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.

As a priest of Yemaya in the Santeria religion, instructor Tony Domenech is frequently called upon to dance for Yemaya. Tony began singing, dancing and acting in school performances at an early age and was involved with various Off-Broadway theater companies such as TADA and AMAS, which set the stage for working as a freelance dancer and singer for community and social events. He dances Mambo with the Young Ambition Dance Company and studied Afro-Cuban folkloric dance with Xiomara Rodriguez, Rita Macias and the late great Pupy Insua. One of Tony’s notable performances was dancing onstage as Shango with the great Latin Jazz artist, Bobby Sanabria. Tony is also co-director of SalsAshé, which combines Afro-Cuban dance and Salsa. SalsAshé has presented work at the NJ and NY Salsa Congresses for the last nine years.