West African

Experimental Sabar with Babacar Top

Intermediate Level
Experience this incredible workshop with master dancer and teacher Babacar Top, lead dancer with Jant-Bi! Experimental Sabar fuses contemporary movement with Sabar, connecting today’s dances with traditional movements. Originating from traditional ceremonies, Sabar is often referred to as the national pulse of Senegal. It is known for its rhythmic complexity and sophistication in both movement and music. With its light-footed roots, elegance and ecstatic rhythms, Sabar is one of the most difficult dances to learn. The unconventional rhythms the Sabar drum inspires swift shifts of balance while maintaining a seemingly cool demeanor that make Sabar an impressive dance to perfect. Understanding the base of Sabar gives one the ability to experience full expression of the body in uncharted territory. Experimental Sabar offers an opportunity to delve into the specificity of Sabar as a dance form and connect to an authentic way of expression.

Mbalax is a genre of popular music from Senegal that derives from rhythms used in Sabar and is often danced at parties and clubs. Developed in the late 70’s, Mbalax reached popularity in the 80’s with artists such as Youssou N’dour and Orchestra Baobab. Class will begin with a warm up to prepare the body for high energetic movement. We will transition into a series of exercises to support building a strong communal foundation for dancing together – a party vibe. Class will continue with learning a movement combination, transitioning to traveling across the floor. Our time together will culminate in an improvisational jam that allows students to play and explore the movement learned throughout class. Rooted in Sabar dance, we will discover the elegance and musicality of Mbalax and push to deepen our understanding of how to listen to music and connect through movement. Open to all levels of experience.

West African Dance & Drumming with Vado Diomande

Drum
Beginner and Intermediate Level
Explore the heart of all West African musical traditions: the drum. Learn to play the many parts of djembe, doundoun, songbas and kenkenes with Vado Diomande, life-long drummer, drum-maker and repairer. Learn to play accompaniment lines to Kookoo, Temate, Katana, Bolohi, N’Goron and more as you build up to playing lead drum. Growing up in the rich musical culture of West Africa, Vado learned both dance and drum at an early age. Vado’s wealth of knowledge demonstrates the fascinating patterns and rich tapestries of Ivory Coast drumming. Master dancer, teacher, choreographer and drummer Vado Diomande was initiated as a youth to be the keeper of the sacred mask stilt-dance for his village in the Ivory Coast.

Dance
Intermediate Level
Vado draws on the rich and diverse dance tradition from the Ivory Coast. With over 60 different ethnic traditions, the variety of steps and rhythms taught is complex, exciting and vigorous. Class is taught first with a simple 20-minute warm-up, followed by 30 minutes of learning steps to a particular dance. Drumming begins and the dance is performed as a whole. Then steps are practiced across the floor with the drums to several other dance rhythms for about 40 minutes, culminating in a final run-through of the learned dance in front of the drums. Spontaneous solos are also performed at the end of class with the drums.

Afro-Brazilian

Samba & Afro-Brazilian Dance with Quenia Ribeiro

Open Level
In-Person Hybrid: This class is hybrid – it will take place in person and will be streamed online for students to join remotely.

Learn Samba from its roots in Salvador Bahia, via Africa to its evolution as the national dance of Brazil in Rio De Janeiro’s famous Carnival. Although there are many styles of Afro-Brazilian dance, Samba is the most internationally recognized form coming from Brazil.
Quenia’s class features various forms of Samba from Rio De Janeiro and Bahia - Samba No Pé, Miudinho, Samba Reggae, Samba Afro and more. Quenia introduces Afro-Brazilian dances and movements originating from Angola, Congo, Benin and Nigeria. She also offers a thorough warm-up with upper and lower body isolations, exercises for abdominal and lower body strengthening and stretches, and a relaxing cool down.

Samba with Danielle Lima

With Live Drumming | Open Level
Spark your energy and awaken your hips with a fusion of traditional Brazilian dances and contemporary styles. You’ll learn samba, samba reggae, samba rock and funk, and pagode from Rio de Janeiro and Bahia, all while getting a dynamic cardiovascular workout. Danielle will lead you through a gentle warm-up at the beginning that includes isolations, basic postures, and a slow stretching routine aimed at improving flexibility and balance. From Rio de Janeiro, Danielle Lima is a highly sought-after performer, Certified Teaching Artist with Dancing Classrooms, yoga teacher, and founder of Brasileirando Dance Group.

Afro-Cuban

Introduction to Orisha Dance with Tony Yemaya

Beginner Level
Learn the different dances of the Orishas (African deities of the Yoruba/Lucumi traditions) as well as the rhythms, movements and stories behind the dances. This class is a wonderful way to learn about various personalities within the pantheon of Yoruba traditions while connecting with nature through movement. Involving undulations, contractions and intricate hand and head movements, this class is suitable for beginners.

Caribbean

Afro-Haitian with Julio Jean

With Live Drumming | Beginner and Open Levels
Journey to the nanm (“soul” in Haitian Kreyol) of Afro-Haitian dance and become acquainted with the different Iwa (gods) in the Vodou religion through their dances, songs, rhythms and rituals. You’ll explore the undulating movements of Yanvalu, the powerful precision of Nago, and the grace and beauty of the Kongo dance – all traditional Haitian dance forms with roots in West Africa and the South American Amazon. Haitian dancer and teacher Julio Jean’s extensive credits include work with Katherine Dunham and performances of his company’s choreographies at Alvin Ailey and Central Park’s Summer Stage. He is also a songwriter and composer of traditional Haitian music.

Street and Social Dance

Dance Fitness

JamDown Caribbean Dance Fitness with JennyJam

Open Level
JamDown is a high energy Caribbean dance fitness class aimed at burning calories and toning your entire body with Carnival cardio! Set to the rhythms of the Caribbean –  Soca, Dancehall and a little  Afrobeats –  JamDown a guaranteed great time! So grab a flag, a friend, some water and let’s JAM!! 

Afro-Modern

Dunham Technique with Penny Godboldo & Co.

Open & Intermediate Levels
Dunham Technique is a vibrant African American dance form that engages the body, mind and spirit! Created by dance pioneer Katherine Dunham, the technique is informed by the traditional dances of the African Diaspora, as well as by modern and ballet. Dunham Technique creates strong, dynamic dancers who embody rhythm and grace. Classes will offer a variety of experiences, including breathing, isolations, floor work, barre work and progressions across the floor. Dancers will explore the intersection of Dunham technique and high-spirited, folkloric-inspired movement. In this mixed-level class, dancers will be encouraged to work at their own pace. Everyone will find joy and challenge. Don’t miss this opportunity to study with teachers from the Institute for Dunham Technique Certification!