West African dance is multi-layered, engaging every part of the body. But no need to be intimidated; you take on as many of those layers according to your comfort level. The physicality of the dance, so different from how we generally move, and the singing of the drums, invite you to release whatever emotions you might've been feeling earlier in the day, or what you are feeling in the moment. It's about moving from your core and from your heart. Most importantly, it's about supporting each other in learning a different kind of dance form, and building community. 

The first six-week session: Monday nights Jan 20-Feb 24, 6-715pm. Requested donation of minimum $8 per class or $44 up front for all six which pays the drummers. Call, text or email if you have questions. 505-967-8208. Hope to see you Monday Jan 20!

Bio: Becky has taught, studied and performed West African dance for over 20 years. She started taking classes on Chicago's southside in 1989, taught by members of the renowned Muntu Dance Company. She continued in Brooklyn with Marie Basse, former dancer in Les Ballets Maliens, Mali's national dance company. For another 10+ years in Albuquerque, she took classes with Rujeko Dumbetshena of Zimbabwe and performed in her Blue Tribe company. She also attended a 3-week dance seminar in Senegal led by Mary and Kobiana Nakigan and performed in their dance group, Casadimanza. In addition, there were countless workshops and dance camps with visiting teachers from Guinea, Senegal and Cote D'Ivoire. All of these teachers shared their dances with enthusiasm, tremendous joy and above all, grace.