In Person
Donation – $5-25
Join us for an exploration of West Africa through dance! Class begins with a warm-up that is designed to improve flexibility, strengthen the core, improve stamina, and get acquainted with West African music. The second part of the class starts with a brief history and context of the dances (that will inform your execution of the movements) and continues with an extensive breakdown of technique. Then, you’ll practice what you’ve learned in repetition.
Shaneeka Nicholson
Ms. Shaneeka Nicholson is a Cultural Ambassador, Educator, Dance Educator, Performer, Martial Artist, Double Dutch Coach and consultant of travel. She utilizes all of her
expertise to expose students of all ages to cultural education and performing arts.
Ms. Nicholson is a principle member of various dance companies in New York City. As an African Dance choreographer, educator and performer she often draws the audience into the production. She presently has performed with various companies such as Mamadou Dahoue, the Ancestral Messengers, Wotannbe Cultural Arts, Sha Lat Nic Productions and Sirens Protectors of The Rainforest, and Fusha Dance Company. Ms. Nicholson has been asked to perform as a Guest Artist with Kowteff African Dance Ensemble , as well; which was a great experience.
In addition to performing with various companies she has studied intensely with Mamadou Dahoue of the Ivory Coast, Youssouf Koumbassa of Guinea, Funmilayo of the Congo. Les Ballets Africains in Conakry, Guinea, and Marie Guiro School of Cultural Arts in Abidjan, and Ivory Coast to name a few. Ms. Nicholson’s study abroad includes extensive studies in traditions, dance, music; and immersion in the total cultural experiences in various regions.
She has understanding and patience for all of her students. She is well rounded and focused on the advancement of the community. She has been working with dance enthusiasts all over New York and beyond for a number of years. She uses her experiences as an educator to enhance the lives of all students in which she works with.
Ms. Nicholson loves the cultural diversity that she has gotten from living in Brooklyn, New York. Brooklyn has given her the opportunity to work with many different people of varied cultural backgrounds and within the arts. She has had the opportunity to teach at various organizations such as Friends of Bedford, Benjamin Banneker H.S. Bedford Academy HS, Goodwill Industries Youth Department, Imagine Me Leadership Charter School, Inner Visions Dance Theatre ,Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy, Nassau County Boces, New York City DOE, Sanuces Ki Waza Martial Arts School, Turtle Hook M.S., Restoration Youth Arts Academy, Simunye Dance Center, Studio 22 Dance Theatre and Wotannbe Cultural Arts to name a few.
As she continues her dance career, she prays that all her hard work and commitment is respected and appreciated by all. In addition to dance, Ms. Nicholson is taking her career to the next level and hosts various workshops, performances, trips throughout the Caribbean and Africa to expose those who live, love and embrace African Dance and Drum.
“Enjoy Life To the Fullest You Only Have One To Live. LIVE LOVE LAUGH and DANCE TIL YOUR HEART IS HAPPY” - Shaneeka Nicholson