We hear from Lynda Lee, a dedicated community member
A conversation with Amaany Clarke
Here at Cumbe, we love celebrating the thing that is most important to us – our Cumbe community, our #CumbeVillage as we like to call it. This month we’re sitting down with long time student and friend of Cumbe, Lynda Lee, to discuss with her how dance and African Diaspora culture have affected her life.
So Lynda tell me, what's your origin story? Where are you from, where did you grow up, where do you live now?
I'm a native New Yorker of a very certain age. I grew up in Harlem; then lived in 3 different buildings on 151st. between Broadway and Riverside. Finally, I moved to the Bronx in 1980, and have not moved since.
Of a certain age? So that means you’ve experienced and seen a lot of life. That’s beautiful. What is your connection to dance and the performing arts in New York City? Would you call it a passion of yours, and if so when did that passion ignite?
In second grade, my grandmother attempted to get me started in Ballet at school, The Little Brown Schoolhouse, in the Bronx. But I felt intimidated and managed to scheme my way out of the classes.
But Little Brown and the Modern School, which I attended fifth through eight grade, had great singing and dance programs that I was able to get involved in. I suppose this is where my interest truly began. We were introduced to music and dance on a global level.
Fast forwarding to now, what is your favorite style of dance experienced at Cumbe?
Fast forward, I would say Kutiro and Sabar are my favorite styles of dance experienced at Cumbe; followed very closely by West African, Haitian, Cuban and Brazilian. I love to connect with the musicians, and to see how they communicate with each other and with the dancers. I love to learn the history of the different dance traditions and express myself through movement. I would like to continue to try Flamenco and the dances of North Africa. The chair yoga class is great, also.
Would you say dance and the arts have benefited your life?
I have learned and continue to learn so much history through music and dance. Listening to Hugh Masekela, over the years, was a college course in itself. I am of a certain, certain, certain age and although I attended Black private schools until the eighth grad, we were not taught about the arts, culture or history of the African Diaspora.
What about dancing and the arts fulfills you?
Being able to express yourself is a gift, however you choose to do it. Since April, I have actually been taking two painting classes and really enjoyed them. And I must say over the years I have met so many people and made so many friends through dance. There is a sense of community. The exercise, of course, helps our bodies. I'm not a ‘gym girl.’ The drums are the medicine which regulate our hearts.
Why is it important to you to immerse yourself in the arts and culture of the African Diaspora? Learning about musicians, singers and dancers from the Diaspora is a definite conversation starter for me. Being in Morocco, and having a conversation with an Algerian sister vacationing from Paris and us both agreeing Cheb Mami (an Algerian Rai singer) is fine!!! Come on now!!
Haha that’s great. There’s so much cultural relevance to dive into within the Diaspora. It allows us to connect on a level beyond the Eurocentric world we find ourselves in. And speaking of connection, can you give me a word or phrase that would describe your emotional connection with Cumbe?
My emotional connection with Cumbe is just grateful. Great and Full!!
Dance aside, what would you say is your greatest achievement in life? How have you decided to make your mark on this world?
I think my greatest achievement has been to survive. I travel when I can, dancing Lamban wherever I can. I try to find the positive in folks, because life is much too short to waste a single dance step or note from a piece of music.