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West African Dance- Sabar
August 17, 2021 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The West African dance class is a journey into the dance, music, song, historical context and cultures of West Africa. The class begins with warm up exercises that condition the body to develop strength, aerobic stamina, coordination, flexibility and rhythmic awareness while learning the various dances and songs of West Africa. It makes known a common past and connection developing a positive identification to the continent of Africa and the African Diaspora. This engenders a sense of belonging and a holistic approach to developing a positive self awareness and identity that carries in and outside of the dance studio.
Class is FREE and open to all ages. No experience necessary!
Born as Myrtle Primus, on the small island of Carriacou, Grenada in the Eastern Caribbean Islands, Mama Andara Koumba constantly felt the beat of Africa, synonymous with her own heart. At the age of 17, she began training with the International African American Ballet, (IAAB) in 1979, where she was educated in the traditional songs and dances of the 13th Century Ancient Malian Empire. From 2001 – present, Mama Andara has taught dances within the NYC public school system while working as a certified educator. Her continual promotion of the power, beauty and strength within African culture is the nucleus of her driving force. In 2003, Mama Andara began her residency at Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation teaching dance techniques from the Senegambia to youth of varying ages where she worked with students with little or no prior training of the Sabar.