community! Tilles Center’s Sensory Friendly Programming and Arts & Aging events are sponsored, in part, by Long Island Speech. Season Sponsor: Catholic Health #TillesCenter #LongIslandEvents #PerformingArts #LivePerformances #nationalspeechlanguagehearingmonth #accessibility #speechpathology #longisland #LongLiveLongIsland #CatholicHealthLI

Brookville! Ben is heading out on the road this fall on his Ben Folds & A Piano Tour and will be coming to Tilles Center on October 23! Tickets on sale Wednesday! Gain early access! Tickets on sale to Members and Subscribers only starting tomorrow, May 20. Become a member TODAY and gain exclusive early access to see Ben Folds before tickets go on sale to the public on May 21! Membership starts at just $100. Subscribers also gain early access! Not a subscriber yet? Learn more about becoming a subscriber. #TillesCenter #LongIsland #LongIslandUniversity #BenFolds #CatholicHealthLI #LongLiveLongIsland

ONE DAY AWAY! Don’t miss this incredible afternoon of music, tomorrow, May 18 at 3 pm, in partnership with our friends at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. With Wu Han on piano, Chad Hoopes on violin, and David Finckel on cello, get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of top-tier music by Mozart, Mendelssohn and more! To view the full program, head to Tilles Center’s website linked in our bio, and reserve your tickets for An Afternoon with David Finckel, Wu Han, and Chad Hoopes! Chamber music is sponsored by the Honorable Roger Tilles.

🎉 April Ushers of the Month: Lacey Minihan and Kimora Simpson! 🎉 Meet Lacey and Kimora— standout students and ushers. They’ve both ventured up the east coast to pursue what they love at LIU, and we’re so glad that their journeys have led them here! We are lucky to have both of these wonderful ushers on our team. Thanks for everything you do, Lacey and Kimora! 💙💛 Season Sponsor: Catholic Health #UsherOfTheMonth #TillesCenter #TeamTilles #LiveEntertainment

ON SALE NOW: Foreigner: The Hits Unplugged Friday, September 5 at 8 pm! Tilles Center for the Performing Arts is proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with legendary rock band FOREIGNER, Tilles Center, and Long Island University’s Post Theatre Company to develop and stage the world premiere production of “Feels Like The First Time – The Foreigner Musical.” To support the production, FOREIGNER will appear at an exclusive benefit concert hosted by original lead singer Lou Gramm at Tilles Center. For more information on how you can support the benefit, and view the Donor packages, visit tillescenter.org/ForeignerBenefit The multi-platinum band and 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee will perform all of their hits unplugged, including “Feels Like the First Time,” “Cold As Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” “Double Vision,” “Urgent,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” “Juke Box Hero,” and the worldwide #1 hit, “I Want to Know What Love Is.” FOREIGNER is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world, with a formidable musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours, so don’t miss out! Proceeds from this concert will benefit the April 2026 world premiere of “Feels Like the First Time - the Foreigner Musical,” and the LIU Tilles Center New Works Initiative. #TillesCenter #LongIslandUniversity #Foreigner #ForeignerBand #CatholicHealthLI #LongLiveLongIsland #Benefit #FeelsLikeTheFirstTime

WE WON! Last night, some members of Tilles Center’s team attended the 2025 Herald Long Island Choice Awards, presented by PSEG Long Island, where Tilles Center won in the category of Best Performing Arts Venue! We couldn’t be more honored to win this special award. Thanks to everyone that voted, and congratulations to all of our fellow nominees. 👏 #TillesCenter #LongIslandUniversity #LIHerald #LIChoiceAwards #PSEGLI #CatholicHealthLI #LongLiveLI

The Domo Branch Trio with special guest, saxophonist Abdias Armenteros, this Thursday, May 15 at 7:30 pm in the Jazz Lounge at the Goldsmith Atrium. Presented in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center. Domo Branch is a Portland-raised New Yorker, known for his musical talent, especially in relation to the modern jazz movement. Branch combines rhythm, emotion, and sophistication, creating his own groundbreaking twist on the jazz genre which explores themes such as identity, community, and the human experience. When he is not making music, Branch is a motivational speaker and educator, sharing his passion and positivity with the next generation of people. Prepare for a night of incredible musical talent, electric energy, and a retelling of the jazz tradition, in the jazz club atmosphere of the Goldsmith Atrium! Tickets are on sale already, so check out the Tilles Center’s website, and get out your jazziest attire for The Domo Branch Trio on Thursday, May 15th at 7:30 pm. Jazz programming sponsored by Sandy and Eric Krasnoff. Sponsored by DIME Bank. Season Sponsor: Catholic Health #TillesCenter #LongIslandUniversity #CatholicHealthLI #LongLiveLongIsland #JazzAtLincolnCenter #Jazz

JUST ADDED: Foreigner: The Hits Unplugged Friday, September 5 at 8 pm! Tilles Center for the Performing Arts is proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with legendary rock band FOREIGNER, Tilles Center, and Long Island University’s Post Theatre Company to develop and stage the world premiere production of “Feels Like The First Time – The Foreigner Musical.” To support the production, FOREIGNER will appear at an exclusive benefit concert hosted by original lead singer Lou Gramm at Tilles Center. For more information on how you can support the benefit, and view the Donor packages, visit tillescenter.org/ForeignerBenefit The multi-platinum band and 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee will perform all of their hits unplugged, including “Feels Like the First Time,” “Cold As Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” “Double Vision,” “Urgent,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” “Juke Box Hero,” and the worldwide #1 hit, “I Want to Know What Love Is.” FOREIGNER is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world, with a formidable musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours, so don’t miss out! Proceeds from this concert will benefit the April 2026 world premiere of “Feels Like the First Time - the Foreigner Musical,” and the LIU Tilles Center New Works Initiative. Gain early access! Tickets on sale to this special event to Members Subscribers only starting today, May 12, and Subscribers on May 13. Become a member TODAY and gain exclusive early access to see FOREIGNER: The Hits Unplugged before tickets go on sale to the public on May 16! Membership starts at just $100. More info at tillescenter.org/Membership Subscribers also gain early access! Not a subscriber yet? Learn more about becoming a subscriber at tillescenter.org/Subscribe #TillesCenter #LongIslandUniversity #Foreigner #ForeignerBand #CatholicHealthLI #LongLiveLongIsland #Benefit #FeelsLikeTheFirstTime

The wait is over—Tilles Center’s 2025/26 season is here! This landmark lineup features powerhouse performances across every genre, including Foreigner, Malcolm Gladwell, Isaac Mizrahi, Arturo O’Farrill, Dianne Reeves, Adam Pascal, The Avett Brothers, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, RENT in Concert, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Rhiannon Giddens, Riverdance, Ballet Hispánico, Peppa Pig, and many, many more. We’re also thrilled to launch two bold new programs: A New Works Initiative debuting with the world premiere of Feels Like the First Time – The Foreigner Musical Our first Artist-in-Residence, Broadway’s Adam Pascal, performing and directing throughout the season. When Can I Buy? Members presale begins Monday, June 2 Subscribers presale begins Wednesday, June 4 General public on sale starts Wednesday, June 11 Subscribe or become a Member today to unlock early access, exclusive benefits, and up to 25% savings across six themed series. With so many must-see events, now is the time to secure your seats! Become a Member and gain exclusive first access to our exciting 2025/26 Season, before tickets go on sale to the public on June 11, plus other exciting benefits! Membership starts at just $100. More information at TillesCenter.org/Membership Become a Subscriber to save up to 25% on series events, and get early access to the 2025/26 Season before the public, waived fees, exchange privileges, and more! Season Sponsor: Catholic Health Elvis Costello 📷: Mark Selige #TillesCenter #LongIslandUniversity #CatholicHealthLI #LongLiveLongIsland #LongIsland

🚌🐦 Buckle up for laughter and fun—Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is pulling into Tilles Center this Saturday, May 10 at 11 AM & 1 PM! (Relaxed Performance for ages 4 and up) Based on the beloved book by Mo Willems, this high-energy show features catchy songs, hilarious hijinks, and one very determined bird. When the Bus Driver faces a big problem, will the Pigeon finally get his chance behind the wheel? 🎶 Feathers will fly and little ones will soar with joy—perfect for kids and families! Join us before or after the show for a free Family Workshop from 11:45 am – 12:45 pm! Workshops are unique opportunities for families to play and explore the arts together. Activities include crafts, games, story-theater and more! This event is complimentary for all ticket buyers and take place in the Herbert and Dolores Goldsmith Atrium. Tilles Center presents relaxed performances with modified sound and light levels, specially adapted pre-performance materials, and quiet lobby areas with sensory toys for patrons who wish to move around. These performances are “non-shushing” and provide a comfortable environment for individuals on the autism spectrum and those who may have limited movement, sensory and/or complex communication needs. Relaxed performances are open to all neurodivergent and neurotypical audiences and take place throughout the season as part of our Family Fun! series of performances. Produced by Theaterworks USA Based on the book written and illustrated by Mo Willems Sensory Friendly Initiatives are made possible, in part, by The Fay J. Lindner Foundation and New York Community Trust – Long Island Sponsored by Northville Industries Season Sponsor: Catholic Health #DontLetThePigeonDriveTheBus #TillesCenter #FamilyFun #KidsTheatre #LongIslandEvents #ChildrensTheatre #TheatreForYoungAudiences #CatholicHealthLI #LongLiveLongIsland

🎷 Happy International Jazz Day! 🎶 At Tilles Center, we’re proud to celebrate the power and legacy of jazz—not just today, but all season long. Through our ongoing collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, we’ve welcomed some of the world’s finest jazz artists to our stage, including Wynton Marsalis, Samara Joy, Branford Marsalis, Brandee Younger, Matt Wilson, Etienne Charles, Alexa Tarantino, and more. And the music doesn’t stop there... 🎺 Join us for our upcoming Jazz Fest, where we continue to honor this rich tradition with unforgettable performances by artists like Arturo Sandoval and John Pizzarelli that celebrate the soul, rhythm, and innovation of jazz. Here’s to the artists who inspire, the music that moves us, and the audiences who make it all possible. 💛 Jazz Fest Sponsors: Sandy & Eric Krasnoff Dime Bank Additional support provided by McLaughlin & Stern Season Sponsor: Catholic Health #InternationalJazzDay #JazzAtTilles #JazzAtLincolnCenter #JazzFest #TillesCenter #LiveJazz #LongIslandEvents #CelebrateJazz #JazzLegend

Just a few days away - Join us for A Musical Tribute to Zakir Hussain – Uniting Traditions, Celebrating a Legend on Sunday, May 4 at 6 PM at the Krasnoff Theater. Co-presented by the Indo-American Arts Council and Tilles Center, this special evening honors the legendary Zakir Hussain with a stunning fusion of Hindustani and Carnatic classical music. Featuring a world-class lineup: 🎵 Rakesh Chaurasia and Shashank Subramanyam on flute 🎵 Anubrata Chatterjee on tabla 🎵 Parupalli Phalgun on mridangam Celebrate the life, music, and legacy of a true maestro. ✨For tickets and more information, visit TillesCenter.org or click the link in our bio. Presented in collaboration with the Indo-American Arts Council Sponsored by Guru Krupa Foundation Inc Sponsored by TD Bank Season Sponsor: Catholic Health #TillesCenter #ZakirHussain #IndoAmericanArtsCouncil #LiveMusic #KrasnoffTheater

The Imagine Awards are just a few days away! Join us for the Long Island Imagine Awards, where we celebrate the incredible impact of our region’s top nonprofits. ✨ Don’t wait—only a limited number of tickets remain! Secure your spot today and be there for a night of inspiration, recognition, and community. 📅 Tuesday, April 29, 2025 📍 Crest Hollow Country Club, Woodbury, NY 🍸 Cocktail Reception: 5:30 PM 🍽️ Dinner & Awards: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM 🎟️ Tickets: $200 | Nonprofit Rate: $125 For over a decade, the Long Island Imagine Awards has honored the innovation, leadership, and community impact of local nonprofits. Now in its 13th year, the tradition continues—bigger, bolder, and more inspiring than ever. We hope to see you there! #ImagineAwards #LongIsland #nonprofit #TillesCenter

NOW ON SALE Introducing the second annual Tilles Jazz Fest Saturday, July 19. Produced by Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, this one-day event will take place on four indoor and outdoor stages across the beautiful Long Island University Post campus, with performances starting at 1pm and swinging into the night! Confirmed artists to include: Co-headliners Arturo Sandoval and John Pizzarelli Big Band in Dear Mr. Sinatra Pedrito Martínez Group The Gotham Kings Summer Camargo Quintet Vanisha Gould Student Ensembles More Artists to Be Announced Grab your picnic blanket and enjoy food trucks, local artisans and vendors and more, for a fun-for-the-whole-family day! More info at link in bio or tillescenter.org/jazzfest Season Sponsor: Catholic Health Jazz Fest Sponsors: Sandy & Eric Krasnoff Dime Bank Additional support provided by McLaughlin & Stern #TillesCenter #LongIslandUniversity #JALC #Jazz #TillesJazzFest #CatholicHealth #LongLiveLongIsland

JUST ADDED! Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton: “Radio Soul!: The Early Songs of Elvis Costello,” Performed by Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton, Sunday, September 21 at 8 pm. Co-presented with Live Nation Gain early access! Tickets on sale to this special event to Members and Subscribers only starting Thursday, April 24. Become a member TODAY and gain exclusive early access to see Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton before tickets go on sale to the public on April 25! Membership starts at just $100. Visit TillesCenter.org/Membership Subscribers also gain early access starting Thursday! Not a subscriber yet? Learn more about becoming a subscriber at TillesCenter.org/Subscribe Season Sponsor: Catholic Health #TillesCenter #LongIslandUniversity #CatholicHealthLI #LongLiveLongIsland #ElvisCostello #ElvisCostelloAndTheImposters

Meet the Artist: Yo-Yo Ma Music and conversation, a perfect pairing that can tell a story in a multitude of different ways. On Sunday, April 27th at 3 pm, we are proud to host cellist Yo-Yo Ma, in Conversation with PBS NewsHour host Jeffrey Brown, in an afternoon that will use this pairing to take the audience on the journey of Yo-Yo Ma’s fascinating life and how he became the force that he is today. An Afternoon with Yo-Yo Ma, in Conversation with Jeffrey Brown will be about a 50/50 split between musical performances by Ma and conversation about Ma’s personal music journey. With Brown’s interview expertise and Ma’s talent and dedication to advocacy, this performance is one you definitely will not want to miss. Yo-Yo Ma was born to Chinese parents in Paris in 1955. He began to play music at just four years old and at the age of seven, his family moved to New York City which provided the opportunity for his music career to flourish. Ma attended The Juilliard School to continue his cello training and he later attended Harvard where he received a Liberal Arts degree. Since then, Ma has released more than 120 albums, 19 of which are Grammy Award winners. Ma’s lifelong mission has been to use music to create a stronger society that leads the future with humanity. ✨ Get to know more about Yo-Yo Ma on our blog - link in our bio! Sponsored, in part, by The Cosmo H. Guarriello & Lissa V. DeAngelis Happiness Fund. The Great Music series is supported, in part, by Ruth Stober and The Stober Lafer Family Foundation and Sandra L. and Steven P. Harris. Classical music performances are made possible, in part, by the Classical Music Fund in honor of Dr. Elliott Sroka. Classical Music Partner: WSHU Public Radio Season Sponsor: Catholic Health #MeetTheArtist #YoYoMa #Music #Cellist #LongIsland #CatholicHealthLI #LongLiveLongIsland