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Orisha Dance with Donna Mation

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Donation – $7-25

Learn the different dances of the Orishas (African deities of the Yoruba/Lucumi tradition) as well as the rhythms, movements and stories behind the dances. Involving undulations, contractions and intricate hand and head movements, this class is suitable for various levels: beginners can learn the fundamentals while more advanced students can focus on technique.

Donna Mation is a dancer, choreographer, percussionist and educator, and is the artistic director and choreographer for Bang Bang Boogie and Vivan Los Elementos. She specializes in street dances from the USA, Brazil and Cuba including, Samba, Rumba, Hustle, House, Popping, and Hip-Hop as well as sacred and secular dances of Cuba and Brazil. Donna has danced most of her life and began her career in 1999, which has brought her to teach and perform in various places around the world with renowned artists including Rennie Harris Pure Movement, Wyclef Jean, Pink Martini, Black Angel, Bata Ketu and Jujuba.

Donna studied at the University of Matanzas Cuba with Grupo Afro-Cuba and Los Muñequitos de Matanzas. She fell in love with  Cuban Folklore after Teresita Domé Perez introduced her to the art in 1997. Perez  later became one of Donna’s mentors. Donna also studied extensively with Juan de Dios, director of the world renowned group, Raices Profundas of Havana Cuba. Her interest in Orisha/Orixa dance led her to intensive studies with Jorge Alabe and Rosangela Sivelstre in Brazil, as well.

Later Event: April 24
Jam Down Caribbean Dance Fitness